Show Preview: Alex Napping Album Release @ Cheer Ups – TONIGHT!

AlexNapping_VineetGordhandas-1It’s Friday, and you need something to do.  You’re in Austin, looking for a great show.  Problem solved, you should be at Cheer Up Charlies for the anticipated release of Alex Napping‘s debut LP, courtesy of Punctum Records.  It’d be easy to just say, go see Alex Cohen play; she and the band are great.  And that’s very true.  But, in order to draw a solid crowd, you’ve got to have some great opening acts, like Big Bill, Soft Swells and Lowin.  Big Bill‘s oddball garage rock never fails to impress.  Soft Swells are on the trustworthy label, Modern Outsider (local label!).  Lowin, well, let’s just say this is one of the next big things to get out of Austin. Solid bill from start to finish.  Get there at 8 in time for things to kick off!

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Talk in Tongues Ready 7″

titI love the birth of new bands, like that of Talk in Tongues.  I’m into it because I’m a fan of progression, seeing where an artist or group goes from one point to another.  It’ll be really interesting to see where this act goes, as they’re just readying their first 7″ for Fairfax Recordings. For a first single, it’s pretty spot on, sonically.  The drums sound great, and I love the warmth of the vocals.  But, what I’m hearing from the guitars has me curious as to the group’s next steps, as they walk a line between dream pop and psychedelia.  For now, just enjoy yourself this little number, and grab the 7″ on November 25th.

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My Jam of the Week: Arp

arpWent to the record store and picked up some sweet jams this week: Growlers, Rat Columns, So Cow and then I also got the new Arp.  Sure, it’s an EP, but man, there’s some really great gems on the album, like the one below.  The last full-length that Alexis G. put out was pretty right on, though there were some developmental moments in the LP.  The Pulsars and Quasars EP might be a little stop gap, but it definitely shows progression in what he’s been able to accomplish since last year.  The EP is available as of this week via Mexican Summer, so if you like what you hear below go grab that stuffs.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/04-UHF1.mp3]

Download: Arp – UHF1 [MP3]

Hell Yes! New Tune from Legendary Wings

legendI can’t tell you how excited I was to find out that Legendary Wings were putting out a new album on Dirtnap Records. I loved their 2012 effort Making Paper Roses, and the first single from their new LP has me thirsting for the entire thing.  It’s got an infectious hook; it’s got this bubbling bass line working beneath it all; it’s the perfect blend that I call garage-a-ma-power-pop-punk (new genre fyi). I don’t want this song to end, yet sadly, like all good things, it has to, leaving me anticipating this LP more than any other at the moment. Do You See will be out on November 11th.

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Austin Spotlight: Hear the 2nd Tune off the Balmorhea’s New 7″

balmoeNot long ago, we posted “Heir I,” one of the first new tracks we’ve heard from Austin’s Balmorhea in some time.  It was part of a special 7″ they’re releasing in conjunction with the vinyl reissue of their debut LP, which is all being handled by Western Vinyl.  This new piece is really exquisite; it captures the beauty the band has always created, but they seem to be experimenting with a little bit of discord; I like that touch.  Still, the building string arrangements that crash upon your ears are the 4.12 mark are just, well, incredible.  It’s clear that great care and thought have gone into the construction of this number, so hats off to that. The re-issue and the Heir 7″ both hit stores on October 14th.

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Twin Library Now Named No Museums

nomuseumsYea. Alberta’s Twin Library have officially, or quietly, changed their name to No Museums.  The name change doesn’t mean that much, as the music still sounds great, which is good considering the band now has a new EP (mini-album?) up for the listening.  There are all sorts of musical nods here, but I enjoy the band’s approach to craftsmanship; they’re creating this basement folk music with just hints of distortion that swell and build throughout.  Definitely a nice touch. Enjoy your listening.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/No-Museums-The-Mountain-Slowing-Down.mp3]

Download: No Museums – The Mountain Slowing Down [MP3]

Sorry I Missed This: New Holy Youth

youthA little bit ago I got this jam from Holy Youth, but I got sidetracked, forgetting how much I was hooked on the song.  The vocals threw me for a loop early on in my listens, but the guitar was just so damn catchy that I couldn’t get it out of my head.  I returned today with a bit of a fresh ear, realizing that the youthful approach to the recording of the vocals didn’t really strike me as all that odd, considering other things I’ve been jamming to this year.  So, with that in mind, I suggest you give this a good couple of listens, and you’ll be hooked too. Look for their self-titled debut via Happenin Records on October 14th.

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More Jams from Dark Blue

darkblueWhat? You thought I was done posting about Dark Blue? Well, as long as these guys keep pumping out rad singles, I’m going to keep throwing your way.  Honestly, I think this is one of my favorite tracks the group has offered so far; it’s definitely got a solid melody hook in the deepened vocals, though the ringing guitars definitely add that gritty touch many listeners will be clamoring for.  They’re readying the release of their album, Pure Reality, which has an October 7th release date; it looks to combine dark melodic grooves with a bit more vitriol, so I’m in.

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Pains of Being Pure at Heart Release Bonus Track

D700-Pains-Ans-303If you missed out on picking up your copy of Days of Abandon, the latest offering from The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, you’ll be happy to know the deluxe edition heading your way tomorrow will feature several brand new bonus tracks.  This tune has a pretty clean quality, which seems to have been the approach Kip took on writing the song for this album; the gaze-iness is pulled back in favor of maximizing some great melodies.  My ears seem to think it’s even dreamier than their earlier offerings, including just the right amount of jangle in the tunes, though softening a bit around the edges.  Enjoy your listen below.

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Top 5 Bands at Goner Fest 11 – An Insider’s Guide

gonerI’ve been intrigued by the festival fascination of the world as of late, but as most of us know, the idea isn’t a wholly new one. For example, Goner Records is hosting their 11th Goner Fest this year on September 25-28 in Memphis.  I love the label and the things they’ve been putting out, so I reached out to our friend Madison, who handles press and bookings at Goner, to see who the Top 5 Acts of the festival are.

If you’re looking to get your rock n’ roll fix, and are willing to travel, this is the place to be.  You can still get your hands on tickets HERE. Thanks again to Madison for the time, and the advice on who to check out.

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