The Muffs Return!

75-atlgAfter a close to 10 year hiatus, SoCal veteran rockers The Muffs are returning this year with a much anticipated full length LP of new material.  To be perfectly honest, I’m likely guilty of only knowing a few songs from the band back in the 90s, but I’ll be looking to change that after today.  If you’re like me and this is some of your first exposure to the band, check out new single “Weird Boy Next Door” and you’ll see why many a fanboy are making a big deal about the new material.  I love the fast paced, in your face pop punk style here that remains fresh while still keeping some of the 90s throwback sounds.

New album, Whoop Dee Doo, is out July 29th on Burger Records.

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Intimate Number From Chris Staples

10440874_10152250750192857_1649314468670230278_nSeattle based musician Chris Staples is often times more well known for the artists he frequently supports as a guitarist than for his own outstanding solo material.  Today I want to put the spotlight on Chris and share with you his beauty of a new single called “Hold Onto Something”.  You can expect a mellow tune that may take some time to get under your skin and find a home, but once it does, you will find it’s not going anywhere.  Chris easily has one of my favorite voices in the business.

Pick up new album, American Soft, on August 12th via Barsuk Records.

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ATH Alumni, Literature, Sign to Slumberland Records

litThe first record we ever put out on ATH Records was in conjunction with our good friends over at Square of Opposition Records; it was with Literature, who were at the time, an Austin act, before moving off to Philly.  That album, Arab Spring, has already gone through several presses, and we still have a few laying about, but more importantly, their new album has just been announced with Slumberland Records.  The lead single is enough to show you why they’ve quietly built a huge name for themselves, just off the gifts of their songwriting.  You’re going to want to pick up Chorus when it’s released on August 19th…and if you’re inclined, you can pick up their first LP HERE or HERE.

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Catchy Pop from Lunchbox

lunchboxAfter a brief name change to Birds of California, Lunchobx has returned to their name sake in order to release a brand new album, said to be their best in their 15+ year career.  Their working with Jigsaw Records to release Lunchbox Loves You, which will hit the world running on August 12th.  The song moves along with a raucous bit of pop, but just beyond a minute and a half, they offer a more soothing twist on their current offering, escorted to the song’s ending by some nice horn accompaniment.  It’s a nice dosage of pop, and one that’s sure to get you excited about the band’s return.

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Another Gem from The Bilinda Butchers

heavenI’ve written about the Bilinda Butchers on several occasions, and their label has put up the album for the lucky NYP…but I suggest you also order the white LP version of the band’s new album, Heaven.  One of the reasons I love their approach to the album is they’ve taken the story of a Japanese woman’s diary being written in the 1800s and allowed it to inform the record.  You have these interesting little instrumental pieces, or songs like the one below, all adding depth to the life of the character, Nakajima Ume. The more pop oriented tracks remind me of the Comas (who I miss). You can order the LP from Orchid Tapes if you so like (and you should).

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/The-Bilinda-Butchers-HEAVEN-02-Less-Than.mp3]

Download: The Bilinda Butchers – Less Than [MP3]

 

GRMLN Announces New LP

grmlWith the last GRMLN album you could turn it up, get caught in the huge riffs and the rest faded away.  It’s a sound that plenty of people employ nowadays, but I’ve really been gravitating towards this guy’s sound.  There’s a bit of Weasel residue in the writing style, which isn’t bad in my opinion, but all indicators point towards a darker subject matter on Soon Away.  It’s a a great sound that resonates with young and old alike, so prepare yourself to enjoy another album from the band; it’s being released by Carpark Records on September 16th.

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Shy Boys to Release New 7″

shyboysI think a lot of people drastically overlooked the wonderful S/T effort from Shy Boys, but lets hope that this new 7″ they’re planning can attract more attention.  Now, if you’re looking for some guitar pop that’s heavy on distortion and power chords, then this isn’t the sort for you.  This is of the other ilk, relaxed in its entirety, with just a hint of movement coming via the riding of the cymbal. Like most of the work from the band, you just get to sit back and let the harmonies wash over you, drifting in and out of your consciousness.  You can grab the new 7″, titled 45, on August 26th from High Dive Records.

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More New Music From Dear Blanca

Pobrecito - Album ArtAbout a month ago I came across South Carolina band Dear Blanca and their promising new take on this sort of poppy, folk rock music.  Today I’m excited to share with you another great track from the band called “Noma”.  Once again you will hear those folk rock tendencies that are equal parts intimate and beautiful as they are powerful and breathtaking.  I’m sure to be paying attention to these guys in the future.

Pick up new album, Pobrecito, on July29th via Post-Echo.

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Broncho Band Got the Hooks

bronchoI know. This song is so last week, but it’s just too damn good to not share it again.  The stuttering opening had me from the get-go, but the off-kilter vocal swagger that unfolds as the song rolls along isn’t too shabby either.  You’re going to have a hard time ignoring Broncho on their new outing, Just Enough Hip to Be Woman, which comes to you via Dine Alone on September 16th…you should also check out their previous effort Can’t Get Past the Lips…this music is brought to you by the community that brought you greats such as Colourmusic, AAR and Other Lives…there’s something special in that Oklahoma water.

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New Song from The Black Tambourines

10321639_955360484521740_5025471425869622889_oI’ve been keeping my eye on this UK act for some time, as they seemed to have something…that something special.  On this tune,The Black Tambourines still have that vibrant energy I adored when I first tune in to their music, but to a certain degree, they’ve gone in a different direction than I expected.  The guitar work is still pretty strong, and I definitely appreciate the tenacity, yet this track feels safe.  It’s got energy and style, but we’ll have to wait until their new album is completely finished before we hear how this song fits into the fold.  Until then.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/01-I-Wanna-Stay-Away.mp3]

Download: The Black Tambourines – I Wanna Stay Away [MP3]

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