Austin Town Hall

Here’s a new song called “Tiny People” from Tucson based 4 piece group Dream Sick.  I’m sure many of you have never heard of the group before, and I’ll admit that I hadn’t either until a few days ago, so let this serve as an introduction to the band for you and me.  Having just released new album Morkkis by their own accord, the band have been working hard to get the word out to waiting music fans.  At the core, these guys create some nice pop tunes with reverby swirling guitars that can create some special moments in their music.  Check out the song below and maybe get your hands on the band’s new album via bandcamp.

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Download: Dream Sick – Tiny People [MP3]

At this point it’s probably not fair to refer to Jesse Lortz as the guy who used to head Dutchess & The Duke, but rather as the main man behind folky rock group Case Studies.  After debut release The World is Just a Shape to Fill the Night dropped a couple of years ago, it was clear that Lortz was ready to move on to bigger and better things.  Today marks the first new music since that release in the form of this new driving rock, almost bluesy tune “Driving East, and Through Her”.  I’m into it.

Fans should mark their calendars on June 11th for the release of new album This is Another Life via Sacred Bones.

Occasionally, I let things slide by, knowing I can revisit them when I’ve got more time on my hands.  I did that with Last Good Tooth, and their recent single “What’s What I Do” from their upcoming Not Work Without Rest.  I can’t help but share it with you, as I think you’d be silly not to enjoy what’s coming your way.  While there’s a few elements that are reminiscent to modern (freak) folk, such as the vocals and wordplay, I think this is much more accessible, in an endearing way.  There’s handclaps and female backing vocals.  If you like what you’re hearing, they’re about to embark on a nice tour from NC to CA, including a stop at Stubbs Jr on May 11th.

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Download: Last Good Tooth – What’s What I Do [MP3]

Just last week, ATH shared a new song from Brooklyn based outfit Dead Stars called “So What”.  That track perked up our ears towards the band and now we have another great tune from the guys entitled “Waste Away.  You’ll notice that it’s cut from the same loin with rockin’ guitars and a power driving force behind the all too catchy chorus.  Anyone not paying attention to the band last week, better get on board now.

New EP High Gain is coming your way on June 4th via Uninhabitable Mansions.

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Download: Dead Stars – Waste Away [MP3]

I’m pretty sure Columbus has the best kept secret in the indie rock universe right now: Mentalease.  Luckily, some Internet friends let me in on the secret, and I’ve pretty much played this tune over a dozen times.  It’s an expansive track, just trickling in speed, yet so powerful, musically speaking.  I love the little electronic keyboard/organ touch that gets hammered out at various points; it also doesn’t hurt that the cover art is the perfect blend of the band’s music, combining both wilderness and city life.  You’ve got to check out the band’s Living Dream album; you won’t be disappointed, that I can guarantee.

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Download: Mentalease – 03 False Positive [MP3]

Bass Drum of Death has long been a favorite of the staff around here.  I think the no nonsense punk rock n roll thing is clearly something we all appreciate when it comes down to it.  This new track “Shattered Me” is definitely a “no nonsense” punk rock song, but also has this beautifully constructed chorus that shows maybe a new side to the band.  Maybe Barrett can write the hits too?

A new self-titled album is due out June 25th on Innovative Literature.

I mentioned awhile back how excited I was to hear that Saturday Looks Good to Me are back on the indie music scene with some tasty pop music.  Already we’ve heard new song “Invisible Friend” and today we get this fun pop song “Break In”.  I love that this band continues to make beautiful and catchy pop songs that anyone would be hard pressed to resist.  I dare you to resist!

As previously mentioned, new album One Kiss Ends it All will be available on May 21st via Polyvinyl Records.

This isn’t typically a song that would be up my alley, but I’m going to go out on a limb a bit here and share this new track that I’m kind of finding irresistible.  The track in question is called “Colerain” and comes our way from Ohio based pop group Way Yes.  I’m drawn towards the interesting tribal style percussion going on and the soothing nature that warrants many repeats through the speakers.  Hopefully you can see what I’m talking about after a couple of listens.

New album Tog Pebbles is out May 7th on Lefse Records.

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Download: Way Yes – Colerain [MP3]