Austin Spotlight: Captive

captiveThe other night I was hanging with our boys Grape St, who always put on an excellent show, and they advised me to keep an eye on Captive, their opening act. What I caught was this minimalist dark wave act, that came across like a mix between early Cure and the popper moments of Joy Division. They use sterile drum beats and propulsive bass lines to affect your emotional investment, and the vocals definitely are spot on. There’s not a whole lot of information out there, but with Austin’s music scene rising, these guys are sure to be part of that rise.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/05-The-Fool-Album-Version.mp3]

Download: Captive – The Fool [MP3]

Juan Wauters – NAP: North American Poetry

juanwautersRating: ★★★☆☆

Juan Wauters is best known for his work with the Beets, but he’s stepping out now to make a name for himself.  His first full-length, North American Poetry, builds on his songwriting, but still bears the mark of his previous work.  There’s some hits and some misses, but those hits are definitely worth your undivided attention.

If you’re just now encountering Juan Wauters, I’d advise you to skip “Let Me Hip You to Something.”  It’s not a bad song by any means, but the vocal performance might not be the best introduction; you should come back to it later once you have a finer understanding of Wauters. The next two tracks, however, are must listen destinations.  I love the chugging power of “Sanity or Not,” which might bear a resemblance to a lot of modern garage-pop tracks, though the guitar playing provides an emotion that evokes a sense of traveling.  Then “Lost In Soup” offers a slower version of Juan’s goals, using interesting lyrics to keep things playful, while driving home a strong melody listeners will find endearing.

I think one of the great things about listening to North American Poetry is that the majority of the songs are fairly short, so you get a fresh spin with each song; it makes the songwriting last longer, as  it can get stuck in one place, stylistically speaking. “Woke Up Feeling Like Something” again has that familiar Wauters’ guitar chug on the tune is familiar, presented in earlier tunes on the record, but the “oohs” and the careful way he delivers each note are just right for this number. Then there’s “All Tall Man Will Fall,” which feels more like a poetry experiment fitting with the album’s title.  This is one of the distinctive touches of Juan’s music; he keeps things playful lyrically, using various syllabic inflections to impact the message.

The last few tracks do get the extra benefit of including the voice of Carmelle.  Her performance on “Breathing” alone makes the song rise above some of the previous tracks; differentiation can always add so much to a record’s collective spirit. Similarly, “How Do They All Do” uses Carmelle, though there’s a slower pace to this number.  Personally, I think the album would have been more successful as a whole if these two tracks were spaced out, rather than stuck right next to each other at the end.  Her voice is vital, however, fitting in seamlessly with the songs Juan presented her.

In the end, I find that I enjoy most of the tracks on North American Poetry.  I love the lyrical playfulness, as well as the heart of the songs themselves, but that being said, at times the album gets stuck in one place.  Had the appearance of Carmelle been scattered, it might have added just the right touch to make Juan Wauters solo debut a great listen, rather than just a good listen.

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

 

Quilt – Held In Splendor

quiltRating: ★★★★☆

While the masses revisit the soul of the sixties, the sounds eventually blend together, leaving you with more of a rehash effort than a remaining, but on Quilt‘s new album, Held In Splendor, they make those nods, but they incorporate a more expansive palate, creating a more diverse sound that’s wholly their own.

You’ll start your journey with “Arctic Shark,” which comes across as a sexualized stomp with Anna Rochinski taking the vocal lead.  You can imagine her swaying in front of a field of friends as the sound of sitar enters the picture, but it’s her flowing melody that really takes the focus.  Interestingly, the band are just incorporating bits and pieces of their influences, rather than over-indulging.  You’ll hear that unfold even more as Held In Splendor moves forward with “Saturday Bride;” the harmonizing alone makes the song worth your time, but it’s the restraint shown in the psychedelia that allows you to see that they’re not willing to allow their own personalities get carried away in reminiscing.

I think one of the most successful pieces of the Quilt‘s composition is that they keep songs short and sweet, with the majority of the tracks living beneath the 3 minute mark.  Songs like “The Hollow” are short and to the point, yet they’re actually filled with multiple musical movements within. This track begins as a bit of a casual poet’s ballad with intricate guitar playing being enforced by string arrangements, yet the pace is adjusted as the drums push the song forward just a bit.  These mini-movements are what allow the group to keep their music impactful, without wearing you thin with too many historical references.

Personally, I think my favorite tracks are those with a traditional balladry to them, such as “Eye of the Pearl” and “Talking Trains.” The former is a steady number with a great vocal performance, emphasized by a nice backing vocal that’s draped directly atop the main vocal.  And while the latter is a ballad, the guitar has a darker tone, which is more fitting for Rochinski’s vocal performance.  Both songs represent the fact that simplicity often requires more skill in order to make the songs standout, and in the case of these two songs, it’s true.

While the genre of psychedelia and paisley-influenced jams allows many of us to revisit our favorite musical era, the realm of that genre can often get tired and wearisome, treading over itself far more often than going in new directions.  That being said, Held In Splendor doesn’t get bogged down in nostalgia, instead using it as a launching off point for Quilt‘s dynamic songwriting process. It’s a listen draped in history, but pushing us forward towards a new future…you’ll like where you end up.

New Single from Reptile Youth

reptileyouthIn 2012 Reptile Youth caught the attention of many with their self-titled debut, and they rode that quick fame to a recording session with one of the members of Iceage.  But, don’t let that fool you, as this track is an uplifting tune, emotionally speaking, that you might not associate with the hard edge of the man behind the soundboard.  It’s the sort of song that really puts a solid foot in the ground, showing that this group deserves and continues their meteoric rise.  If you’re looking for something that’s going to take you to higher spiritual levels before you leave work on Friday, then just stop here for a few minutes; enjoy your weekend.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/130598719″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=true” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Catchy Gem from Bart Davenport

bartdavenportI missed out on posting about Bart Davenport‘s first single, but I just couldn’t skip out on this one.  It’s a pretty classy little pop gem, reminiscent of the old Kings of Convenience.  There’s a warm melody and a gentler vocal delivery that carefully swings its way atop the track’s jangling guitars.  You might call it a classic pop formula, but who cares when it sounds this good?  You can grab Bart’s Physical World LP when it’s released on March 4th via Burger Records. These are the sort of tunes that warm my soul.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/03-Dust-In-The-Circuits.mp3]

Download: Bart Davenport – Dust In The Circuits [MP3]

Spirited Number from Beaty Heart

beatyheartRemember when Animal Collective was weird and enchanting?  Yeah, I know it’s been awhile, so turn your ears towards Beaty Heart instead.  They’re using tribal influences and loops to create this oddball pop tune that’s playful, yet wholly intelligent in design.  I like the restraint shown too, as they don’t push themselves beyond the limits of absurdity, leaving the listener with a tune that defies most modern genres, yet still hold a certain level of accessibility. This single will be appear on the group’s Mixed Blessings album, which is slated to be released in May.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/132026223″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

The Weekend Update: Austin Show Advisory

Austin_MuralIt’s the weekend folks, and that means for a great deal of us our responsibilities go out the window; we can go out and party! What better way to hit up the town than by atttending some great musical events across the city of Austin? We’ll go through a quick run through of great shows we think you should at least consider attending, if you’re up for a night on the town.

Friday:

Learning Secrets 10 Anniversary w/ Delorean @ Red 7 – 9 PM

Black Books, Pageantry, Shivery Shakes, Horse Thief @ Holy Mountain – 9 PM

Holy Wave (LP Release), The Zoltars – Hotel Vegas – 10 PM

Mutual Benefit, Poppy Red @ Mohawk – 9 PM

Saturday:

Dead Meadow, Holy Wave @ Hotel Vegas – 9 PM

Little Radar, Summer Swells, Stella, Harvest Thieves @ Holy Mountain – 9 PM

And there you have it. Pick a show, any show, just go out and have some fun. You deserve it. Here’s some jams from Black Books and Little Radar.

[audio:

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/01-Spitfire.mp3]

 

New EP from Yuck

yucks-000069414436-57c6ii-t500x500yuckbandyuckbandIt’s been an interesting year for Yuck, as they’ve lost a member, released an album, and now they’re back readying a new EP.  My first few listens to this track see the group continuing to grow in an entirely different direction than where they were a few years back.  That being said, I really dig the track; I like the way the guitars work in this circular pattern.  I’m amazed at what happens when you swap out one member; it completely changes the direction and sound, although I think this version of the band is definitely growing on me.  The new EP is titled Southern Skies and should be 0ut at some point later this Spring.  Here’s a listen to the first single.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/132152711″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Show Review: Cate Le Bon @ Mohawk (1/29)

Cate Le BonLike most shows I’ve attended as of late, I was pretty familiar with the acts playing.  But, that being said, I hadn’t caught a set from Cate Le Bon in several years, so I was interested in the performance, as I feel that she’s had a small transformation, in both sound and appearance.  It didn’t hurt that the openers were both excellent, making it an easy night to enjoy music. Read on for more thoughts and some photos. Read more

Flagland Continue to Kick Out the Jams

lovehardAs Flagland have continued their rise in our musical world, they’ve offered various musical forms.  They’ve been soft, brash and explosive, but this latest tune recalls the sharp-edged sword that once was Liars.  It’s darkened post-punk with bursts of rasping lyrics that force you to turn down your stereo so you won’t wake the neighbors.  You’ll be able to get their new record, Love Hard, via the consistent Father Daughter Records on February 25th.  Be prepared to have a little fun with your listening habits; it’s all over the map in an enjoyably spastic way.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/09-Monster.mp3]

 

1 951 952 953 954 955 1,306