Author: nathan.lankford

Austin Spotlight: Xetas Ready 7″

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xetasListening to Xetas, I’m reminded that I owe my friend Mark a debt of gratitude.  He teaches across the hall, and he’s been championing his friends for some time.  I’ve caught them live twice now, and let me tell you, there aren’t a lot of bands playing this style of music that live that bring the energy and the licks like these three.  There’s a dichotomy between guitarist D and bassist K, with both playing the role of the foil to the other. I’m further impressed by the recording on this single; it captures the ferocity of the band’s live show, but still sounds huge.  Their new 7″ is being released on September 2nd via 12XU Records; you can preorder it HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/01_The_Silence.mp3]

 

 

 

Another Hit from Literature

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artworks-000086575693-phkdjg-t500x500Listening to the new Literature album, Chorus, I get a little teary eyed that I only got to help put out their first record, Arab Spring.  I wish I could be part of this great new release.  There’s tons of great indiepop moments throughout, filling the LP with soft touches and energetic bursts of delighting pop music.  This latest single is one of the more spirited tracks on the album; I personally am in love with the sound of the guitars on the mix here.  It’s a great fucking album, and you’ll be bummed if you don’t get your hands on it as soon as you get the chance; it is being released by Slumberland Records on August 19th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/06-New-Jacket.mp3]

 

Blissful Pop from Finnmark!

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finnI’ve been following the lads in Finnmark for some time, and while they’ve been quiet for the most part, I’m happy to share this new track from the band with you.  The vocals are a bit deeper in tone than on their previous work, but the guitars are still as intoxicating as ever.  These guys write the sort of music that makes you feel good about yourself and about your day, so you’d do best to press play right now.  Wait to find yourself totally hooked around the 1.40 minute mark when things take off.

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Great Tune from The Growlers

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groLast year, The Growlers found their way into our Top 10 Albums of 2013, but it looks like they’re aiming for a repeat with the release of their new record, Chinese Fountain.  They’re off to a great start with this swaggering new single they released the other day; it’s filled with ringing guitars work and a really catchy chorus…you know, the type you want to sing with your friends.  I guess I’m just one of those folks who can’t get enough from this band; they always mix a certain catchiness with a bit of hip grit.  You can grab their record from Everloving Records on September 23rd.

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Show Preview: A Giant Dog @ Mohawk (7.31)

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show

Date Thursday, July 31st
Location Mohawk
Doors 9:00 PM
Tickets $7


So many great shows, so little time.  And tonight you get to see three incredible Austin acts tearing up the Mohawk.  It goes without saying that A Giant Dog, who are recording their 3rd LP, are one of Austin’s better live bands.   But, even with that in mind, you need to get there early to catch the other two openers.  Trustees kick off the night; they’re one of the most impressive bands in town at the moment, though we’ve yet to here recorded material, so you’re only chance to hear them is at Mohawk.  And, Hundred Visions will also be rocking in the middle of the line-up; they never put on a bad show, at least in my opinion.  So you’ve got three bands. Three killer bands.  Plus, you’re likely to run into Norman Wanklord.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/ToPutItBluntly.mp3]

Download: A Giant Dog – To Put it Bluntly [MP3]

Nice Bit of Indiepop from Working

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moreThis little gem popped up last week from Shelflife Records, whom we adore.  Working is a Rhode Island quartet, who are making some pleasantries, though they’re doing it with a heavy-handed touch.  Singer Catherine’s got a great softness to her voice, but it works against (and with) the distorted guitars that are ringing out of your speakers.  It’s not everyday that an indiepop act bangs out a track that bursts over the four minute mark.  You can grab the More Weight EP from the label HERE, or just enjoy the beautiful stream below.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/159739487″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Touring w/ a Band: A Handy Guide with A. Sinclair (Part 6)

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asinclairIt’s that time folks! We get to update you on the road travels of our friend Brendan Bond, who filled us in on the latest exploits in his life on tour with A. Sinclair and What Made Milwaukee Famous.  They’ve been traveling all over the Midwest and the South, and they’re working their way home to us.  Brendan briefly filled us in on his life today.  Here’s Mr. Bond from the road. Read more

Give Wand a Listen

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wandoI probably haven’t told you how much I enjoy Wand, but now seems like the right time, especially since they just unleashed a new jam today.  “Broken Candle” is the second shortest track on the record, so it’s easily digestible; it starts with a bit of a psychedelic stomp to it, though there’s a bit more of a collectivist pop bit as the tune progresses.  The album, Ganglion Reef, has a great deal of fuzzy elements to it, but they walk this fine line between being noisy and radio friendly.  Check out the release on August 26th via God? Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/03-Broken-Candle.mp3]

 

Brand New Tunes from Terry Malts

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terrysWhat a great week for fans of Terry Malts (aren’t we all?).  First, we had a new single from Corey, and now we’ve got the announcement of a brand new bouncing tune from the band themselves.  It’s a rocker, of course, with gritty guitar coating the pop sensibility of the band in a bit of distortion.  It’s a quick tune, but it’s one of those songs that you can sing along to whilst you playfully pogo into the folks jamming out with you.  This new song comes from the band’s Insides EP; it’s going to be released as a 7″ on September 23rd via Slumberland Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/158325294″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Another Great Track from Laura Jean

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laurajeanI’ve written about the work of songwriter Laura Jean on several occasions, and she’s back with a real winner today.  This is her second single from her upcoming self-titled album; it’s also the best track I’ve heard from her (not that I don’t adore the others).  There’s a gentle touch to her playing on this tune, almost playful, which suits the vocal tones extremely well.  You think Jenny Lewis can write songs like this? I’m thinking no, which is a strong step forward for LJ.  Look for her album on August 22nd from the reliable Chapter Music.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/160796623″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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