Mary Onettes Release Mini Album

maryonettesI’ve closely followed the career of The Mary Onettes since they first debuted with Labrador, and they seem to have covered quite a bit of ground musically.  I’m happy to hear that they’re back with a new offering, the mini-album, Portico.  It’s said to be influenced by science fiction and old photography, which seems like it’s the perfect thematic place for their music.  They’ve always had a knack for constructing these incredibly atmospheric tunes, while infusing it with bits of electronic energy.  They’ll also have a few dates schedule in the States, with the middle of their schedule including some SXSW dates. Their mini-album will be released on March 4th via Labrador.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/130842469″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Austin Spotlight: Growl Release No Years EP

growlRight now the Austin music scene is kicking a whole lot of ass, whether it be pop rock, garage, psych or even hip-hop.  We’ve got a lot of bands working hard and releasing great things, like Growl have just done with their No Years EP.  The EP is seven songs showing their growth and confidence since the release of their Gallery EP.  Musically, I haven’t heard them sound as tight, nor including as many hooks in one short span of a listen, but they’ve clearly accomplished that.  It’s band like this that make it a joy to cover the Austin music scene, as the fun’s not stopping in this city when we’ve got bands like this. You can grab the whole EP HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/1-Afra-Me.mp3]

Download: Growl – Afra & Me [MP3]

Show Preview: Pure Bathing Culture @ Red 7 (1/27)

Pure+Bathing+Culture+Photo+by+Cara+RobbinsYo, listen up! The weather man says it’s about to snow again, so you better get in your good tunes while you can! Tonight, there’s a great bit of tuneage going on over at Red 7.  Headlining the night will be the smooth operators of Pure Bathing Culture, offering their casual dream pop to what I expect will be a horde of eager listeners hoping to hear their favorite hit off the group’s most recent, Moon Tides.  You’ll also get a chance to see La Luz, the Seattle pop group who deserve our love, after a tour accident put a damper on the end to their 2013.  And me, I’m showing up super early for our good friends She Sir, who are destined to kill things this year with their new upcoming effort.  Here’s some jams from the openers to encourage you to show up early! Tickets are $14 at the door–doors open at 9.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/LaLuz_PinkSlime.mp3]

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/SheSir-YouCouldBeTiger.mp3]

Dance Party with Strange Names

Strange_Names_promo3Coming to an ATH dance party near you is this great track called “Ricochet” from Minneapolis based Strange Names.  When you hit play, I’m sure you’ll hear some hints of fellow indie dance hit makers like Twin Shadow or even Junior Senior.  It may not be for everyone, but it would be one hell of a way to start a Friday or Saturday night for sure.

A full album of material entitled Common Attraction is coming sometime later this Spring.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/StrangeNames-Ricochet.mp3]

Download: Strange Names – Ricochet [MP3]

New Stomper from Axxa/Abraxas

axxaabraxasFriday’s are for two things here in Austin: you either get weird or you get fun, or you can do both if you’re so inclined.  I think the latest track to come from Axxa/Abraxas accomplishes both, thus making my day; it’s one of those tunes that stretches over several genres, ambling between psychedelia and roots rock and pop forms.  Personally, I like the percussion, giving the track a little bit of a sideways stomp that really ups the energy level.  It’s just one of the great tunes that comes from the band’s self-titled album, which is being released by Captured Tracks on March 4th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/09-On-the-Run.mp3]

Download: Axxa/Abraxas – On the Run [MP3]

Sweeping Beauty from I Was a King

iwasakingTwo things have already made my year, musically speaking, pretty remarkable.  One I’ll keep to myself, and the other is this new tune from I Was a King.  Their previous three releases were wrapped around the mold of classy power-pop, and I adored them all.  Now, the band is growing, sonically.  You’ll notice on this first single alone that there’s a vast difference in the pacing, not to mention the fact that there’s a female vocal up front from Anne Lise, which is a slight twist, though one that I find intriguing.  Can’t wait for the band to release their next album, which is still shrouded in a bit of mystery…I’ll keep you up to date as I know more.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/130673184″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Go Old School with the Fleshtones

fleshtonesThere’s several reasons why I’m posting this jam. First, the Fleshtones are one of those legendary rock acts that go in and out of your consciousness while looking through your own personal catalog, but you’re always happy when something of their’s makes its way into your playlist. Second, they reference the Ramones; you really can’t go wrong with that, if you’re doing it with a good purpose. Third, the song’s a blast. It’s old school, quick and catchy, and just the right thing to entice people to pick up their new album, Wheel of Talent, which comes out February 11th. Just jam, ok.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/130024504″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Music from The Shifting Sands

shiftingsandsI first heard about the Shifting Sands via the blog, When You Motor Away, and they again pointed me in the direction of the New Zealand act yesterday.  There’s definitely a casual-pop feel to this, with melodious guitar parts and a softened vocal, but I’m in love with the way that the violin adds a perfect accent to this single.  It’s something that typically isn’t associated with such simple stylings, but it adds the perfect touch; it’s the details that make us fall in love. They’ve temporarily titled the record Cosmic Radio Station, and it’s set to be released by Fishrider Records this year.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/The-Shifting-Sands-All-the-Stars.mp3]

Download: The Shifting Sands – All the Stars [MP3]

Evan Ønly Has An 80’s Hit

evan onlyAdmit it, you like to put on those leg warmers and pretend to be in Flashdance on cold days like this. Or is it just me? #mollyringwalddance

I have an affection for 80’s wave dance hits because I’m old. When something like this hits the inboxes at ATH, it is sent to me for approval. I approve of this hit from Evan Ønly. Gentle synth sensibilities with just enough of the Italian Disco thing going on; it will elicit the proper head nod and shoulder shimmy. Evan Ønly is actually Evan Brody, a founder of Underwater Peoples. This is the lead track from a solo EP called No Matter What due on February 18th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/130563787″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Spanish Music from Juan Wauters

juanwautersIf you know the homies at ATH personally, you likely know that we speak a little bit of the Spanish; one of us  might even teach a little bit of the Spanish to kids.  That being said, it makes it easy for us to understand the lyrics to the new single from Juan Wauters, who’s stepping away from the Beets for the release of North American Poetry.  I won’t let you in on the lyrics, as that might take away the fun for you, but the title is translated to “I listen a lot.”  The music is definitely relaxed guitar, with a focus on the recording of the actual strumming as it echoes in the mix.  You’ll have a chance to get the album on February 4th from Captured Tracks.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/04-Escucho-Mucho.mp3]

 

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