New Music from Ukiah Drag

ukiahThe last time we heard from the Ukiah Drag, the band had this devilish storytelling aspect to their songwriting.  This time around, as the band readies their new album, they hold onto that demonic presence, though there’s more emphasis in the volume.  It’s like a fuck all of psych and post rock, blended into this mixture of entrancing western-sludge.  Their new record, In The Reapers Quarters will be released September 9th via Wharf Cat Records.  From the sounds of this, it’s going to be something quite different than your average fare.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/153562862″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Steady Groove from Childhood

childhoodIt’s been a rather slow Monday in terms of new music and whatnots, so why not throw this gem your way.  It’s the latest single from Childhood, and it hit the web late last week, offering a look at the band’s forthcoming album, Lacuna.  It took me a bit to get into this song; it didn’t hit as immediately as the bright-colored art work would have had me believe.  Instead, there’s a bubbling undercurrent of steady pop grooves, taking an approach that’s rarely used; I actually appreciate the fact that you’ve got to immerse yourself in the tune a bit.  You have time? Give it a listen; the record comes out on August 11th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/155818081″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Another Tune from Sam Coffey and Iron Lungs

samIt seems like Sam Coffey and Iron Lungs are walking a perfect line between my past and present.  Their earlier single, “Calgary Hill” sounded like perfect power-pop, blending melody into huge guitar chords.  Now, on the next single, they take on an old school mod feel, like The Jam kicking it with the Clash; it’s a fine mixture.  This is one of the great things about the band’s latest release, Gates of Hell, there are great nods to various genres, but it never seems to tire on the ears of the listener.  The album is out this week on Southpaw Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/02-Hold-Me-Close.mp3]

 

New (ish) Music from Joe Jack Talcum

joe_jack_joust_by_ronnie_bakerJoe Jack Talcum is probably better known for his comical word play in songs like “Big Lizzard,” but it seems that the Dead Milkmen songwriter has long had a soft side that I wasn’t even aware of, despite calling myself a fan. HHBTM is releasing the second collection of Talcum’s home recordings, illustrating a more down-trodden songwriter; this song has a heavy buzz on the guitar in the recording, showing us all what lo-fi really is meant to sound like.  So if you’re wondering what one of your favorite writers does in the confines of his home, give a listen to Home Recordings Vol. 2 1993-1999; it’s available right now.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/03-Madonnas-Weep.mp3]

 

Subtle Beauty From Duologue

duologue_2011After a busy week for most of us, I’ve always found it nice to mellow out just a bit on a Friday afternoon to decompress from the week now behind us.  Those of you in a similar mindset will find this quiet beauty from London based group Duologue fits your mood perfectly.  The track could easily be compared to fellow subtle band Lost in the Trees or even Sigur Ros in a dialect we understand.  Whatever you want to call it, I’m finding the song gets better and better with each listen.  Press play and distress.

New album, Never Get Lost, will be out on September 9th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/FORESTS.mp3]

Download: Duologue – Forests [MP3]

Generationals Ready Alix

generationWe’re continuing our trip down the pop yellow brick road with the return of Generationals.  We’ve always loved the band; they’ve been one of the most consistent bands in pushing out pop music for the last several years.  They’re readying their newest album, Alix, which will be released via Polyvinyl on  September 16th.  This track pretty much sums up the group’s offerings; there’s a nice hook in the melody with a steady beat meant to give a little bit extra pop to your ears.  All signs point to another successful release from the duo.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/156748629″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Feel Good with Saint Pepsi

saintpepsiFriday’s are for feeling good, forgetting the week behind you, and just having fun with your family and friends.  I’m pretty sure this single from Saint Pepsi will do precisely the trick; it’s like a more dance floor-ready version of Twin Shadow, with those sharp guitar cuts and infectious beats kicking things along.  This track is the featured tune on his Fiona Coyne 7″, which is being released via Carpark Records on August 12th.  If you’re in need of something to pick the day up, then turn the volume loud and spin this song a few times…your day will get better in no time.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/157700627″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Austin Spotlight: Love Inks at it Again

loveinksIt’s been a great week for Austin acts, with Basketball Shorts and Letting Up Despite Great Faults all releasing new tunes, and now we have another one of our beloved locals returning to the fold, Love Inks.  Of course, the star of this slow-core show is going to be Sherry, who’s vocals dominate all the bands work, but I personally love the restraint that’s being shown.  Guitar lines are relaxed, moving beneath the pulsating electronic beat; it’s a great atmosphere for the group to showcase just how powerful they can be, without actually being, powerful, in regards to volume.  Their new album, Exi, will be out on September 9th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/155754866″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Dark Tune from Whirr

whirrThis track popped up the other day, and I’ve had a really hard time getting it out of my head.  There’s something about the wash of atmospheric guitars that creates this interesting brood, while another guitar track angularly plays beneath.  I like how those guitars, however, are rather low in the mix, meaning the band could unleash fury in the live setting, or hold onto the pattern presented here.  Either way, Whirr is likely to cause a decent stir when they release their album Sway, followed by a fall tour; it’s being released on September 23rd via Graveface Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/154422483″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Noisy Number from Running

runningIf you’ve got a record label run by Ty Segall, the chances are that you’re going to get some noisier elements in there, right? That’s precisely the case with the new 7″ offering that he’s putting out with Running.  Here you’ll hear an opening that’s basically a screeching guitar line brooding over a darkened bass, while drums steadily pound away.  Eventually, vocals break in with a demonic shout from what seems like a hollow metallic cavern.  It’s an assault on your eardrums, especially when you arrive at the end where it breaks into what sounds like a disastrous emergency broadcast message.  I dig it, and if you’re like me, you can grab the 7″ from God Records on July 22nd.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/157855339″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

1 1,057 1,058 1,059 1,060 1,061 1,523