New Part Time Track

parttimeOne of the reasons I love listening to Part Time so much is that while there’s a consistent sound, there’s always some differentiation on his albums.  This new track has a Cali feel, which isn’t surprising considering his current location. The vocals on the track are a little bit hidden between the mix, but the melody that exists below is strong enough to make the song a standout, nonetheless.  Virgo’s Maze is the new album title, and it should definitely provide a nice mix of hit after hit; look for the record to be released on June 16th via Burger Records.

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Spirited Single from Redspencer

redIt’s currently raining, or feigning thunderstorms, so I needed something to get me over the weather, and this Redspencer tune sounds like a pretty solid way to start it off. The guitars ring out brightly, and there’s a relaxed cool that comes in with the vocals.  These Aussie lads have been making ways overseas, and they look to have an impact here too with the release of their brand debut EP.  Deaf Ambitions will release it this coming June, brightening your listening habits just a little bit.

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Hard Left Hits Hard

hlIt’s refreshing that there’s a group of old school rockers and label owners throwing down some brutal politico-punk.  In a landscape bogged down by nostalgia and copy-cat artists, Hard Left hit fast and hard, stomping through their latest single without looking around for camaraderie.  “Imagination” is most notable for the rabble-rousing growl of Mike, while the trumpet blasts and backing vocals of Donna seem like a rioting call to arms.  I love the fact that the band seemingly fit into their own small space in the musical sphere, doing things on their own terms; it’s precisely the way we’re meant to enjoy our rock n’ roll.  Look for the band to release their debut, We Are Hard Left next week; you can order it HERE.

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Show Review: Stephin Merritt @ Central Presbyterian (5/8)

When you’re given the opportunity to catch Stephin Merritt, you better believe I’m going to jump at the chance.  I’ve been obsessed with Stephin’s work for close to two decades, marveling at his wit, and his output.  He brought along fellow Magnetic Fields member Sam Davol for accompaniment, packed folks into the Central Presbyterian Church and treated us to an evening of tunes from his catalog, spanning A to Z.

Read on for my thoughts, and for photos from Brian Gray.

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Friday is for Finnmark!

finnyI’ve backed the boys in Finnmark! for quite some time, and I’m really excited to hear their brand new album, Things Always Change.  There’s a delightful jangle to the work of the band on their latest single, although I’ll admit there’s a great deal of maturity here, in both songwriting and the vocals.  It reminds me of the best of Cats on Fire, so you can’t really ignore something this special. This ditty is brief, spanning just beyond the 2 minute mark, thus allowing you to get your pop fix over and over again in quick succession.  The band’s debut will be released via Beko Disques on May 15th, and it looks to be something really really special…the sort of album indiepop fans will hold dear for years to come.

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Are You Ready for Mammoth Penguins

mammothA few years ago I was introduced to Standard Fare, and shortly after they broke up.  So I kept an eye on Emma Kupa, and I’m really excited to hear what comes from her new group, Mammoth Penguins. This song’s been floating around in demo fashion, but it’s really impressive now that the noise has been amped up, pushing the pop envelope.  There’s a few moments when the song settles down, allowing Kupa’s enchanting vocals to lament her (or the narrator’s) lack of accomplishments in comparison to her elder.  It looks like Fortuna Pop will be releasing the band’s album, Hide and Seek, later on in this year, so listen to this nice first taste.

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Public Access TV Has the Hits

patvThere’s been a lot of buzz around Public Access TV as of late, which is striking, considering there’s little to the band other than an unreleased EP for Terrible Records.  That being said, those looking for synth-influenced pop hits to toss on the record player late at night will surely have their interests piqued here. It’s got brightness in all the right places, and this really chilled out vibe that could either instigate a late night dance party or a casual nod off to sleep.  The juries out still on how far the group will go, but based on this, it sounds like they’re going to be offering us a lot of great hits; look for the release digitally next week.

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This New Ducktails Joint Aint’ Half Bad

ducksThe last record that Ducktails put out really got ignored by me. I thoroughly enjoyed Ducktails III, but the Flower Lane just didn’t do it for me; there was too much focus on creating this over-the-head pop sensation.  But, on his latest single, it looks like Mondanile is finding that middle ground, smoothing out the edges on his chilled-pop songwriting.  I’m a little trepidatious to jump in with both feet, but it sounds as if St. Catherine will have a huge redeeming quality to it; we’ll find out on July 24th when Domino releases the album in full.

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Azure Blue Releases New Single

azure blueIt’s probably never a bad day, at least in my house, if Azure Blue is releasing something new.  We’ve known that the band were just around the corner from releasing their new album, Beneath the Hill I Smell the Sea, and they’ve added to that excitement with a teaser EP (and single). The EP is basically one great single (plus album track Baby You Are a Star) and a few remixes, but you’d miss out if you skipped over this delicious track they’re offering.  It’s got crisp guitar work, a driving beat and a coated vocal that, as always, brings the perfect harmony to the band’s sound.  Look for the album from Fika Recordings and Hybris on June 15th.

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ATX Spotlight: New Dana Falconberry

danaDana Falconberry has been one of the most prominent voices in Austin songwriting for the last several years.  There’s a fragility in her voice that I’ve always found rather fascinating, and she’s got a great story to her new EP, The Lowering Night.  Seemingly fed up with the cycle of record, wait, release, tour, etc, she wanted to sit alone in her bedroom and write entrancing tunes.  The songs are meant for just you and Dana, her voice as your night companion…or day companion if you choose.  She’s technically offered up the EP for free, or name your own price, but I encourage you to donate a dollar here and there to help fund her continued craft.

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