Category: News

The Pop of Paul Cook & the Chronicles

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paulydI’ve long chronicled (see what I did there) the work and career of Paul Cook, and I’m happy to say that I can always find something enjoyable in his work. He’s a trust worthy pop songsmith, so when he passed over his new EP with request to run a new tune, I couldn’t deny him. There’s subtle touches in his work that elevate his songs above your average fare, like the female touches that come through the background during the latter half of this number.  If you like what you hear, his Night Fires EP is available for free HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/01-Night-Fires.mp3]

Download: Paul Cook & the Chronicles – Night Fires [MP3]

Show Pics: A Night Out In Austin (11/29)

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Night DriveI love the shows that happen during the Thanksgiving weekend. Students are home, it is usually local bands hanging out with friends, perhaps getting back from the road or just popping up to keep sharp before heading into the studio. Last Saturday was just that kind of night with two of my favorites in Night Drive and Shivery Shakes at Cheer Up Charlie’s and Holy Mountain, respectively. As a bonus, I got to see The David Ruffins and Ishi and so many friends that things degraded into full on shenanigans. Yes, shenanigans, full on. #lightpaintingcockandballs

Back to the music, The David Ruffins sounded like Austin “in the day”, Ishi brought the kimono-beard dance party, Night Drive made a point to engage every single person in the crowd before heading off to the studio (yay!) and Shivery Shakes sounded super tight after a stint on the road.

Click through and let me take on a visual journey…

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New Track From The Soft Moon

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15408a93-08d7-4e3f-b05b-2dc72648dac4Our friends at Captured Tracks sent over news of The Soft Moon‘s latest album. The album is called Deeper and will be released March 31st. Along with this news comes a stream of the lead single called “Black”. Way too soon. I have to wait four months? I broke my SxSW rule of not seeing a band twice with these guys (erm, guy in that the band is actually Luis Vasquez).

Deeper is the product of isolationism in a new country and if this lead track signifies anything, it may be the best yet. Dark, sparse but huge, bottled aggression…

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Sorry I Missed This: Corners

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kornerAgain, the end of the year brings to your attention a lot of great hits, and I was lucky to catch this on the ever changing line-up that is Burger Records.  Corners are this sort of synth-glam-post-punk phenomenon coming out of that LA place, and what they’re creating is really something.  There’s a bit of hipness to it, but there’s also this vibe that they could really give a fuck…making for a great listen.  Their LP Maxed Out on Distractions is out now courtesy of the above mentioned folks, as well as Lolipop Records. The jam below is the one I keep gravitating towards the mostest.

Enjoy Some Crepes…the band

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creepsThis song from Crepes is something really special for you on a Tuesday. If it helps grab your attention, Mikey Young of Total Control and Eddy Current Suppression Ring handled the mastering on the band’s new work…and you know that guy’s no slouch.  But, similar Melbourne acts, there’s a different side of pop coming from these guys, offering a slowly unfolding picture that brings a bright bouncing harmony to the chorus.  Right now they’re just starting to catch on, but things will really take off when their debut EP is released in early 2015…says I.

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Brooding Pop from Jasia

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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