Austin Town Hall

Summertime is perfect for turning the knob up to eleven and letting yourself free from the mundane activities, though I guess some of us do have to sit in offices…sorry BGray. This new tune from Steel Phantoms is perfect for rocking out; the guitars come in and heavy and fast from the get-go, allowing you feel the energetic push the band’s proposing.  If you’re sitting in your chair tapping your toes, as you should be, then you can find a copy of the band’s new self-titled EP coming your way on July 16th.  Let’s celebrate and rock it out today!

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Download: Steel Phantoms – Matt LeBlanc [MP3]

In all the nostalgic nods in the scene right now, I think I’ve found the piece I like the most: the new single from Hausu. This Portland act is slated to release their new record, Total, on Hardly Art on June 25th, and it’s got great promise.  I like the intricate guitar opening on this song, but it only last for a short bit before the band jumps off into, dare I say, and emo realm.  But, this is the sort of emo that we all loved, back before it became a four letter word. It combines elements of heavier rock moments between melodic guitar chords and discordant noise.  Definitely something on my “to fall in love with” list.

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Download: Hausu – Chrysanthemum [MP3]

PAPA is a band that I’ve really been into over the last couple of years.  In that span, they have yet to send me a tune that I didn’t immediately find interesting and unique.  This new track just sent my way “If You’re My Girl, Then I’m Your Man” is yet another tune that I’m finding irresistible from the second I hit play.  I’m drawn in with the driving sound and swirling guitars that build and build throughout the entire 4 and half minutes of the song.  I dare you to not enjoy this.

This track appears on a new 7″ coming out on June 25th featuring previously heard song “Put Me to Work” on the flip side.

It’s a ridiculous week for shows here in Austin; Rayray and I were commenting on the fact that we could go see a good show every night this week, should we choose to do so.  One show I think you should keep an eye on that might be flying under the radar is the Sweet Talk show tonight at Beerland.  They’re playing their last show before they head out on the road for a bit, but that’s not the only thing you’ll get.  Gospel Truth is also playing to celebrate the release of their new record, A Lonely Man Does Foolish Things.  I mean, you can’t ask for more, but you’ll get more because both Loteria and Pharaohs will be opening the night. Solid rock n’ roll and a solid bill.  Here’s some jams from Sweet Talk and Pharaohs to get you in the mood.

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Hey. You. What are you doing? Nothing? I’ve got something for you to do, and it’s important.  Our current favorite duo Seatraffic has just released yet another single from their single series, and it’s possibly their best to date, in my opinion.  You need to do yourself a favor and go grab the tune from their page, not to mention all the other singles.  In this tune, the trickling bit of electronics floats effortlessly throughout the tune, atop careful percussion and a gentle melody.  I’m pretty sure I’ll be listening to this track another one-hundred times today, especially considering the beautiful closing moments of the tune.  Be sure to donate to the band via their page so they know you love them like we do.

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Download: Seatraffic – Conscious Awake [MP3]

First Rate People created a lot of buzz a couple of years ago with 2 upbeat pop songs with promise of a full album of recorded material soon to follow.  Well the band went quiet after that initial buzz and took a bit longer to record their debut album than originally planned.  The debut LP is now said to be ready for release sometime later this year and a new single appearing on the album “Dark Age” can be found below.  I’m hearing a great song for summer complete with catchy beats, sunny sounds, and nice electronics that fill in as you go.  Stay tuned for more from these guys.

New York based group The Dig just released their stellar new EP Tired Hearts today (available for purchase on their website). To celebrate the release of the new extended play, the band are offering up this new track “Over you Again” via their soundcloud page. It’s a similar sort of slow burning tune with hushed vocals that can slowly build into a nice climax during the chorus complete with distorted guitars over it all. If you’re into it, say thanks to the boys buy buying a copy of the new EP.

Aussie group Cloud Control is a band we have close ties to here at ATH since they played one our SXSW parties a few years ago. Today the band has sent along this new track called “Dojo Rising” which is the first we’ve heard from the group since the release of their great indie pop record Bliss Release in 2011. The track shows a sense of growing up a bit and maturing their sound with an added hint of electronic synths in place of the familiar jangly pop guitars. I dig the stylistic change as it makes the band a bit more enticing and versatile as the move forward creatively.

New album Dream Cave will be coming stateside on September 17th via Votiv.