Author: nathan.lankford

Dream Pop from Gems

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gemsIn a few weeks we’ll be keeping our eyes on Hundred Waters as the much-hyped act comes into town.  But, I’ll be honest, I was rather underwhelmed by their SXSW performances, so I’m looking at the opener Gems to be the winner on the night.  The DC duo just released another single, with drifting melodies and nice bits of atmospheric production.  There’s no word on when they group will release something, but this track here should perk up your ears, and maybe even entice you to hit up their show at Red 7 on the 23rd.

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Another Track from The Proper Ornaments

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properThose who’ve been carefully following the underground realm of pop music surely have heard the whispers about The Proper Ornaments.  The band’s often thought of as a side-project for members of Veronica Falls, but you can tell the guys put some time in on the recording of their latest LP, Wooden Head.  There’s nostalgic odes to the past, clever bits of current pop and pretty much as complete an album as you’re likely to find this year.  Slumberland Records continue their summer hit list by releasing this album on July 8th.  Join the club, love this band.

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

Download:  The Proper Ornaments – Magazine [MP3]

 

Catchy Tune from The Smittens

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smittensIt’s been a pretty solid year for Fika Recordings, releasing hits from the likes of Wave Pictures and Stanley Brinks.  But, they’ve upped their game today with the announcement that they’ll be releasing a new album from Vermont’s The Smittens.  There’s a certain sense of innocence in this song; it harkens back the the gifts of girl-groups of days gone by, accented by nice male backing tracks.  You can’t listen to a song like this and not feel your emotions swell with joy.  Love Record Breaker will be released on August 18th; you won’t want to skip out on this.

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The Return of Dana Buoy

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danaThere was a time when Dana Janssen was perhaps best known for his role in Akkron Family, that is, until a few years ago.  He released Summer Bodies, which surprised me by how much I grew attached to his approach, far different than his other act.  It’s electronic fare, but the way that he works with the melodies inside his songs is undeniably catchy.  I’m really excited he’s got something new by way of his Preacher EP, which is slated for a July 22nd release date.  If you’re looking for lofty melodies and electronic compositions, then you need look no further than the return of Dana Buoy. 

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The Allah Las Return with New Tunes

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allahI was in love with the first release from Allah-Las; it combined elements of California sun with psychedelic shades, all the while holding on to some solid hooks. It looks like the band is about to take a very similar approach, though this newest tune seems to move further into the past, musically.  There’s some swagger remaining, but this song displays more of a devotion to the delivery of the vocals, which serve as the song’s key focus.  You can grab this on the band’s upcoming 7″, and it’s also likely to appear on their Worship the Sun LP, which is slated for a fall release.

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More New Music from Matt Kivel

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mattkivelThere are some songs, and albums for that matter, that just seem to fit right into your life.  For me, the work of Matt Kivel is perfectly fitting for my reflective summer away from work.  For instance, this latest single has this rolling drum beat, with lofty vocals floating atop, while varying layers of guitar work come into the fold.  Sort of reminds me of long summer road trips through the Northwest with nothing but the stars overhead.  His new album, Days of Being Wild will come just in time for you to take your own trip, whatever it may be; it’s being released on July 8th via Woodsist.

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

 

Mellow Jam from Fishing

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artworks-000081840303-ohzgq1-t500x500I’m on summer vacation, so I’m spending a lot of my time just relaxing.  With that comes a bit of chilled out musical vibes, and perhaps none is more fitting than this piece by production team, Fishing.  They’ve constructed this piece of movable pop, spliced with vocal samples that are really soothing.  There’s even a repeat bit of vocals at the end of the tune, making the song rise above your average electro-pop fare.  It’s a featured single on the band’s upcoming debut record, which will see a world-wide release on June 23rd.   The album is titled Shy Glow, and Create Control is the label behind the release.

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Bratty Tune from EULA

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eulaRemember when the YYYs were a force to be reckoned with, musically speaking? Listening to this new single from Brooklyn’s EULA I get the same impression, though I think it could hit even harder had the band wanted to go that way.  The song’s propelled by a shouted vocal that operates over a discordant guitar chord ringing atop a bubbling little bass line.  Percussion here is rather low in the mix, but it creates this thrilling sense of anxiety that pulls the listener along.  It’s the A-side to the band’s new 7″ that sees a release from Bloodmoss Records on July 15th.

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Indiepop Bliss from Strange Babes

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strangebabesI owe a huge debt of gratitude to IPSML for turning me on to this ridiculously glorious hit from Strange Babes.  Everything about this song is pretty perfect, from the way that it’s been recorded to the melody within the tune itself.  There’s not too much info on the band, other than an obscure reference to Los Angeles and New Zealand.  You can hear the NZ reference musically, but in the end, none of it is really going to matter because the song is pure indiepop success.  Sit back and enjoy yourself.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Strange-Babes-HOLIDAY.mp3]

Download: Strange Babes – Holiday [MP3]

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