New Music from Antlers

The Antlers - PortraitsThis tune was all over those Interwebs  yesterday, and deservedly so.  This is one of those Antlers tunes that, whether you’re a fan or not, doesn’t matter, as it makes for a remarkable listen.  Personally, one of the reasons I love this song is the light bit of horns that quietly blast from the distance; I blame my days spent as a band nerd.  But, you also won’t want to miss this vocal performance, which is possibly one of the best ones the band have finished to date.  Get prepared to enjoy their new album, Familiars, on June 17th via Anti; it’s creeping into album of the year status.

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

 

 

Smooth Pop from Beta Frontiers

betaFeel like going all over the place musically today, so it’s fitting that this new tune from Beta Frontiers came our way yesterday.  The tune’s predominantly the work of Michael Butler who works on production duties at his home in Toronto.  But, he found the perfect voice to fit this latest track with Carmen Elle, who also works in DIANA.  The light-hearted number sits well in her vocal range, making the song a sure-fire hit.  This single will be released on May 6th via Buzz Records, who’ve already had a nice hit this year with Odonis Odonis.

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New B-Side from The Airplanes

airplanesYep, I’m still on the Airplanes kick, and I won’t complain about it as long as the music coming is as good as this catchy little number.  When listening to this jam, remind yourself that summer weather is already upon us, at least in the Lone Star State, so it makes sense that a tune like “Complacency” will fit perfectly into our current playlist.  It recalls a more modern take on Beach Boys classics, employing simple harmonies to maximize the hooks that Joshua Vest continues to use in his songwriting.  Go ahead, jam this one, then pick up the new “Young” single from the band.

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Ticket Giveaway: Kishi Bashi @ Mohawk (5.9)

KBashi1Personally, this is the steal of the week.  Kishi Bashi is renown for his incredible performances, not to mention the moving music he’s created, so why not take a chance to grab yourself a pair of free tickets from us and our friends at Transmission.  Kishi is known for looping his voice, his violin and beats, a la Andrew Bird, but I have a feeling that he’ll bring a friend or two to the stage.  If you’ve been hiding in a hole, then I suggest you go back and listen to 151a, or steam his up-coming release, Lighght, over at NPR. This is guaranteed to be one of those shows your friends will talk about for years, so be sure to show up.  And get there early to catch Plume Giant. You can assure yourself tickets HERE, or you can leave a comment with Your Favorite Local Eatery; I’ll pick the winner who I agree with the most (I’m in fat kid mode today, FYI). 

Contest closes at 12 PM CST on Thursday, May 8th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/02-Philosophize-In-It-Chemicalize-With-It.mp3]

Download: Kishi Bashi – Philosophize In It! Chemicalize With It! [MP3]

 

Another New Devon Williams Tune

devon-williams-ws-710The last time I wrote about Devon Williams was a few weeks back, but I feel like I short-handed the songwriter, as I threw his new track, “Flowers” into a post about a great day for Slumberland Records.  Don’t get me wrong, that was a great day of news for the rad label, but it didn’t effectively convey to you how special the upcoming album from Devon will be.  I think if you listen to this song, you’ll notice the care within the songwriting, with that bright guitar making way for Williams’ cool vocal delivery.  But, such things should come as no surprise for followers; it’s just another sign that Gilding the Lily is going to be something special (June 3rd).

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/136040007″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Please to Meet You: The Delphines

1378808_427574507349257_756255471_nWhile I was trying to catch up on emails from this weekend, my ear was caught by this incredible single that came into our inbox.  I hadn’t heard of the group, The Delphines, but like the power of all great tracks, I’ll now be keeping a close eye on the group.  There’s a bit of an angular post-punk quality to the style of the guitars, but at the same time the dreamy vocal quality, and its delivery, remind me an awful lot of Love Is All (a sorely missed act). It’s an energetic track, to be sure, but it also offers a bit of emotional respite in some of the more drawn out moments.  The group will be releasing their album, Hush, on May 27th, so keep an eye out for this exciting act.  Oh, and check out this exciting video that accompanies the single HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/01-Hush-01-Screen-Door.mp3]

Check out the video, after the break!

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New Music from Close Lobsters

closelobstersIt’s been a long-time coming, at least for those that pay constant tribute to the works of C86.  Close Lobsters quietly called it a day in the 90s, but they’re now returning with fresh music, after rekindling their musical fire in 2012.  This is the first piece of music we’ve gotten from the band in quite some time, but what’s interesting is how relevant this first single is.  It’s not dated, and it doesn’t sound like a modern re-hash; it’s got the same vibrancy the band captured long ago.  For you indiepop fans, the band will release their new Kunstwerk in Spacetime EP on Shelflife at the end of May.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/01-Now-Time.mp3]

Power Pop Goodness from Sam Coffey and the Iron Lungs

coffeeAfter a long weekend rocking out at Austin Psych Fest, I’m a little bit drained, energy-wise, so I figured I’d share something that’s been able to help me push through this slow-moving morning.  It’s the first single from Sam Coffey and the Iron Lungs, and it’s got this great blend of classic power-pop and garage rock.  The vocals, often infused by unison singing from the group, come off a bit ramshackle, adding a bit of innocence to the delivery.  You’ll find the guitar sound a perfect way to kick off your morning.  Look for the group’s Gates of Hell LP on June 24th when it’s released by Southpaw Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/142702316″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Music from Pale Lights

paleDuring slow music weeks you turn to your friends, and I always know I can count on IPSML for a good jam or two.  Today I bring you a track from Pale Lights that he pointed me towards, which features Phil Sutton of one of my favorite acts, Comet Gain. You’re going to get a similarly ringing guitar, and even find the vocal delivery similar.  Personally, I dig the nice female vocal in the background.  I’m posting this track because I love it, but you can stream the band’s whole new album, Before There Were Pictures, right HERE.  It’s so good, you won’t want to have anything else on today.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/146676751″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Top 5 Reasons to Attend Austin Psych Fest

psychIn a city of never-ending festivals, it’s hard to really pick just one to attend.  Whether you like comedy, music or other such things, odds are that Austin has a festival just for you.  So, why should you go to Austin Psych Fest?  There’s tons of reasons, but we’ve picked our favorite five to elaborate on below, so you’ll get an idea of why you should attend the festival this weekend.  There’s still a few tickets out there; buy yours HERE.   Read more

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