Hot New Hoops Tune

I was really impressed with Hoops during this year’s SXSW; they were way tighter as a unit than I expected them to be. This song continues the band’s push of lightly jangling pop hits, though the video accompanying the track also represents the band’s sense of humor. Personally, it’s great to hear a band with such promise that’s still able to have a little bit of fun…especially when they’re facing such high expectations. But, you can relax…these guys are going to pull it off; you’ll be able to see precisely why when you pick up Routines on May 5th via Fat Possum.

She-Devils Announce S/T LP

One of the handful of regrets I had from SXSW this year was not catching She-Devils during the festival…that’s especially true after hearing this new single. It’s a soulful pop twist on the revival of doo-wop nods that accompanied the garage rock burst. There’s this inherent playfulness in Audrey Boucher’s vocals, which seems to come naturally with her delivery. You’ll also hear a bit of psychedelia, though it’s spun in a manner that almost reflects a study in French electro-pop. The band announce today that they’ll release their self-titled LP on May 19th via Secretly Canadian.

Another Tune from You’ll Never Get to Heaven

This Friday You’ll Never Get to Heaven will release their latest album, Images, but they’re releasing one final secret to guarantee they’re on your radar. While the band is known for crafting ambient soundscapes, this song more closely resembles ethereal dream pop. Static drips from the electronically produced music, almost dripping with sterility, if it weren’t for the light wash of keyboards jumping in from time to time. Across it all is a drifting vocal, carefully moving through your speakers and into the world. Those looking to indulge in soothing nighttime pop will surely want to grab the LP when it hits stores on Friday via Yellow K Records.

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Hear Oozer’s Track from Slack Capital 2

Slack Capital 2 is a compilation of music by 27 of the coolest young bands in Austin. All proceeds go to SafePlace, which provides support for victims of domestic and sexual violence. To make sure every one of these bands gets the attention they deserve, we’re unveiling one song per day.

Song of the day: Oozer – “Clickity Clacker”

Oozer is possibly the best-named band in town. Their songs are sludgy, gross things, full of weird noises and punctuated by super-dry snare hits that feel like kicks to the gut. In other words, they are a visceral band, and they evoke the often shitty experience of having a body. What makes them special is their penchant for melody and songwriting, for sneaking real heavy emotion into places you least expect. They’re a band for misfits, by misfits, which means they’re smart. When James Roo screeches “See you/ When I see you” over and over, it kinda makes you laugh, but it also kinda makes you think.

Pre-Order Slack Capital 2 HERE.

Saint Etienne Triumphantly Return

It’s been almost five years since we heard from Saint Etienne, but it’s clearly worth the wait, as they’ve announced Home Counties today. Sarah enters the scene with a breathy vocal, almost delivered as spoken word before the 40 second mark where synthesized beats add emphasis to her pronunciation. I love the ghostly ambiance hiding behind the whole mix, as the song’s character Heather seems to take on her own role of a ghost fluttering about in SouthernEngland (as nodded to in the art work). It’s always great when the best come out with new tunes, so count me as an excited fanboy; the release will hit on June 2nd via Heavenly Recordings.

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Subtle Pop from Little Person

Clearly I’m a fan of pop tunes, and Little Person just dropped this little frolicking ditty that you just have to hear. Crooning vocals hang in the air, moving effortlessly in contrast to the guitar work behind them. Just as you think the song’s going to settle into a quick close, the pace is picked up and electric guitars wrap back around your ears, drawing you into the track’s subtlety. There’s lots of little touchstones here too that should fall right in line with folks into the best of indie rock. Their new EP, I Feel Fine, will be out on April 3rd.

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New Music from Mimi Raver

Mimi Raver has graced these pages before, and we’re back to cover her newest single…perhaps her best yet. Her voice is stunning, able to take on different pitches and tones that match the notes as they fold over one another in the song. I love how the vocals sit almost inside the musical mix, all working together in unison, rather than pushing the voice too far up. There’s a sensation of wandering in the writing, which fits the influences of different experiences and stories that led to the craft of her latest work. The album, 06′ Female, will be released this coming April.

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New Stuff from Kingfisher Bluez

I’m the kind of fella that gravitates towards certain labels…so much so that I haunt their soundcloud and bandcamp pages. Today I’m bringing you updates from Kingfisher Bluez, one of Canada’s fine musical establishments. The label has two new releases of note…and I’ve got them both streaming for you below. First, is Woodpigeon, offering up generous folk stylings, though with a slight pop leaning. Then you have Peach Pit, giving off soulful pop vibes, almost like generous crooners aiming to make you happy. Each release hits this Spring (March and April), so why not sample the goods. Be sure to check the label for other gems too!


Kevin Morby Announces City Music

It sounds as if Kevin Morby is venturing into territory resigned for poets, and with this new single, it sounds like he’s doing so with great success. The musical accompaniment to his lyrics/voice is pretty minimal…using trickling little notes and really light percussive taps. Sure, there’s a really slight pick up near the song’s end, but this track serves notice that great tracks don’t always need expansive music to accompany them, and perhaps the quietest tracks are the loudest. Morby will be dropping his latest, City Music, on June 16th via Dead Oceans, surely furthering our infatuation with his craft.

Another New Bill Baird Song

Former Austinite and ATH fave Bill Baird is preparing for the release of two new albums, and we’ve got a new track to share with you today. This song was actually recorded live here in Austin with a few friends, then finished up a bit later. It’s a gentle track, and perhaps the perfect way to begin your Wednesday, washing you with a sensation of calm. I love hearing the buzz of the strings as their played, and as the song fades to a close, a moment of inner bliss will surely wash over you. Baby Blue Abyss and Easy Machines are the titles of his new work, and they’ll both be released on April 28th.

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