Fresh New Single from Herzog

1797006_634830219885726_1325970545_oCongratulations! You just got over the hump of this work week! But, you’ve got to keep that energy going, so why not push forward with a nice bit of alternative rock from Herzog?  Every time I put on one of their songs, which I’ve done quite a bit lately, they seem to resemble a heavier-handed version of Grandaddy.  They employ great distorted power chords, but they hold onto a quirky sense of pop that recalls the nostalgic days of guitar rock.  You can grab their latest release, Boys, on May 20th via Exit Stencil Recordings, and you’ll be glad you did.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/08-Theme-For-Boys.mp3]

 

Austin Spotlight: Another OBN IIIs Single

obnThis song probably no longer needs an introduction from us.  If you’ve been reading our site you know we’ve got nothing but praise for local act, OBN IIIs.  Long has the band blown us away with their live shows, but the work on their newest album, Third Time to Harm, should illustrate to everyone that the group is more than just a hot live act; they’ve got killer songs to boot (we’ve known that for a long time).  I think this song captures the rock appeal while still showing a penchant for lyrics that you’ll want to scream while you’re jumping up and down at their shows. Pick up their new record on May 27th via Tic Tac Totally.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/03-Uncle-Powderbag.mp3]

 

 

Enjoy the Music of Nathan K

nathankSometimes you need to just let yourself indulge in the softer side of music, so do the right thing and listen to this track from Nathan K. The Michigan songwriter has just announced a new album, Methodist Girls, and we’ve got this down-trodden affair to get you ready for what we expect will be a beautiful piece of work.  It’s actually a quiet track from the beginning, occasionally accented by some lush string arrangements.  Nathan’s voice has a slight echo to it, yanking on your emotional heartstrings.  This song, and possibly this album, will have you fading into your own memory.  Look for the release on July 8th.

 

Rad Shows for Thursday Night

austinSorry we’re bringing this to you on such short notice, but we had to make sure you knew of all your rad options this evening to attend some great shows, featuring many of our homegrown acts.  A lot of these options are really reasonably priced, so if you’re planning on heading out for the evening, and you’re interested in catching a show, here’s some options that won’t let you down.  Read more

Crunchy Rock from Concord America

concorThis song is “So Gay.” No, really, that’s the title of this track from Concord America.  The song is a crunchy guitar number, with riotous vocals and guitars swirling all over the place.  It makes for a jam you just want to turn up real loud in the speakers, in an effort to grasp the fun that the band seem to have had in making such a tune.  For fans of bands like So So Glos and Pujol, you better get ready to have another band on your radar that’s going to be part of your regular listening rotation.  Their Suns Out Guns Out EP will be available on May 27th via Post Echo.

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Another New Single from Craft Spells

craftyAnyone else feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the great releases coming our way just as summer hits?  Well, if you’re like us, then you might be, but this Craft Spells single is pretty much guaranteeing the band’s new album, Nausea, some space in our summer playlist.  As I listen, I’m really impressed by the approach the band has taken, creating a pretty straightforward piece of pop, void of the typical tricks of bedroom pop.  There’s great clarity in the vocals and music approaches a grand scale.  Need another great record to add to your list of things to pick up? Here it is…it’ll be out on Captured Tracks on June 10th.

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Another New Track from Gold-Bears

goldWhen I heard about the brand new album from Gold-Bears, the news about this track was making waves in small little circles of the indiepop community, so I’ve been anxiously awaiting this track.  Why? You ask.  Well, for one, I think the band’s new album is really going to be something special, but also because this tune features my indiepop crush of the last few years, Emma Kupa, currently of Mammoth Penguins (formerly of Standard Fare).  It’s not as if the group needs any extra help adding to this bouncy number, but the dynamic she brings to the table does bring an add punch that I’m fond of.  The group will release Dalliance on June 3rd via Slumberland.

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Dark New Music from VANIISH

1504333_10154080974985198_1619824817473315491_oIf you’re looking for something that expresses a sense of sterility while still holding onto a bit of pop sensibility, then you’re going to want to press play on this new track from VANIISH.  You’ll get a dark sense of the track when you hear the echo in the voice, seemingly bouncing off the walls of an empty warehouse.   Light keyboard flourishes and swirling guitars will, however, make the song one that abides by the standards of shady pop music.  It’s another reason to keep this act on your radar as you prepare for the release of their debut, Memory Work, slated for a June 10th release.

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New Music from Owl & Mouse

owlOne of the many great micro-labels I constantly follow is Fika Recordings, and they just announced their newest signing, Owl & Mouse.  My interest in the label is the obscure singer-songwriter fare they seem to discover, and this is no different.  Hannah Botting is the enchanting singer on this song, offering up her gentle voice over her simple chords.  Those of you who love the writing of indiepop, lyrically speaking, will also find her wordplay something special.  The Somewhere to Go EP will be available in digital and 7″ formats on June 23rd.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/03-Dont-Read-the-Classics.mp3]

 

Electro Pop from Some Ember

someemberThis is not your typical electro pop affair; it’s a subdued dance track with warm vocals atop, the likes of which would get our boy B. Gray excited.  While it would be easy to drop the beat, as the kids say, and blast forward, Some Ember show a great deal of restraint, holding onto that tension throughout the duration of the song.  The press release here says the band tend to push the boundaries a bit, often including more dynamic in their production.  Personally, I like this mellow version, but we’ll see where I stand when the band release their self-titled album on May 27th via Dream Recordings.

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