Author: nathan.lankford

Friday is for Finnmark!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/203090143″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

ATX Spotlight: New Dana Falconberry

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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.

Cinerama vs the Wedding Present

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the-wedding-present-valentinaI wish more people would talk about the Wedding Present.  David Gedge has long been a favorite of mine, and sometimes I feel like he slips under the radar.  But, he’s reviving one of his other projects, Cinerama, to spin the song’s from The Wedding Present’s last album, Valentina, in an entirely different manner.  Part of it is endearing, part of it is hilarious; it sounds like David’s doing his best Tom Jones impression…and it’s a damn good one. Gadgets voice will always have a special place in my heart. Listen below so you can compare and contrast the two versions before we get to hear it all reimagined; should be out this month.

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[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/04-Back-A-Bit…Stop_.mp3]

Download: The Wedding Present – Back A Bit…Stop [MP3]

ATX Spotlight: New Yuma Tune + Show Preview

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11054385_1069905849688762_5689455370238310354_oLooks like this year’s going to be a great one for Yuma. The band has already released one new track, with this fresh number sure to stop you in your tracks.  “Loglo” is the name of the tune, and it’s likely to be one of the best pop tracks to come out of Austin this year.  You’ll hear a nice groove crafting a playful atmosphere, and the vocals add to that effect, making it the perfect jam for your pre-summer parties.  To celebrate the release of this new single, which you can grab HERE,  the band will be playing an incredible show at Blackheart on Saturday night.  Care Package (members of Borrisokane) opens the night, followed by Rose Selavy, Yuma and then Ramesh.  If you’re not planning on being at Levitation, this is the best possible show you can attend on Saturday night; we’re happy to be a part of it.

Really Enjoyed This Vows Tune

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vowsThe first few minutes of splashing noise were a bit off-putting at first, but let this tune from Vows settle in on your ears.  You’ll find a casual bit of sunny pop bursting through your speakers, similar to what Of Montreal used to offer in their earliest days.  There’s an odd studio warble placed on the vocals, but if fits in quite nicely to the band’s sound on this track, as guitars cascade through the background.  The group will be releasing their new record, Soon Enough Love, on June 2nd via Section Sign Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/189679307″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

We’re Getting Closer to New Jeremy Jay

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JeremyJayLondonTreesOur affinity for Jeremy Jay has been no secret, and I’ve grown increasingly interested in his music this year as he’s been handing out little hints here and there about his various projects.  He’s recently released this new tune, and it appears to be on the album Invisible Foxx, though I’m not sure if that’s the actual album or the name of a new project.  Regardless, I love the dark approach he’s taken here; he’s washed the mix with a quiet dosage of synthesizer while his vocals hold your interest.  It looks like Domino Publishing has gotten their hands on the new music, so it should be released real soon…fingers crossed.

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