Just Checking In On Grandparents

grandyIt’s been almost three years since I last wrote a word or two about Portland’s Grandparents, but now that they’r prepping new tunes, seems like the right time to give the band a shout-out.  In writing about this tune, part of it’s because of my love of the band’s early work, and the other part is that it seems like the band spent a lot of time listening to Your Majesty by the Anniversary…an album I still think people overlooked. It’s got some space-age keyboards, but a sound rooted in folk/soul, wrapped inside a nice little indie box. Hopefully we hear more soon as the band prep their forthcoming LP.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/03-Kids-in-the-Alley_2444.mp3]

Download: Grandparents – Kids in the Alley [MP3]

Yep, This Chastity Belt Tune is a Winner (SXSW Artist)

chasteSome tracks, you press play, and you go back over and over again. No matter what, the song supersedes anything else in your listening rotation, which is precisely the case with this new track from Chastity Belt. It’s got just the right amount of bounce to it, combined with the dreamy quality of the vocals.  There’s a distance to the vocals, though that doesn’t prevent you from attaching yourself to the lyrics…and ultimately the tune.  Look for this hit and more on the band’s new album, Time to Go Home, being released by Hardly Art on March 24th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Joke.mp3]

Download: Chastity Belt – Joke [MP3]

ATX Spotlight: Town Hall Devils to Release EP (+ SHOW)

townhalldevils-EPreleaseshowOne thing that’s great to see is that a majority of the people working behind the scenes in venues here in Austin are also a big part of that scene, all rocking out in their own bands.  This is the case with Tyson Swindell, who helps run the always kind Red 7, but let’s turn our focus to his band Town Hall Devils. The band have just readied their new Ouroboros Blues EP, and it’s definitely something to sink your teeth into.  It reminds me at times of a heavier-handed Lucero, but sounds similar to our other local favorites like A. Sinclair, just playing good old fashioned rock n’ roll.  You’ll be able to catch them live for their album release over at The Blackheart tomorrow night; the whiskey and the tunes will keep you warm, I promise. Stream the EP below.

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Hear Another American Wrestlers Tune

awFeels like the new American Wrestlers album should be out already, right?  They had a bunch of great buzz built at the end of last year/beginning of 2015…then things went silent for a wee bit, until you hear this new single. It’s a tune build upon the backbone of a solid piano, holding space for the coated vocals to dance across the top whilst an electronic beat holds things in place.  There’s fine touches like a soloing guitar that add some differentiation in the middle of the tune, just so you don’t get weary and ensuring the track is a success. The band’s self-titled album will be out on April 7th via Fat Possum Records.

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Rock This Upbeat Lazeyes Tune (SXSW Artist)

blazyeyesYou needed something in the middle of the week to pick you up, right? Why not try on this angular new post-rock from Lazyeyes! It’s got these knifing guitar parts that cut back and forth through the song, almost creating a dancing euphoria, though the track’s pacing and vocals throw that a bit off-kilter. It’s filled with a hook, but it’s brevity makes it perfect in that you never grow bored, pressing play over and over again…just like this asshole. This is a brand new track, but if you like what you hear, then grab the band’s New Year EP…and see them at SXSW if you’re here with us.

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Holly Miranda Has It All

hollyInstead of going on about how Holly Miranda is a female songwriter with looks and songs, let’s just enjoy listening to this great new single of hers.  I love the nonchalance in her lyrical display here, not to mention the coated fragility that seems to seep through.  And, instead of just giving us a singer-songwriter touch, she adds some atmospheric flourishes behind it all, strengthening the heart of the track; it puts her in a league where few other live…female or not.  Look for her self-titled LP to hit on May 19th via Dangerbird Records.

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Jimmy Whispers Still Uses a Casio

jimHmmm.  Did Jimmy Whispers really bust out that old school Casio to serve as his background for his latest single?  Yeah, he did…and honestly, after my initial WTF moment, I’m definitely intrigued.  It’s his really his vocals that have won me over with his last few singles, so since those shine here, it’s still got me hooked.  I think some might be dissuaded by the song’s simplicity, but there’s something special in the oddity and audacity to just throw this track out.  Look for Summer In Pain, his new record, to hit stores on March 24th.

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SXSW 2015 Interview: Gengahr

gengGengahr is building upon the hype they’ve been awarded in the UK, and now that they’ve got some acclaim overseas, they’re looking to make it big this year at SXSW…introducing themselves to US audiences.  We caught up with the band briefly for a little history on their name and some other points that should get you ready to catch one of the hottest new acts in Europe.  All answers come from Felix.  Read more

Digging This New Van Dale Jammer

vandWhen you press play on the tune below, you’re going to think it’s your run-of-the-mill indie rocker; it’s got a decent pace, but it’s mostly relaxed college rock (not that that’s bad by any means).  Still, you’ve got to hold on as Van Dale unleashes some crunchy guitar that brings a boisterous bit of noise to the typical affair.  It takes on a tone of what I always dreamed and hoped Weezer would become…they didn’t…so we’ve got these guys to bring it instead.  On March 31st, the trio will release their self-titled album via Fleeting Youth Records.

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Brand New Joanna Gruesome

grewsumThis new Joanna Gruesome has to be one of the hottest commodities not yet out there; I feel like everyone is talking about it…and no one is saying a bad word.  So, when a band and a record like that comes along, the best thing we can do is to turn up the singles, and prematurely (possibly unjustly) make up our mind. This tune has a real soft side, which is one of the reason’s I’m in love with it. Still, the band brings  their tenacity, switching between that softness and a brash bit of rock n’ roll.  Look for Peanut Butter to hit on May 11th via Slumberland Records/Fortuna Pop.

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