Ok. You Win Santiparro

unnamed-4Pretty sure this is the third Santiparro track that I’ve tossed up your way, but I think it’s deserved.  He’s a songwriter that pulls from my Americana heroes like Wilco, then builds his own version of the style, adding various textures that build the sound into something unique.  In fact, it leans more towards pop construction than simple Americana, so I get the best of both of my favorite worlds. We’re just a few short weeks away from his album, True Prayer, which hits on the 24th via Gnome Life Records. Will it be the last song of his I post before then? Time will tell.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/09-Where-Were-From.mp3]

Download: Santiparro – Where We’re From [MP3]

King Louie from Chiraq

king-louie-gChicago-native King Louie, sometimes known as King L, is considered part of the Chiraq (pronounced Shy-Rack) movement in hip-hop, though he continues to put out a considerable amount of uncharacteristically Chiraq music. Most Chiraq music has loud, abrasive beats paired with loud, ultra violent, often gang-affiliated gangsta rap (think Chief Keef), but a number of King Louie’s songs are almost the complete opposite; subtle, smooth, relaxed, and slow (though he has plenty of characteristically Chiraq music). His appearance on Chance The Rapper’s brother Taylor Bennett’s single “New Chevy” was indicative of this, as well as his more recent song “Right Now”. King Louie performed at SXSW the last two years, so there’s a high possibility he’ll be in town again next month. “Right Now” can be downloaded for free via Audiomack or streamed below.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DG0BWYQoyMk[/youtube]

ATX Show Spotlight: Generationals vs Jonly Bonly

Jonly BonlyHump day requires celebration. It means the weekend’s almost here. So check out these two shows going on that beg your attendance.

You can hit up the Generationals show at the Parish.  They’re a Louisiana based pop group, built on maximizing hooks and memorable lyrical content.  But, to be honest…nothing has hit me as hard with this band as Con Law…but that’s just one man’s opinion.  The gig starts at 8 PM sharp!

Or, for you late night rockers…you need to be at Hotel Vegas to catch Jonly Bonly.  The local band is fueled by the excellent guitar play of Jason Smith (ex-OBN IIIs); they’re debut Put Together was one of my favorite records last year, so you can take that to the bank.  Plus, they’ll be joined by locals Slow , Mike Melindi and Caroline Says…two other acts on the rise in town, so you’ve got to be sure to show up early.  This one kicks off at 10 PM.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/The-Generationals-When-They-Fight-They-Fight.mp3] [audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/02-A2-Never-Thought-Id-Die.mp3]

 

Slightly Late To The Party: Sundayman

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So this track has been gaining a bit of attention in internetland, and when you listen you’ll understand why. Sundayman is the project of Kyriakos Moustakas, who has been making tunes since the new millennium, but has only started to go public with them in the last five years or so. This track below, “On The Run,” is a simmering synth pop jam that somehow reminds me a bit of The Magnetic Fields in its hazy vibe. While this song is great from the start, it is taken up to the next level of infectious with the addition of guest vocals from Sarah P, whom you may know from Keep Shelly In Athens. I’ve been grooving to this song all day, and you should be too.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/184867431″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Free Weed Prep Album of Stoner Hits

rikkyRikky Gage is a busy man these days, be it running Gnar Tapes or working with The Memories and White Fang.  How then did he find the time to create this Free Weed album, featuring lo-fi bedroom recordings that perfectly fit in afternoon of waking and baking? But, just as the band’s name might reference a little drug usage, those who don’t actively partake will also find something delicious in the relaxed approach to crafting pop songs.  This tune plods along with a slight bounce and a really great melody that surfs its way throughout the track.  His debut album, Introducing, will be released on the 24th of February via Bad Diet Records.

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Check Out Vessels

1932274_10152637217368725_8071902935186133269_nI have been allowed to listen to this new record from Vessels. It is called Dilate and it is an early best-of 2015 for me. I have a feeling it will stick with me through the year. To help intro you, XLR8R has offered up “Echo In” for download. Comprised of five lads from Leeds, they layer in depth to what is happening and I want to see this live.

Seriously, this record is outstanding and I call this merely an intro track.

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Stoked on This Reissue of the Apartments

apartamentoMy hat goes off to Captured Tracks; they do a great job with their new acts, but they really go for my heart with their reissues.  Earlier this year they tossed out a Stockholm Monsters reissue I quickly picked up, but now they’re prepping this one for The Apartments.  The on-again off-again project of Peter Walsh.  It’s a good representation of what was going on musically in Australia in the late 70s/early 80s, as Walsh had his hand various projects. Aside from the distinctive vocal delivery, I love the guitar sound on these tracks…usually built around an acoustic guitar.  The reissue is titled the evening visits…and stays for years, and it’ll be released on March 31st.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/184964931″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Show Pics: Knifight Release Party @ Cheer Up’s (2/6)

Upload Knifight Release 04We are championing the locals. One of the bands we love is Knifight and while we sometimes think a few locals play too many shows, we cannot accuse Knifight of over-saturation. When we get a chance, we usually take it. Gothy, gazy, noisy, wavey, industrial and bad-ass, the band has a new album out, seven tracks that are given space to breathe progress.

To celebrate the album, Cheer Up hosted a show with GOST and ATH faves Night Drive to dance in the night. Head past the break and get a few thoughts and the usual batch of pics.

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Warped Pop From Foreign/National

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A little while ago, Nathan threw you a song from Aussies Foreign/National and let you know about their killer EP that they released back last September. Well, these gents are back with another single called “Always Blue,” and it is another sure sign that you need to know about this band. This track bounces along in its echo-y mix, the reverb soaked vocals and distorted guitar giving you a hazily distorted pop song that you’ll be jamming to all day. Give it a listen and look out for more from this band– they’re crushing it so far.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/187757799″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Exclusive B-Side on the New Sleaford Mods 7″

sleafIf you didn’t get your hands on last year’s Divide and Exit LP from the Sleaford Mods, then perhaps you missed the boat.  The UK act was all over year end lists, and I’ve got a certain fondness for the duo.  Musically, they’re definitely in the vein of punk rock: brutal all the way.  But, what’s more punk to me are the vocals from Jason.  It’s semi-spoken word, semi-rap, yet there’s no subject matter that’s off limits, including relegation rovers, QPR.  They’ve got a 7″ featuring one of the catchy tracks off that LP, but it’ll have an exclusive B-Side, which we also have below.  Emotional Response is responsible for the single, so get it while it’s hot! Here’s “A Little Ditty” and “I’m Shit at It.”

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/LittleDitty.128.mp3] [audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/ShitAtIt.128.mp3]

 

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