Pleased to Meet Me: Colleens

Colleens - Wild Dreams - Album CoverThis is the second time in a number of weeks that I’ve been introduced to a band from San Antonio that really excites me; this time the band is Colleens.  Based on the few songs I’ve been given, they’re crafting this brooding pop that holds onto a sense of majesty that I don’t recall hearing recently.  There’s light string arrangements in the background, while the main bit of instrumentation is careful guitar picking.  The vocals have this smoky haze to them, reminding me of that great era of pop music that came out in the late 1960s. It’s interesting, to say the least, so I hope you’ll enjoy your introduction to the band; they’re full-length, Wild Dreams, will be out February 4th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/04-No-Flowers.mp3]

Download: Colleens – No Flowers [MP3]

More New Music From Crushed Stars

CrushedStarsDallas based Crushed Stars is a group that I caught on to about this time last year with the release of last LP, The Bright Rain.  Back in November, it was announced that new LP, Farewell Young Lovers, was coming on January 21st of next year via Simulacra Records.  I was excited to hear the news on the upcoming album as I’ve enjoyed this more upbeat/catchy trend with the more recent tunes.  Check out this new track “Haters” below and enjoy the beats.  You can also hear new track, “Flowerbomb”, elsewhere on the site.

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Checking In On Glasgow: Sonic Hearts Foundation

coverThe great thing about the Internet age is that it has made life easier, especially when it comes to intercontinental communication in regards to music.  We’ve got a friend Mike in Glasgow, a hot bed of music, and he’s offered to let us see into his world and the underground scene they’ve got going on.  We appreciate his time and we’ll feature more of his suggested acts in the coming weeks, months and so forth.

One of Glasgow’s best kept secrets and talented young musicians, Sonic Hearts Foundation, create dark, emotional, grand scale music with a real belief that only seems to come out of Glasgow, like Mogwai on steroids. Gaining infamy with guerilla concerts on rooftops of liquor stores, the four piece are currently unsigned; they are deep in the studio recording their first record. Check out “Northern Lights” off their Into Forever EP. Or the new track below. The guys hope to make it to the US soon!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Sonic-Hearts-Foundation-USA-01-USA.mp3]

Download: Sonic Hearts Foundation – USA [MP3]

New Music from Black Twig

blacktwigYou’ve got to keep an eye on things over in Finland, with Soliti Music really putting out some incredible acts.  The next slated release from the label is going to be the sophomore LP from Black Twig.  Heliogram is the name of the album, which should see a February release; it’s going to be an exciting piece if it contains songs like the one below.  I love the guitar playing here…it sort of jangles, but it mostly rings in a melodic, discordant manner.  Set it up right next to the softly delivered vocals and we’ve got a gem of a tune on our hands.  Looks like we need to head to Finland!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/02-Pastel-Blue.mp3]

Download: Black Twig – Pastel Blue [MP3]

Yellow Ostrich Return

yellowIt’s been awhile since we’ve heard from Yellow Ostrich, but with this new single it’s clear to me that they’re coming back quite strong.  I love the guitar line that works its way through the track, knifing through the carefully constructed melody of the song.  It’s much more abrasive and forceful than I expected, while still supplying a certain level of the group’s sincerity from previous efforts. The band’s new record is titled Cosmos, which bares a nod to Carl Sagan; it’ll be released by Barsuk on February 24th.

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Austin Spotlight: New She Sir Single

SheSir-4Square_smIf you read our Emerging Artists list for 2014, the footnote made a nod to She Sir.  Typically, they’d be on that list due to the excitement for their new release, Go Guitars, but we’ve loved them forever, so they’re not exactly emerging; they’re already one of our local favorites.  This new single shows just how far the group has come in the last few years, using layers of guitars to create this shimmering coat of pop goodness.  I’m really at a crossroads, as I’m not sure which of the three singles they’ve released to date will be my favorite, but what I do know is that this is a huge indicator of a wonderful record that will surely end up on many a year end list; it’ll hit stores early 2014 on Shelflife.

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The Echo Friendly Cover Jay Reatard

echofriendlyI typically don’t talk about covers, or really remixes for that matter, but I figured I had to talk about this one.  Any band that covers Jay Reatard, and does it well, is okay in my book.  Plus, “Nightmares,” the song chosen by The Echo Friendly, is my favorite all time song by Jay.  Hearing it strung out for an added minute, with such a different spin is really something special.  It also goes to show just what a great songwriter Jay was, able to put his own touches to great pop songs; he’ll probably be under-appreciated for too long.  The duo will have their own debut LP coming your way in may, so keep a sharp eye out.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/NightmaresJay-Reatard-Cover.mp3]

Download: The Echo Friendly – Nightmares (Jay Reatard Cover)

Fresh New Music from Let’s Wrestle

lets_wrestle_web_1Since 2010, Let’s Wrestle have been high on our radar.  We were even fortunate to have them play one of our SXSW parties that year, which featured other great acts like Surf City and The Crayon Fields.  The band have been largely under the radar for awhile, but they’re new effort seems to take on a slightly different approach to things.  Where the band once pushed forward with jangling guitar chords at a frenetic pace, you’ll now find a relaxed setting for the group to really work on their craft, slowing things down quite a bit.  It’s hard not to like these guys; you can find their next LP on Fortuna Pop sometime in 2014.[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/121021368″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Friday Is for Pop Music: Hibou

hibouThis track from Hibou jumped out yesterday, and I wanted to save it for today, so I could send you off in a good mood heading into the weekend.  This track is brimming with dance-floor ready goodness, using catchy beats to really influence the listener.  It’s no surprise, as the man behind the music, Peter Michel, has been working with Craft Spells on tour for some time, so I fully expect this sort of deliciousness. This track is slated to be released on his upcoming full length, which will surely make those electro-pop fans giddy; we’ll keep you posted on the details.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Hibou-Hide-Away.mp3]

Download: Hibou – Hide Away [MP3]

Groovy New Tune From Wake Owl

Wake_Owl_Press_Credit_Eleanor_Lonardo

Check out this swingin’ new tune called “Candy” from Vancouver based Wake Owl and tell me your head isn’t bobbing along.  It has this nice groove to it that continues throughout and slowly builds with a solid backing drum beat.  I’d say it’s worth a few listens.

New album, The Private World of Paradise, is due out March 4th on Vagrant.

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