Austin Spotlight: Pollen

artworks-000076438282-4l1oko-t500x500I’ve been looking through all the upcoming shows, trying to find something new that I could really gravitate to, which is when I discovered this track from Pollen.  The band’s fairly new to town, but they’ve already booked a really great show at Blackheart Bar with LA Snacks and Party Girl (4/25).  It’s a free show, and it should have this catchy little tune played in the garage-rock realm to keep you bouncing on your toes throughout the evening.  For me, I love the crunchy sound of the guitar and the riding of the cymbals by the drummer, but it’s the erratic vocal delivery that really sells me on the group.  Hopefully we’ll see you at the Blackheart next week: it’s free!

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

Download: Pollen – Not A Test [MP3]

Fresh Tunes from Paul Cook and the Chronicles

paulSeems like Thursday’s are good for really great pop tunes, so why not give you another one from Paul Cook and the Chronicles.  The project is mostly the work of Paul Cook, who occasionally gets by with a little bit of help from his friends, such as drummer Phil Wilkinson.  I like Paul’s work; it always reminds me of the less-kitschky version of Darwin Deez.  It’s all pop music, and no unnecessary filler.  This is the first track off the Radar EP, which will see a release on June 1st, but you can enjoy the tune below right now.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/01-Radar.mp3]

Download: Paul Cook and the Chronicles – Radar [MP3]

Amen Dunes Ready Another Single

amenDamon McMahon’s Amen Dunes project is on a huge role right now.  He’s prepping the release of his new record, Love, and it seems with each new single that he brings to the table, there’s something different going on in the music, yet it’s all pretty intoxicating.  This jam starts all with a bit of a ramshackle opening, almost like a post-punk rocker, but then it unfolds into a more spiritual piece of noise folk.  I like a little diverstiy in a good album, so when Sacred Bones releases Love on May 13th, we’re probably going to rejoice with how each song offers us something different.

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Show Review: Mac Demarco @ Mohawk (4.13)

Upload Mac DeMarco 20140413212013It’s clear that Mac Demarco has the world eating out of the palm of his hands.  He’s received rave reviews from all over for his recent release, Salad Days, and he blew into Austin, selling out his show at the Mohawk weeks before the show even happened.  Honestly, I didn’t even know he was that huge, but his show definitely proved he’s got what it takes to keep pushing forward.

You can read on for more thoughts about the show, and some photos from our friend Bryan P. at PPI.

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New Pop from Ablebody

ableIt’s been a little bit of time since we’ve posted anything from the group Ablebody, the project of the Hochheim brothers, who you’ll occasionally see as members of Pains of Being Pure at Heart.  Anyways, these guys are great, creating these perfect pieces of wistful pop, such as the track below, which is the A-Side to their forthcoming 7″.  The warmth of the backing “ahhs” do a wonderful job to add to the dreamy pop sensibility that is already present in the tune.  You can catch the band on tour supporting PoBPaH throughout the end of Spring, and order the 7″ HERE.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/144857603″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Austin Spotlight: A. Sinclair Readies New EP

asinclair650We’ve been patiently waiting for the new EP of A. Sinclair, the band formerly known as Frank Smith; a new song is here today.  Singer Aaron promised us that the band would be building a louder sound, which fits more with the band’s live performances of late.  While the opening of the tune ambles a bit in the way of atmospherics, the song jumps into a rocking jam within seconds, collecting all the promise we’ve seen in the band over the last several years.  If you’ve been following the group, you’re going to be proud of the confidence and craftsmanship this tune shows.  Get ready to hear their new Pretty Girls EP when it’s released on May 20th.

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

 

New Pains of Being Pure at Heart

painsI’ve really been enjoying the new album from Pains of Being Pure at Heart.  I’ll tell you now that it looks back at the old days of the band without a sense of regret, doing it with a fresh face, and a bit of a fresh sound.  Groups can’t stay in one space for too long, so it’s no surprise that Kip’s cleaned up the guitars, opening up to a brighter pop sound on this go round.  You know what? It still sounds really damn good, illustrating how great a songwriter Berman actually is.  The new album is titled Days of Abandon, and you’ll be able to hear all the songs on May 13th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/06_Eurydice.mp3]

 

Fresh Jams from Cocktails

artworks-000076609654-3ntc1m-t500x500Ah. The great power of good old rock and roll.  Last night this track from Cocktails came into my inbox, and I’ve been rocking out to it ever since.  They’ve just wrapped up their new album, Adult Love, prepping it for a June 17th release date via our friends at Father Daughter Records.  The San Fran band recorded this gem with Rob Wood, who works in Warm Soda, so it’s no surprise that this is power-pop of the best sort.  You’ll find a solid melody working its way throughout the track, and enough energy to help you make it through the next hour as you continuously press repeat.  Let’s all rejoice in classic pop rock sounds!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/01-Tough-Love.mp3]

Download: Cocktails – Tough Love [MP3]

Austin Town Hall Records to Release Ramesh’s The King

rameshFor those of you who don’t remember Voxtrot, that’s completely okay, as the new album from Ramesh is far removed from those days.  He’s spent some time gathering himself, musically speaking, and pouring out his soul into what we think is an incredible album, The King. It’s already gotten some love from P4K for its digital release, but all great records deserve a vinyl home, so we’re happy to announce that Austin Town Hall Records will be releasing The King this June.  You have no idea how excited we are to be working with him, and in honor of this forthcoming vinyl release, we decided to give you a nice sneak peak via the single below.  I’m pretty sure you’ll agree that this was a smart decision on our part.  We’ll keep you posted with more on Ramesh’s touring plans and pre-order dates as that time draws near.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/144919759″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Fresh Music from Secret Cities

2010_Secret-CitiesIt’s been a bit since we’ve heard from Secret Cities, but they’re returning now with a bit of a change in direction, one meant to better fit their live shows.  If you take in this single, you’ll immediately notice the bob and weave of the bass line, uplifting the band’s music.  Marie Parker takes the vocal duties on this tune, providing even more melody and pop sensibility than we’ve witnessed before from the group.  Now, we loved the group’s previous work, but I’m interested to see where they’re going on this new LP, Walk Me Home; it’ll be released by Western Vinyl on June 24th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/02-Bad-Trip.mp3]

Download: Secret Cities – Bad Trip [MP3]

 

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