New Music from Sonic Avenues

sonicEver since playing my way through two copies of Television Youth I’ve been waiting for the next record from Sonic Avenues.  They offer up this infectious power-pop that carefully walks the line between punk and pop, though not in that cheesy teenage manner.  It’s fitting that the band is releasing their next album, Mistakes, on Dirtnap Records again; it’s the home of other like-minded acts such as The Marked Men or Low Culture. You can grab what is sure to be an excellent record on April 15th when it hits the stores.

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SXSW 2104 Interview: Vision

visionOne of the great things about Burger Records is their continuing push for diversity in the music world. They’ve been known for garage and psych, but I don’t think LA’s Vision really fits into that.  They’ve got more of a British feel to what they’re working on, and I definitely have taken a liking to their self-titled record from last year.  For me, they’re one of the band’s I’m really interested in checking out at SXSW. Get to know them via their short and sweet answers.   Read more

SXSW 2014 Interview: Happy Diving

happySanFrancisco’s Happy Diving dwell in the realms of catchy guitar pop.  At times it’s completely noisy, but other times it’s filled with well crafted melodies that allow for maximum emotional involvment from listeners.  Their s/t EP for Father Daughter Records was a short blast of fun, and I expect their shows during SXSW to be filled with that same sense of revelry.  We caught up with Matt Berry from the group to grab a quick interview. Read more

Singer-Songwriter Ditty from Bry Webb

bryThis tune arrived in my mailbox with an endorsement from Feist; whether you agree or not, that’s a ringing endorsement for any musician.  But, even more importantly, Bry Webb was one of the men fronting Constantines, one of my favorite Canadian acts.  Interestingly, I didn’t expect him to come off as a more spirited version of Bill Callahan, but that’s exactly what I’m feeling here.  Is new record, Free Will, is going to be issued by Idee Fixe Records on May 20th.  Listening to this has made my day better, like a gem hiding among my SXSW emails. Give this a thorough listen folks.

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More New Music from Beaty Heart

beatySpending some time with Mixed Blessings, the forthcoming LP from Beaty Heart, I’m coming to the decision that there aren’t too many bands creating the music these London lads are crafting.  There’s tribal elements throughout the record, with some songs promoting more energy, while others, like the one below, are a little bit more subdued.  Those of you who are in love with the creative world that goes on beneath the upper-echelon of indie bands will surely find yourself attached to what’s being put in front of you here before the band’s May 12th release.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/07-7.-Crescent.mp3]

Download: Beaty Heart – Yadwigha’s Theme [MP3]

SXSW 2014 Interview: Bent Shapes

bentOne of our favorite acts from 2013 aims to kill it again in 2014.  Boston’s Bent Shapes play energetic rock n’ roll, making their album Feels Weird (Father Daughter Records) an exceptionally rewarding listen. We haven’t been able to catch them on tour yet, so we’re excited that they’re making it all the way down to Austin this year. Catch up with the band by reading our interview below with Ben. Read more

Austin Spotlight: Another Ghetto Ghouls Jam

ggThe last month or so has seen a slew of excellent Ghetto Ghouls tracks come our way, and I’ll happily keep harping on about the Austin four-piece.  This track will be featured on the group’s self-titled album, being released by Monofonuss Press on April 8th.  It’s a quick jaunt, but a reminder of the pleasant abrasiveness offered up by the band.  There’s a sharpness to the musicianship, yet a rough quality that embodies the live aspect of the group.  Get yourself another taste of one of our cities great exports, and catch them at one of their 5 SXSW shows.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/06-Ghetto-Ghouls-Living-Alone.mp3]

Download: Ghetto Ghouls – Living Alone [MP3]

SXSW 2014 Interview: Blouse

blouseband-300x295Among the great stable of bands on Captured Tracks is Blouse, who changed things up on the release of their second album, Imperium.  They got rid of the synthesizers and other electronica elements, crafting a more powerful sound. I’ve always enjoyed watching their sets, and I look forward to seeing the live version of these newer tunes when they make it down to SXSW.  Here’s how they answered our interview questions while on the road to Austin. Read more

Fun New Tune from Of Montreal

ofmontrealI’m really digging the broader band approach from Of Montreal, in comparison to some of the electronically driven stuff I feel like Kevin Barnes was working on in his own bedroom.  This brand new track will come on a 7″ that arrives with the remastered Satanic Panic in the Attic LP, which hits on Record Store Day.  And just in case you forgot, that’s my favorite OM record, so it only seems fitting that they offer up this track.  If this song is any indicator, it’s clear that the band is back on the up and up, perhaps bringing them back into the realm of my favorite bands.

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