More Jams from Odonis Odonis

odonisOf all the bands crafting noise-pop music at the moment, perhaps none have my heart more than Odonis Odonis.  The Canadian act are preparing for the release of Hard Boiled Soft Boiled, and this new song is just another reason that I’m backing the band to grab a huge following in 2014.  I love the way the guitars screech through the speakers, while a slight bit of pop sensibility gurgles beneath the noisy wash the group has created.  They’ve also created a nifty little video for the tune, which you can check out by jumping HERE. You can hear the whole record on April 15th via Buzz Records.

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La Sera Releases New Tunes

Upload_SxSWthoughts_2012_03_14-13_49_12After news of the finality of Vivian Girls, it would only make sense that Katy Goodman and her project, La Sera, would get more of a focus.  She leaked news via a Youtube clip earlier in the week, and now we get our first full listen to one of the tracks.  It’s definitely a more rock n’ roll approach, which fits with Goodman’s known adoration of classic West Coast punk like Black Flag and the Wipers. After hearing this track, we’re completely giddy in anticpation of her new record, Hour of the Dawn.  It’ll see a release of May 13th via the good folks at Hardly Art.

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SXSW 2014 Interview: Mutual Benefit

473217_390909804286889_152677526_oOf all the names on the list for SXSW, perhaps none has had a greater run-up than Mutual Benefit.  The work of the band has surely paid off with the praise heaped upon Love’s Crushing Diamond.  The band make their way to Austin riding that wave, with promise to live up to, and beyond, the hype that’s been ascribed to them.  Here’s how they answered some of our questions on their way into our city.  Read more

SXSW 2014 Interview: CYMBALS

1401742_756613981021666_1001563622_oCYMBALS are riding high after the recent release of their latest album, The Age of Fracture. They’re heading into to Austin to play SXSW, and they’ve got a special day lined up on Wednesday, March 12, opening for the Pains of Being Pure at Heart during the Force Field Day Party.  Check out the band’s thoughts on the festival as they prepare to blow into town.  Read more

PUJOL Continues His Garage Pop Career

pujolYou’ve likely heard about PUJOL on these pages before, as we’re always clamoring for whatever new music Daniel Pujol is working on. He just announced that he’ll be releasing KLUDGE, his newest album,on May 20th with Saddle Creek.  The Nashville artist still holds onto his DIY garage aesthetics, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that his songwriting is taking a liking towards a more pop-centric writing style.  It doesn’t hurt his songs though, as you’ll clearly see this one as just another hit from one of our favorite songwriters.

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

Download: PUJOL – Pitch Black [MP3]

Each Other – Being Elastic

eachRating: ★★★½☆

It seems over the last few years that a great deal of the bands I’ve taken a liking to have put less emphasis on the meaning behind the title of their completed works.  I can’t, however, say that about Each Other.  Their newest effort, Being Elastic, fits entirely in line with what one might think when reflecting upon the album’s name; it stretches all over the place musically.

“About the Crowd” begins with this fuzzy bass line lurking beneath the vocals.  The pacing seems like a mild stutter-step, until you reach the 1.5 minute park, where the guitars begin to chime in with more of a euphoric circle pit direction that perfectly meets the vocals.  From here Being Elastic moves into the more post-punk driven “Send Your Signals,” which is driven by the tight percussive quality and angular musicianship.  At times, the band slows things down to a more drawn out tempo, finishing off the track with this soaring pop vocal that’s indicative of the band’s efforts to move all over the place within their tracks.

Throughout the listen, Each Other moves in and out of varying genres.  “You or Any Other Thing” is one of those tracks that encapsulates precisely why the group’s so intoxicating.  The tune drifts in with dreamy folk harmony, but at various points, things are flipped upside down as the song takes an approach that seems like the obvious clash of influences like Q and Not U and The Wrens.  To me, it seems like the perfect way to make a nod to past greats, while still showing a progressive attitude in the songwriting. It seems like an easy enough formula for success, but I like how the group is capable is switching the approach, as they do on “Fine Time.” This number has a softer opening moment, then it jumps off into a jangling romp that is bound to pick up the spirits of listeners.

You do have to be careful where you skip around on Being Elastic, as you’re likely to get the wrong impression if you land on certain tracks.  “Seeing Doubles Dreaming Troubles” is dominated by an upbeat chugging that only slows down long enough to suck the audience in before bounding off in an enjoyable fashion.  It’s a complete juxtaposition to tracks like “The Trick You Gave Up” or “Or Else,” both which rely upon an extremely mellow mood to deliver their message.  Your best bet is just to enjoy the diversity from start to finish.

And there you have it folks; you have a record that’s as diverse a listen, sonically, as the name would imply.  Being Elastic offers a glimpse into the life of a band that’s not sold on one dynamic, and in taking that in stride, Each Other have released an album that demonstrates the vitality that comes with maximized creativity.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/08-Your-Ceiling-is-My-Floor.mp3]

Download: Each Other – Your Ceiling is My Floor [MP3]

New Music from Ex-Cult

ex-cult_vice_670Couldn’t have Tuesday pass without throwing out something a little bit heavier, like this brand new jam from Ex-Cult.  These guys have been one of our favorite acts since they popped up, and I’ve really enjoyed the new music they’ve been working on.  Personally, I like the recording here, with really clear vocals up front, while the rest of the band pummels you with forceful drums and noisy guitar lines.  They’ve got a new record titled Midnight Passenger coming out on April 29th via the reliable Goner Records.  Take a little listen and get your energy up right this minute.

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SXSW 2014 Interview: HOTT MT

16618_598259880251589_1972159839_nLately I’ve been running through a gambit of rock n’ roll interviews with SXSW, so I wanted to offer up something  a little more ethereal, musically speaking.  With that in mind, I bring you HOTT MT, an act working somewhere in the realm between Thailand and California.  I think reading their questions definitely bring home the idea that some bands come to Austin because it’s supposed to be about fun and having a good time.  There’s a list of their shows at the end of the interview. Read more

Stanley Brinks and The Wave Pictures Unite!

sbwpIt’s great when two of your favorite artists combine, especially when their sounds mesh together so well.  Today, I’m bringing you a track from Stanley Brinks (of Herman Dune) working, again, with his friends in The Wave Pictures.  The bands both dwell in a light-hearted indiepop world, though with the Waves Pictures, there’s a more of a focus on the guitar work.  These lads have worked together before, though Gin is their first effort since 2010.  You’ll be able to grab this record from Fika Recordings this week! The version below is a 7″ version, but you can stream the whole album HERE, in case you want the album version, and to listen to the whole.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/01-Spinola-Bay-SB-Vox.mp3]

Download: Stanley Brinks and The Wave Pictures – Spinola Bay [MP3]

SXSW 2014 Interview: Anne

anneWe’ve been covering lots of Anne tracks lately, and the music that’s coming out of this artist is pretty kick ass.  It’s geared for all you folks ready to throw down on the dance floor, albeit with a slightly different vibe. He’s likely to keep his set pretty heavy with tracks from his recent album, Pulling Chain.  Here’s what he had to say before making his way into town, and personally, I think these are some of the best answers we’ve gotten.

Read more

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