Author: nathan.lankford

Enjoy the New Moon King Single

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unnamedI missed the hubbub with the first Moon King single, but I made sure I was on the spot to spread the word about their latest single.  I love the opening of the track, with the instrumentation hiding in the distance so the vocals can really take the prominent role.  Those instruments really begin to pick up pace after the first little bit, but the vocals hold the song quite steady, creating an interesting effect that really builds tension until after the 2 minute mark.  From their the band blast off into alternative guitar fare, hurrying to the finish line.  Last Gang Records will be releasing the group’s Secret Life LP on April 14th.

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Great Lake Swimmers Go Orchestral

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bellaThe title of this post pretty much sums up where you’ll find the new track from Great Lake Swimmers. It’s got this swelling arrangement behind it, and much of the attention will head that way, with the group reportedly crafting a bigger swell around their typical folk styling.  I’m not sure where I stand overall on this tune; I love Dekker’s voice, as always, but it’s so clean and polished that it almost feels like a cliche folk group.  Production value can sometimes take away the band’s fragility, but jury is still out until I get to hear all of A Forest of Arms, which is being released on April 21st via Nettwerk Records.

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Kuzin Is Where It’s At

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kuzI’ve got a soft spot for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Sounds.  I got into both acts super early, as they provided a bit of hooks blended with a powerful punch; it’s the same sensation I get when I listen to Kuzin.  The vocals definitely harken towards Karen O, especially during the little inflections.  For the most part, the rest of the tracks is a straight forward pop rock track, and I hope you’ll enjoy it at your stereo’s loudest levels. This Spring Kill Canyon will be releasing her debut, Cavity; it’s just the sugary touch your Tuesday needs.

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Feeling This New Dick Diver

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dicksIt seems like the Melbourne, Australia scene is where its at these days.  Dick Diver is just another band from that area carrying on the tradition of writing these incredible guitar pop tracks for the world to sink their teeth into.  The opening minute of this track is instrumental, focusing on the band’s musicianship, getting that groove.  They jump in soon afterwards with that swinging guitar style, a slight little bounce and the ever relaxed vocal delivery.  I didn’t think I could get any more excited about Melbourne, Florida, but this new single has me ready for the LP already; look for it to come out March 10th via Chapter Music/Trouble In Mind.

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Passenger Peru Ready New LP

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peeI’m a little late to this tune, but I think listening to Passenger Peru will do you some good today.  There’s something quite interesting in the way the band construct their songs; they have this entrancing quality based on the rhythmic grooves they’ve created, akin to Finback, though heavier handed.  Still, those chugging riffs are offset by this really bright moment that bursts forth in the middle of tune.  Frankly, it’s exciting, as it’s far from you average piece of indie rock.  Their LP, Light Places, is set for release on February 24th via Fleeting Youth Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/03-The-Best-Way-To-Drown.mp3]

Download: The Best Way To Drown [MP3]

Shana Falana Brings You a Hook

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shanaRemember when we all fell in love with Best Coast (don’t lie, you know you did)? Well, now that that group has faded into the distance, there have to be acts to replace it.  I like Shana Falana for the part; the New York artist even offers a little bit more of a distinct sound, filling in more of the negative space with dreamier notes that go beyond classic alternate-girl fare. This single has a forcefulness, using guitar melody that twists and turns throughout.  Look for Team Love to release her album Set Your Lightning Fire Free on April 7th.

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Austin Spotlight: Xetas Break Out

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XetasHonestly, there wasn’t an Austin label that kicked as much ass in 2014 as 12XU…they had three of our Top 10 Austin LPs.  So, anytime the label offers something you’ve gotta take note, especially when it comes to local act Xetas.  If you’ve caught their live set then you’ve probably been warned, but this single from their upcoming The Redeemer LP is one of those tracks that manages to capture the band’s live fury, whilst still boasting of solid production value. It’s a track with a  breakneck pace, with slaughtering guitar riffs that cut through your speakers. I figure there’s only a matter of time before a band with such tenacity and killer licks breaks into the consciousness beyond Austin. Look for the LP in stores at the end of February.

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Robert Pollard Never Quits

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bobbyJust because GVB might be on permanent hiatus doesn’t mean Robert Pollard is going to quit writing songs at a ridiculous pace.  His new project, Ricked Wicky, has just released their latest single and it’s quite a stunner.  I love the pace of the track, allowing the guitars to perfectly accent Pollards distinct vocals.  I don’t know why, but I feel like this is one of the better tracks Pollard has written; I’m pretty sure I’ve already played it a dozen times today alone. Look for the new album, I Sell the Circus to come out this week via GVB Inc Records.

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Digging This Pop from Solvey

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zamboniJessica Zambri has had her hands on a lot of great things in the last year, most notably the latest release from Hooray for Earth.  She’s working on her own project, Solvey, and this song is stuck in my head; I can’t get it out. There’s always something about well-organized pop songs aided by huge string arrangements that really gets under my skin.  During the chorus there are huge symphonic stabs and Zambri’s voice hits all the perfect notes; these are my favorite moments of the song.  This is her first release under the name, which should see a release on new label, Killer Wail Records at some point during this year.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/01_Solvey_10.16.14.mp3]

Download: Solvey – Solvey [MP3]

Another Great Track from Pinecones

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pineyNicole picked up on the boys from Pinecones late last year, and I’m jumping on that bandwagon this week. The Athens/Atlanta based group definitely have some similarities to some other proto-punk bands of the moment, though they seem to have a bit more ferocity behind their personal brand.  This song in particular constantly feels like it’s a runaway train, almost falling off the tracks, only to come to a nice little resting respite before blasting off towards the end.  Look for their debut LP on Arrowhawk Records this April.

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