Ethereal Pop from Saskatchewan

saskatchewanIf you were following us during SXSW you’d know we tossed a tiny gathering with Father Daughter Records (among others), so we’re lucky to have a new tune from the label to share with you by Saskatchewan.  Earlier this month they released a more somber affair, which I’ve got down at the bottom for you to stream, but this new jam is much more light-hearted, sonically speaking.  It has many of the signature moves of the group, such as a stuttering guitar line, and percussion for accents; it all leaves you with the sense of floating, perfect for drifting off to sleep.  The label will release the band’s debut, Occasion, on April 30th.

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[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/03-Possession.mp3]

Download: Saskatchewan – Possession [MP3]

More New Music from Gambles

653I know this song comes with an extremely sad story, but I think just the fact that it was written demonstrates that Matthew Siskin, aka Gambles, is more than just some sad troubadour writing great songs.  He’s got an emotional/political spirit, reminding me that there’s so much more that music seems to have moved away from.  I like the fact that it’s mostly Siskin’s voice, with a lightly strummed guitar and a few piano chords quieted in the background; that voice is so striking it will continue to haunt me for years.  You won’t see this on any release I’m sure, but you can check out the lyrics and a brief post from Matthew HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/A-song-for-Jeff-Bauman-Jr.mp3]

Download: Gambles – A Song for Jeff Bauman Jr [MP3]

New Music from The Gorgeous Hands

gorgeoushandsSeeing as we live in Austin, we’ve always got to represent the great Austin bands, like The Gorgeous Hands.  The band is finishing up touches on their latest album, Tender, which should see a May release.  This tune perfectly exemplifies the band’s sound, using a polished vocal that occasionally uses some accompaniment; it also has a straight-up-and-down rock structure, allowing the band to really get things going in the live setting, as we know they can do.  The band is currently running a kickstarter to finish off funding for the record; you can donate to the worthy cause HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/TheGorgeousHands-DesperateMainstream.mp3]

Download: The Gorgeous Hands – Desperate Mainstream [MP3]

You Like the Smiths? You’ll like Ancient Times

tumblr_mjrohl6lAc1rbayaao1_500This new tune from Ancient Times has been making its way around the indie pop blogs as of late, and I’m really enjoying it…meaning it’s sharing time.  Immediately you’ll notice the vocals taking on that Morrissey croon, but the more I listen, the more I see that the music is a bit different.  There’s not that sheen to the guitar, though you can see a bit of a jagged edge in the playing.  While the Moz is out hating on everything with meat, you can happily visit with Ancient Times today to get you through.  I suggest jamming here, then heading off to the Soundcloud page for an extended taste.

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New Music from Ola Podrida

olapodrida_interviewWe’ve followed David Wingo and his project Ola Podrida for quite some time, so we were more than excited earlier this year when he announced Ghosts Go Blind, his third effort.  Things are slightly different, as Wingo has included a completed band to round out his sound on this album; this should come as no surprise to those who’ve witnessed the the group playing together over the last few years.  On this new single, it adds an uplifting aura to the folk-laden sound.  This might be a stretch, but the pacing alone adds a bit of Pedro the Lion flavor to the tune–we don’t mind that at all. You can expect more great songs when the record is released by Western Vinyl next week.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/07-Speed-of-Light.mp3]

Download: Ola Podrida – Speed of Light [MP3]

Lo-Fi Beauty from Soft Arrows

softarrowsThe Art Is Hard Postcard Subscription Series is picking up steam, and I’m really enjoying the latest release from Soft Arrows.  It’s a soft number for sure, but I like the guitar work that’s echoing in the background, which is not unlike the sound Grizzly Bear have owned for the past few years.  Here, the vocals have an interesting delivery, as if they were recorded completely separately from the song itself.  And if you like the sound the band’s trying to achieve, you can go to their bandcamp and check out tons of previous work.  Always love the AIH releases.

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Chilled Pop from Sugarpuss

sugarpussThe folks from Sugarpuss sent us their new EP over the weekend, and I thought it only appropriate to share the love by offering up this great tune to our readers.  It’s a casual little hit, with a soft vocal that’s often delivered in a playful manner.  The rest of the tune has this gentle rhythmic stomp, which occasionally goes soft for some careful handclaps and light instrumentation; this is a great way to start off your week, right?  You can grab the Psychotic Teenage Supermodels EP from the band by hitting up the site HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Sugarpuss-Drinking-Alone.mp3]

Download: Sugarpuss – Drinking Alone [MP3]

Holydrug Couple Shares RSD Hit

holydrugcoupleWe’re winding down our day at the ATH offices, which means it’s time for me to start getting ready to hit up Record Store Day.  I hope all you folks are planning on shopping at your local record store tomorrow; I’m planning on hitting up all three of our Austin stores.  One of the things I’ll be looking to pick up is the 3rd Annual Sacred Bones compilation, which will feature this track from Holydrug Couple, a band from Chile.  RayRay and I are always down to support our Latin American bretheren, especially when they craft careful beauties like this one.  Signing out for the day…don’t forget to buy local tomorrow

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Fresh Rocker from Vacation

vacationWe’ve gotta keep Friday going with a banger, and I think this new tune from Vacation is just the right fit.  Underneath it all lays a very earnest pop song, verging on power-pop, but the song is filled with discordant noises and a furious rhythm that moves it to an entirely new place.  It doesn’t take too long to find this song repeating in your daily playlist, especially if you jam it outside on this beautiful Austin day (hope the rest of the world has such rad weather).  You can pick up the group’s new album, Candy Waves, on June 18th courtesy of Don Giovanni Records.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/88313881″ params=”color=49ff00&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Chilled Tune From Andrew Cedermark

1862It seems like the right day for me to enjoy some relaxed tunes more in the singer songwriter genre as I ease my way into another weekend.  This new song “Canis Major” from Andrew Cedermark fits in that vein while also packing a bit of a punch in his rhythm section.  Also let’s not forget that the guy has himself some nice pipes that can be subdued and full of emotion all at the same time.  Well done sir.

New album Home Life is due out July 16th on Underwater Peoples.

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