Brooding Pop from Jasia

jaziaAs the year comes to a close, I’m going back and getting into some things that I’ve seen on other lists or just songs that were somehow sliding under our radar.  This Jasia tune was one that I dug when it popped up, but for some reason it fell hidden in my emails. This song is this electronic pop composition that builds and builds, though it never quite erupts in euphoria. Instead, the subtleties of the pop sensibility billow for its entirety, which is quite an enjoying piece of work. Look for more work from this kid as 2015 kicks on.

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Show Preview: Spirit Animal @ Stubbs (12.1) Tonight

spiritBrooklyn party rockers Spirit Animal bring their heavy grooves and sing-along hooks back to Austin for the second (non-SXSW) time tonight at Stubbs. Their tour goes for two weeks as they promote their new electro-funk jam, “Party in the Back” (out tomorrow 12/2). Their live show is said to be a blistering good time, filled with energy to keep you warm on this cold night. Thy released a 2013 EP, “Kingdom Phylum,” earning them MTV Buzzworthy ‘Artists to Watch’ honors and their video for summer single “BST FRNDS” has racked up 100,000 YouTube views.  You know, in case you wanna leave the house tonight!  Doors are at 8 and tickets are $10.

 

New Music from King of Cats

working outWhy does the year have to end? There still seems like there’s great tunes to be had, such as this tune from King of Cats. This track starts our innocently enough, but when the guitar breakdown comes in I find myself hooked every time, even when I know what’s coming. The vocals get a touch harsh from Max Levy at some points, but that huge riff draws me back in to the tune. The band’s debut album, Working Out, is coming out soon from Art Reeks, a new collaborative label by some folks over in the UK.  Sometimes a good riff just makes everything worth it.

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Fresh Tune from Alex G

agOne of the releases I really took a liking too this year was DSU, the latest LP from Alex G.  He’s been sort of an underground sensation, winning over fans across the globe with his really personal touch to his songwriting.  This track probably isn’t as new as I’d like, as it was recorded for DSU, though it didn’t make the final cut for the album.  Still, even in its brevity you can hear why Alex has become such a sensation in many circles.  If this is what you like, then be sure to go and collect all his work, including that great LP from earlier this year.

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Fuzzy Rocker from Sun Voyager

voyagesJust a few weeks ago I dropped a tune from Sun Voyager in regards to their forthcoming split with Greasy Hearts, but they’ve just unleashed another new tune for a label comp that’s coming your way soon.  This track is the perfect blow-your-hair-back psych rock that makes for great liver performances; it’s got this sludgy deep riff that rattles your soul, while the vocals wobble in atmospheric fashion atop it all.  This is for fans that like the heavier side of psych rock…and really, just those that want to rock on a Monday.

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Perfect Indiepop from Pale Lights

paleIt’s a bummer that I opted to take most of last week off, as if I hadn’t, you’d have had this Pale Lights single spinning in your head throughout your holiday week, or your black Friday enslavement.  Regardless, you’re now going to spend the next 20-30 minutes playing these two songs over and over again.  It’s remarkable how quickly this band can add to their already strong catalog, having released the much needed  Before There Were Pictures earlier this year. I don’t know which of the two tracks is better here, so you best listen to them both.  Hoping to see this on a vinyl release, but for now it’s just a digital single you’ll want to get your hands on as soon as possible.

Top 15 Austin Albums of 2014

Top LocalsIt’s that time of year when we all toss up our arbitrary lists of what we think is best, and seeing as we’re based here in Austin, we opted to go with our Top 15 Austin Albums first.  Why 15? Well, there were a lot of great releases all over the place, covering different styles, and appealing to our different writers. Sure, the list isn’t perfect, and it doesn’t reflect singles and EPs, as that could get entirely too crazy.  I included links to the labels so you can buy these albums from the hard-working folks in our town.  Also…there are two releases on our label, but I have no qualms about that; I didn’t set out to put out a bad LP, so obviously, they’re going to be in here.  And without further meaningless words…here’s the best records from Austin that you should already own!

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Have A Nice Weekend

10712570_10152332665407611_4852166616909513652_oHope you all had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving with family and friends. We trust you told them all about our super cool website, right?

For your weekend of Black Friday injury recovery, family oddities, college football gambling stress and Premier League drama, take a listen to this fantastic EP from Beacon. Ghostly posted L1 over on their Soundcloud a few days ago and it is a gem. Due 12/2, Preorder the plastic with download over at the Ghostly store.

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Twin Peaks Share New Video

twin peaks

If you’re still stuck at work, or you’ve already taken off for Turkey Day, rejoice, for your favorite gang of lovable dudes, Twin Peaks, have a new video for you. Start your day off with this short video for the song “Mind Frame,” which features the band taking turns, riding on some sweet hogs. We’ve loved this band long time, and this little video reminds me of the same kind of chill vibes that we enjoyed from them at their FFF Fest set.  It’s a carefree laid back kind of video– perfect for the band and a perfect way to start your day. Enjoy.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/psrKao-K6Uw[/youtube]

Introducing Cats of Transnistria

kittiesYou know my adoration for our Finnish friends over at Soliti Music; that’s going to continue as they’ve just signed an incredibly interesting new act, Cats of Transnistria.  The group is essentially a duo, crafting this really ornate soundscape music, weaving vocals in and out, and creating this aesthetic that’s extremely hard to ignore.  This video the band created to accompany their single captures that approach, as it’s merely just a bit more than a gentle breeze that whispers through the flowers and the video’s protagonist; it fits in perfectly with the vocals.  Look for their EP in January.

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