New Music from Hooray for Earth

hoorayJoyous pop music!  Don’t be tricked by the light traipsing about that opens this new song from Hooray for Earth.  Even when the vocals first enter, the song’s moving at a slow space.  But, percussion drops, guitars are distorted and pop fans everywhere are going to be happy with the result.  This is one of those songs that makes an emphatic push to become one of those songs on everyone’s playlist for the duration of the summer; it’s that good.  The group has a new album, Racy, which will be released by Dovecote on July 29th.

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Late to the Party: Playlounge

pilotI’m not sure how this tune escaped my ears, but better late than never.  Playlounge is yet another UK act making quite a name for themselves, creating furious rock that still has the ability to move you while tearing at your eardrums.  The drumming’s spot on in this track, matching the guitar as it seemingly spins out of control, only to be reined in to offer something more subdued.  Their debut album, Pilot, was just released by Dog Knights Productions, and if you’re in need of a bombastic dosage of great rock n’ roll, then you’ll want to rush over and pick it up.

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Best Austin Bands at Austin Psych Fest

psychAustin Psych Fest is becoming a pretty big deal, bringing in some incredible bands from all over the globe, not to mention some encouraging the reunion of acts long forgotten by fans.  But, let’s not get carried away and forget that the festival is a homegrown fest, born from the ideas of members of The Black Angels and their friends.  And, like many an Austinite, they’re a proud bunch, so they’ve made sure the bill always has great locals that will represent our fair city.  Below you’ll find the Top 5 Austin Bands playing at this year’s festival, at least in my opinion….and they’re in no particular order Read more

Another Fresh Tune from Bob Mould

bobbyThere probably aren’t many greater things than coming home on a nice Spring afternoon to a Bob Mould track in your inbox.  There’s something youthful about his music, even though he’s been in the music-making game for quite some time.  I’m just really excited that he’s bringing out the rock; though I still enjoy his work with Sugar, it’s these sorts of songs, encompassing the great writing of a power-pop genius, that really get me pumped.  I can’t wait to hear his new record, Beauty & Ruin, when Merge releases it on June 3rd.

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Upbeat Electronica From Papertwin

papertwinWell, our resident electro-head Brian is working (yes, we all have those real job things), so I figure I’d hold his spot today and offer up this great new single from Papertwin. The group has been together for almost five years, but surprisingly, this is their first studio collaboration to date.  The song has a driving beat behind it, while the vocals are laying in the front of the mix…once they enter.  This is definitely a track you’ll want to toss on when you’ve got your next dance party, especially with the little samples thrown in for emphasis. Their Vox Humana EP will be out on June 17th.

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Fresh Rocker from Dead Stars

dead-stars-2014At this point, I can’t really get enough of the new tunes from Dead Stars.  It’s interesting that more people haven’t taken notice of the band, up until now, as they’ve had songs this great for quite some time.  But, that being said, this guitar pop jam is exactly what the doctor ordered this morning.  The vocals are delivered calmly while the guitars push the pace forward; you should wait for the awesome break down with the rolling drums. I reckon there will be a handful of songs as good, if not better, when the band release their new album, Slumber, on Old Flame Records this June.

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

Download: Dead Stars – Crawl [MP3]

Another Dreamy Pop Tune from Donovan Blanc

donoIt seems like Captured Tracks have another hit maker on their roster, as we now yet another great tune to enjoy from Donovan Blanc.  Just a short while ago they offered up “Minha Menina,” and now they’re back with what I say is an even better single than the first.  I love how this single bounces in with this ringing guitar, but the band quickly moves into a smoother delivery, letting the dreamier elements of their songwriting take precedence.  Their self-titled album will be available in stores on June 24th, giving you an opportunity to drift through summer with a perfect collection of tunes.

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Brand New Sharon Van Etten Music

sharon_van_etten_1332170904_crop_550x366We’re getting closer to the release date of the new Sharon Van Etten album, Are We There.  It’s one of the most anticipated records, at least over here at the ATH offices.  I mean, can one top Tramp, which was a nearly perfect album?  Based on this track, it looks like she might be ready to take a good go at topping her previous work.  Her guitar work sounds pretty solid here, backed by little bits of piano touches and the strength of her memorable voice. You’ll be able to hear her new collection of songs when Jagjaguwar releases the album on May 27th.

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Top 5 Trouble In Mind Bands at Austin Psych Fest

troubleYep…this week is the week.  We’ve got just a few days before we spend our weekend with the folks over at Austin Psych Fest.  I figured it’d be nice to do something a little different for previews this year, rather than just the traditional Top 5 Bands to See route.  So today I decided I’d bring you a highlight of all the acts at the festival that are on Trouble In Mind Records, either past or present.  I love the Chicago-based label, and while they definitely have a slew of psych bands, they’ve also got a reasonably diverse catalogue, all of which is pretty solid.  So, check out below to see the Top 5 TIM bands at the festival. We’ll see you out there. Read more

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