New Hit from Geoffrey O’Connor of Crayon Fields

My adoration with Geoffrey O’Connor admittedly began with his work with geoffCrayon Fields, one of our favorite exports from Australia.  But, that being said, I’ve also really enjoyed the work he’s done solo, so it comes as no surprise that this new single is making my day.  His warm voice is placed over heavy electronic beats, alongside a female counterpart for the chorus.  Personally, I like the way his voice almost approaches a soft whisper; it’s one of the things that makes his music so interesting and enjoyable.  This is the first single that follows up his solo debut, Vanity is Forever (a must have). It’ll be released worldwide via Chapter Music.

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John Dwyer Unearths The Herms

hermspromophoto_101756Being John Dwyer has to be pretty sweet.  Not only does he get to front Thee Oh Sees, but he gets to run Castle Face Records too.  A great band and a great label? Sweet gig bro.  It’s also allowed him some time to really dig deep into his local or nearby history, as is the case with Berkley band The Herms.  He’s taken some early demos and 8-track recordings from the group and compiled them into the Drop Out Vol. 1 LP.  This is the first take on this band for many of us, and this swaggering bit of rock n’ roll is enough to see exactly why John took on the project.  It’s rock like this that I can get behind.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Herms_PowerJoystick.mp3]

Download: The Herms – Power Joystick [MP3]

Cate Le Bon Wins Again with New Single

cateI was amazed at the first live set I caught of Cate Le Bon a few years back.  I found her effort following that good too, but I get the feeling this new release is going to be pretty great.  On the latest single she takes a really laid back approach, allowing the groove to sit calmly in the foreground while her marvelous voice operates all around. Then there’s this angelic backing vocal that comes in just before the 3 minute mark; it’s just a beautiful touch.  Her latest effort Mug Museum will be out on November 12 via Wichita Recordings.

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Yet Another Hit from Dot Dash

dotdashWhen it rains it pours, and in this case, it’s raining hits for our friends in Dot Dash.  The DC group has just released their latest LP, Half-Remembered Dream, via The Beautiful Music, and the latest single is just another reason why more people should put everything down to fall in love with this band. There’s a bit more of a punkier element on this track, but the warmth of the vocals, which dominates the new record, really does wonders to keep the song perfectly balanced throughout.  If you’re in need of a new album that combines great melodies with power-pop guitars, then go get your hands on this year’s hottest ticket.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/03-Bloom_Decay.mp3]

Download: Dot Dash – Bloom/Decay [MP3]

New Music from Astrid Swan

astrdNot too long ago we told you that Astrid Swan was working on wrapping up her 5th studio album, Astrid4.  Today we bring you another new track from that release, which shows the minimalist artist broadening her sound.  The piano is definitely playing the skeletal background role here, with rolling drums and horns lurking in the background.  Their union provides an emphatic punch to the song itself, allowing for the sensible pop listener to fall head over heels.  This record will see a release by Soliti on October 25th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/02-Four-Months-To-Kill.mp3]

Download: Astrid Swan – Four Months To Kill [MP3]

Mind Spiders Rock It Out

Mind SpidersThe last two LPs from Mind Spiders have always received adulation and heavy rotation here at ATH, so it probably won’t change when the group releases their newest, Inhumanistic; it’s going to be released via Dirtnap Records on October 8th.  If you’ve caught the band in the last year, you’ve probably seen the track below; it’s a quick blasting song in the band’s traditional rock n’ roll fashion, pushing guitars quickly in anticipation of the group’s dynamite drumming.  And with an anthemic chorus of “make make make make” there’s no reason you won’t have a blast hopping about to this tune.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/MakeMakeMakeMake.mp3]

Download: Mind Spiders – Make Make Make Make [MP3]

Enjoy The Black Tambourines

blacktambourinesNo. This is not the famed Slumberland act, Black Tambourine, rather it’s THE Black Tambourines, a UK act who I first caught wind of via Art Is Hard Records.  The label is releasing the band’s self-titled debut today, and I’m pretty sure it’s a band you won’t be disappointed if you just spend a little time with this track.  It’s a pretty fun track that gets your spirits up, offering ramshackle guitar pop that inevitably sinks under your skin.  Guitars cascade in soloing fashion while the drums bang hard in your ears.  I don’t see why you won’t love these guys.

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Floating Pop from The Olive Shoots

oliveshootsIt’s been a rough year for some of the great indie pop labels, and I had worried that Dufflecoat Records might succumb to the demands of the world.  Luckily, they’ve decided to keep doors open for now, preparing to release a couple of great acts; the first you should take notice of is The Olive Shoots.  The one-woman Swedish act has just released her Anteros EP via the label, and the lead track requires your attention today.  Vocals drift in, and the tension builds via ambient noise, just before it all comes crashing down into the realm of explosive pop.  After the crash the vocals take a bit to re-enter, but they come in strong and emotional.  Go support good music; pick up this EP today.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/04-Anteros.mp3]

Download: The Olive Shoots – Anteros [MP3]

Spritely Pop from Pale Spectres

palespectresI’m a few weeks late on this tune, but it’s just too good not to share with you all. I first caught wind of Pale Spectres when they had a release on Cloudberry Records, who apparently will be releasing their new EP featuring this very song.  The Paris act have easily won me over with this tune; it’s got a quick jangling guitar line that rings true to indiepop form, all the while providing you with a bubbling bass groove that encourages delighted toe-tapping.  It seems like a simple formula, but only a few bands can pull of executing a sound like this.

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Jacuzzi Boys – Jacuzzi Boys

JacuzziBoys_LP2Rating: ★★★½☆

I feel like I’ve been waiting for some time to hear the new LP from Miami’s Jacuzzi Boys.  But, while it’s only been a short two years since their last release, the boys have been touring hard and writing the great songs that fall into this self-titled release on Hardly Art.  It’s full of infectious pop tunes and harmonies that appear to be a foray into a more pop-centric realm.

“Be My Prism” opens the record with this really warm pop feeling; it’s an emotion that serves the song and the album well.  I think the guitar might be a little understated here, though, leaving the melody as the big focus.  But, that seems to be the early approach on Jacuzzi Boys, as they move into “Black Gloves” with the same mentality.  The guitars are a little more pronounced, but there’s still a huge focus on the harmonies the group has created.  Personally, I think this is one of my favorite tracks on the LP.  By this point, the band’s settled into a groove that they ride for the duration, using the guitars to accent their beach pop.

Right after the lead single, “Double Vision” comes another great song that I’ve been partial to as I’ve spent time with this LP.  “Dust” is this drifting pop tune that seems as if it was thrown together haphazardly (I mean that in a good way).  It’s so casual and unassuming, but the ringing guitar effect and the vocals do wonders for my ears. It’s not a tune I expected, which is perhaps why I find it so incredible…all the way to the fuzzed guitar riff near the end.  It’s a song that fits well with “Heavy Horse,” a song that Jacuzzi Boys offer you later in the listen.  The latter tune even includes extra bits of percussion to bring the warmth of the melody further into the fold. There’s hints of swagger in the guitar, but you can easily see yourself enjoying a nice Miami beach sunset and a cold beer while this tune echoes in the distance.

While you can still feel the edge of the band that was apparent in Glazin, this release has a totally different appeal.  This effort seems more geared to a relaxed listen, rather than a beer fueled beach party.  The songs are gentler, leaving a calmer pop feeling to soothe you, rather than one that’s built on propulsive hooks.  For me, I think that it might not be as immediately charming, though the more listens you put into it, the more you’re ultimately rewarded.  If you weren’t completely sold on Jacuzzi Boys, then I think this release is going to change your mind, making you their new biggest fan.

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