Stuttering Pop from Sheer Agony

unnamedI really have no idea what way to describe or even marginalize Sheer Agony, and that alone should make listening to their latest single worth your time pressing play. It’s like a proggy power art pop, if that makes any sense. There’s definitely a little bit of a shuffle in the bass line, but a huge dosage of pop in the way that vocal is delivered just after the 30 second mark. You’re not likely to hear another track like it this week, this month or even this year…making it all the more cool in its own distinct way. Look for the group’s Masterpiece LP via Couple Skate on October 30th.

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Show Preview: Get Up Kids + Diet Cig @ Mohawk (9.16)

getupkids12Those of you who consider yourself fans of emo, old and new, will want to be on hand at the Mohawk on Wednesday night. You’ll be treated to the legendary emo godfathers, The Get Up Kids, playing their 20th Anniversary Tour. They’ll be playing with Josh Berwanger and Hotelier; I can tell you that the last time they came through it was nothing short of a 2 hour long singalong.

But, I also implore you stick around that night and watch Diet Cig, who’ve released a couple of endearing EPs via Father Daughter Records. Honestly, there’s not a better way to celebrate the genre, or just good music in general, so make you have it on your schedule. Pleasure Venom will open the evening for you.

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Don Howland Readies New Record

11046496_1017528231621312_7893327356943083889_oYou’ve probably heard of Don Howland, though without the Internet, you mightn’t be aware of his influence in your record collection. He’s achieved acclaim with Bassholes, but also has done a little solo work as well as being in other acts like Wooden Tit; his last effort was with Bassholes a few years back. But, he’s signed on with Austin label 12xu to release a brand new record, and the single’s definitely worth a few listens. The buzzsaw guitar work knifes its way through the track, while the vocal has a bit of garage distortion to it. Life is a Nightmare is the title of the new effort, and it seems like it’s going to go down as another great contribution to the music world from Mr. Howland.

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Enjoy Yourself Some Soccer Team

11958304_1039098822776753_941822710785345970_oSometimes you stumble upon a song that really fits your day, and you immediately rush to your computer to fill it with some meaningless words about how much you love said song. Well, here I am to encourage you to listen to this new Soccer Team tune. I’m sure they’d hate it, but it reminds me of good old alternative rock from the 90s (+ a few years); it honestly sounds like a heavier-handed, male/female version of the Halo Benders. Melissa Quinley’s voice is the perfect vocal foil for Ryan Nelson, while the rest of the band work to grind out the song behind them. Look for Real Lessons in Cynicism via Dischord Records on October 27th.

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Show Review: The Tallest Man On Earth @ The Moody Theater (9/13)

I had very high hopes going into The Moody Theater on Sunday evening. The bill was stacked; two artists who take the delicate process of songwriting and make it seem effortless through the tracks that they craft that stun us, two artists riding high off the release of statement albums in the progress of their career, two artists who embody just that word, affecting emotion and spirit with their voices and instruments. Lady Lamb opened the evening up and The Tallest Man On Earth brought it all together, both oozing soul from the stage.

Read on for my recount of how the magical evening unfolded.

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Here’s Another New Tune from The Intelligence

intelligenceI think the older I get, the more I really fall in love with the Intelligence. I was a casual fan when I first came upon them, but their last album, and the sounds from this new record are pretty exciting. There’s a tendency for me to call this photo-punk, but really the latest single is just fast paced rock n’ roll, with some momentary lapses into guitar experiments and angular stabs. Their new effort, Vintage Future, is being released on September 25th via In the Red, so prepare yourself for another excellent musical journey.

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Tam Vantage Album is Getting Nearer

tamI’ve talked up the new Tam Vantage album quite a bit, seeing as I was a huge fan of Pop Singles, it just makes sense. Being Stateside, it’s been hard to really get too much info on his album Life in High Definition. But, it looks like the album is finally set for release on October 16th via Lost and Lonesome/Beko Disques. With that, the band has released the first “official” single, and it shows quite a progression for Tam. I love the guitar sound, but you’ll also hear a wash of keyboards and a little bit of choral vocals backing him up. Definitely one of the fall releases that has me super excited.

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Soft Ballad from Paul Bergmann

paulWhat a great way to start Monday, with a really soft ballad that warms the soul. This tune from Paul Bergmann is likely to get some love, since Emily from Warpaint is singing along with Mr. B, but I’m just falling for its understated qualities. Each chord and note is strummed so gently that it’s barely creating more than the central melody at play. Settle into your desk, settle into your day, and let this song carry your mind away. Look for Bergmann’s Romantic Thoughts EP on October 2nd via Fairfax Recordings.

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ATX Popfest (9.12) – The Definitive Edition

11895936_10207422291186088_4494044377145704198_nTomorrow is the ATX Popfest over at Cheer Up Charlies, doors are at 6 PM, bands start at 7. It’s $5 for 10 Bands. All the money goes straight to the bands…so let’s not complain about $5. But, I also want you to have notes on all the bands, and why you should check them all out. It’s a long post, so please read it all. It should convince you why attendance is required.

Come enjoy yourself some pop music. There’s no place else to be Saturday. 

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The Radio Dept. Drop Indiepop Hit

radiodept-repeatedsodomy-560x560Interestingly, the Radio Dept have been rather active, with all signs pointing towards a new release earlier next year. That being said, they’ve dropped a brand new track that won’t appear, yet deserves your attention. It still holds true to some of the group’s trademark sounds, but if you’re asking me, this is their take on an indiepop gem. Subject matter might be a bit grim, but that sets it perfectly against the lighthearted tune the band have left you with. Really, I wish these guys wrote more stuff, indiepop or not, political or not, it’s always great.

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