Author: nathan.lankford

New Music from Hospitality

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hospitalityWhat a difference an album can make!  The first effort from Hospitality was a joy, filled with catchy folk-influenced tunes that you could sing whilst still feeling a bit introspective.  But, as evidenced by their latest tune, which is slated to be on their new record, Trouble, they’ve taken things into a more sinister place, at least in so far as the mood created.  I also think their sound has expanded, filling out some of the empty space that may have been present on their first effort. This tune definitely has me intrigued, wondering if they can maintain their exuberance while going darker (you can hear another tune HERE).  I guess we’ll all find out when Merge releases the album on January 28th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/128220679″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Free Week Thursday Preview!

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austin-skyline-mark-weaverIt’s drawing to a close, but things have warmed up, so make sure you take advantage of Free Week while we’re all still getting our fill of free rock n’ roll throughout the city.  Fasten your seat belts, put down your camera phones, and buy some merch.  Here’s our recommendations for this evening.

Golden Boys, Jonly Bonly and Orthy at Red 7 at 9 PM

Obscured by Echoes and Migrant Kids @ Holy Mountain

Little Radar at the Swan Dive @ 9 PM

Midnight Masses at Hotel Vegas @ 11 PM

Treat it like SXSW…bounce around, meet new people, catch new bands, or catch bands you love.  Just go out. It’s Thursday. Here are some tracks from Jonly Bonly and Little Radar.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/02-A2-Never-Thought-Id-Die.mp3] [audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/01-Spitfire.mp3]

CONTEST: Abram Shook Sun Marquee Vinyl Giveaway!!!

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Abram.Shook.1.300As long time supporters of Abram Shook, we’re overly excited about the release of his new album, and you should be too! Sun Marquee has already shown its promised with a few incredible singles (which you can stream below), but we’ve got a steal for you! For the price of a simple comment, you can get your hands on a vinyl copy of the record, courtesy of Western Vinyl (and us). I figure since it’s an Austin artist, we should make you leave a comment about the best place in Austin to get a taco.  What’s your favorite place? Comment, and it could win you a free LP!

But, if you’re not able to win, and you live in the Austin area, you’ll have a chance to get your hands on a copy during his release show on January 24th at the Mohawk.  Tickets are $6, and opening acts Royal Forest and Good Field aren’t too shabby either.  Stream the tracks and leave a comment. Contest ends Monday at 11:59 PM.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/03-Distance.mp3] [audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/06-Coastal.mp3]

Power Pop Gem from Spirit Kid

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spiritkid Spirit Kid is the working moniker of Boston’s Emeen Zarookian, who gets a little help from his friends (Bent Shapes & Babydriver) on his forthcoming release, Is Happening.  Those of you in need of a powerful burst of pop will definitely find yourselves in love with his first big single, “Slow It Down.” In just under three minutes, the song pushes hooks and energy right down your throat, making it nearly impossible to ignore the joyous possibilities that await us all with his release.  You can grab your copy of the album when it sees a national release on March 18th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/02-Slow-It-Down.mp3]

Download: Spirit Kid – Slow It Down [MP3]

New-ish Music from Iska Dhaaf

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iskaSometimes it takes a tune a little bit of time to gather some steam before it makes its way into the consciousness of the masses, and I’m not sure why it has taken us so long to get into this tune from Seattle’s Iska Dhaaf.  The song is one of those sprawling tracks that illustrates just how many layers bands can add, while still allowing for the pop sensibility to shine through.  I really like the feeling of the lyrics and vocals tied into the track as well. You can also check out a video treatment the song got HERE. The group will release their debut, Even the Sun Will Burn, on March 11th via Brick Lane Records.

John Dwyer is the New Mike Sniper

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dwyerAs we’ve lamented lately (including this week) the hiatus of Thee Oh Sees, it looks like John Dwyer isn’t even stopping to think about it.  That should completely be expected, considering the fact that his old band worked at a seemingly break-neck speed.  But, what I didn’t entirely expect from Dwyer was this new synth-laden track under his new moniker, Damaged Bug.  It’s similar to the work of Mike Sniper of Blank Dogs (where has he gone) in so far as it’s a largely electronic sound wrapped around a rock n’ roll attitude.  Dwyer’s got a synth project and a label? He’s definitely the new Sniper. John’s record will be titled Hubba Bubba, and it will be released on February 25th via his label, Castleface.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/128344191″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Pop Gem from Vanaprasta

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vanaprastaSoaring vocals are all the rage, but they’re particularly interesting when the music crafted around them takes an interesting turn, to and fro.  Such is the approach that Vanaprasta seem to have taken on their new tune, “NYF,” with multiple musical journeys being taken within the track.  At times, the voice rises, while guitars echo discordantly in a seemingly empty space, but then there’s these other subtle nuances like the backing vocals and the slightly spirited moment around the 1.28 minute mark.  No word on whether the band will be releasing anything as far as a full-length goes, but they do have some scheduled sets for our LA readers.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/128191615″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Web of Sunsets Release New Single

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webofsunsetsAs the majority of the country currently battles to stave off the cold, this track from Web of Sunsets seems to come at the perfect time. Drifting along, the song encompasses the warmth that we all seek out, while there’s still a bit of sparseness allowing for the wondering of one’s mind.  On February 14th, the rest of the country will also get to listen to the Minneapolis band’s full-length, Room of Monsters, which will be released on End of Time.  It should further the apparent mastery and craftsmanship in the group’s Americana-influenced sound.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/08_Foreign-Bodies.mp3]

Download: Web of Sunsets – Foreign Bodies [MP3]

Gritty Jam from POW!

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powWhile many of us are lamenting the temporary (we can hope!) hiatus of Thee Oh Sees, we can be happy that John Dwyer is turning his attention elsewhere, allowing for more releases via his label, Castle Face Records.  His latest find is to unearth the young San Fran band, POW!, who offer up this darkened pop number.  The recording has things rather low, which provides for a dirtier sound than many are used to at the moment, but I think that adds to the appeal; the slightly discordant guitar solo really added a nice layer for me.  The band’s debut Hi-Tech Boom will be out on January 14th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/02-Hope-Dealers.mp3]

Tuesday/Wednesday Free Week Previews

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austin-skyline-mark-weaverSo, if you haven’t seen a live band playing in Austin in the last few days, then you’re really missing out on one of the great things about Austin (at least from the music spectators perspective).  We continue our efforts to keep you informed with our list of shows you should check out in the next few days.  Brave the cold and catch some great music folks.

Tuesday: 

Shivery Shakes and RF Shannon at the Mohawk @ 8 PM (Indoors…you’ll be warm)

Speak @ Holy Mountain

Wednesday:

Dikes of Holland at Beerland @ 9 PM

Halaska at North Door @ 10 PM

Isaiah the Mosaic at Red 7 @ 9 PM

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Shivery-Shakes-Single.mp3]

Download: Shivery Shakes – Sidewalk Talk [MP3]

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