Did You Buy the Jack Name LP?

jackieboyThere were tons of releases this week, whether you wanted orchestrally-aligned pop like Belle and Sebastian or something along the psych vein, like Amen Dunes.  But, I hope you looked into picking up the Jack Name album, as it’s one of the more diverse listens we’re likely to hear all year (I know that’s bold considering it’s January).  There are marks of various influences from glam to funk and beyond, so why not take another listen to the latest single from the album. Be sure to pick up Weird Moons from Castle Face today!

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Simon Joyner Offers Simple Solemnity

joynerSimon Joyner‘s unique career has seen him travel all over the singer-songwriter map, sonically, but I think this newest single is precisely what will bring hordes to his doorstep.  It’s a tune with little more than guitar, some accompaniment, and Joyner’s soulful croon.  There’s a Western flavor, which I’m glad to see is reinserting itself into the indie realm.  At first listen, this tune sort of exhibits an old Wilco vibe…when Tweedy was just working out the kinks.  Look for Grass, Branch & Bone to come out on Woodsist on March 17th.

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Country Spook from Chief Ghoul

ghoolUntil I get my face kicked in by some great rock n’ roll, I think I’m going to get stuck in this whole folk-inspired stomp on the soul of sad bastard genre.  Chief Ghoul is one such songwriter, creating this deep throated country tune.  I’m sort of obsessed with him right now; he’s got this great gift in storytelling, but there’s also a huge sound coming through your speakers.  That’s impressive seeing as there’s little more than an electric guitar and some distant percussive touches. Look for his album III this Spring in your local shops.

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SxSW Wristbands Tomorrow!

sxsw-music-logoYou can get your SxSW Music wristbands tomorrow. Same rules as usual – Austin area billing zip code for your plastic, you can buy two wristbands but have to provide the names, you’ll need photo IDs to pick up your wristband which will get snapped on at the start of the conference.

For your $169, you will get access to any venue not at capacity aside from the few showcases that are badge only. I used a wristband last year to get away from FOMO and it was bliss. Go check out someone you have never seen instead of getting barraged by Dorito Taco Loco.

On sale January 22nd at 10am (ATX time), Click here.

Sleater-Kinney – No Cities To Love

SleaterKinney_NoCitiesToLove_cover-608x608Rating: ★★★½☆

It seems like this is the age of bands that were prominent in the late 90’s reuniting after hiatuses and so when Sleater-Kinney announced that they were going to be coming back together for another album, I was far from surprised, but by no means any less excited. You know who they are, and if you don’t, get with it: No Cities To Love is a loud and bold statement of indie rock that further proves what the band’s past seven studio albums already were working at.

This album, when it is listened to collectively, feels like a collection of singles—not because they are vastly different in style and sound, but because each track is catchy and self contained in classic Sleater-Kinney style: there are no quiet numbers that you would find buried in the depths of their other albums, but 10 tracks of punch-you-in-the-face grunge inspired rock and roll. Each track is a rambunctious thrill ride and the band takes you by the scruff of your neck and pulls you along with them. “Price Tag” starts things off with the infectious and dominating guitar riffs that fill most of the tracks on the album and make them seem so singular. The percussion is intricate and multilevel as the lyrics fall on top of each other, a cascade of quick quips that enumerate economic problems, as the title would suggest. It’s a strong open of bombastic rock that takes off from where the last left us.

The band doles out flaming track after flaming track, leaving you no space to catch your breath from this sprint of an album, but if you’re willing to keep pace with these ladies the rewards can be quite wonderful. My favorite tracks from the record include “Fangless,” “Surface Envy,” and “Hey Darling,” all of which have the classic components that this band are overwhelming good at, but in each, a different element really shines through. Take “Fangless” as a testament to the duality of vocals between Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker: they trade off, spitting catchy lyrics at us with their punk-y yelps. “Surface Envy” has that infectious electric guitar riff that cuts through it like hot knife and makes you shake your head and tap your toes. “Hey Darling” shows the band at their glossiest, the usual messy tension the band brings cut down with neater vocals that accompany and partner with the guitars.

It’s rock of the past that’s been updated to suit our 2015 sensibilities and its timing could be no more perfect. But, with all the hype surrounding this release, it’s hard to predict the longevity of the tracks on No Cities To Love. Will these single-ish numbers stand up to repeated listening, or will the tracks fall as fast as they’ve risen in this resurge? Time will tell.

Sun Voyager Full Steam Ahead

sunnyJust because they released an EP a few weeks ago doesn’t mean the boys in Sun Voyager can’t come right back with another single for your ears. The three-piece have again caught my ear with another slice of solid psych-influenced garage rock, the likes of Ty Segall.  This song slowly trudges along, capturing your ear whilst operating at a slow pace.  You’ll find yourself drifting in and out with this song, which is the perfect way to spend the midweek, if you’re asking me.  No words yet on a new album or EP, but I reckon at this pace, it’s just around the corner.

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Upbeat Number from Life Size Maps

LSM_LP_Art_hiresYou’re probably tired of hearing about Brooklyn bands, but Life Size Maps seem to be offering something slightly different from your average fare.  The group is crafting pop music of the purest form, utilizing synth hooks and a chorus that will surely find a home in your subconscious.  You’ll tap your toes, you’ll sing along, and you’ll realize that the simplest route is sometimes the best.  Take a ride with these lads, and enjoy your day. Old Flame Records will be releasing the group’s self-titled LP during the first weeks of April.

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Premiere New Jeremy Jay Tune

JeremyJayLondonTreesWe at ATH have long admired the work of Jeremy Jay, from his earliest days on K Records to his newest efforts with his full band Dystopian Violet.  He’s a great songwriter, so we’re always glad to share something with you if it pertains to his writing chops.  Recently he tossed this new single our way, which will hopefully be coming along with a new full length.  In it you’ll hopefully hear some added production value, like string and keyboard touches.  It adds depth to his already solid sound; I’m personally in love with the steady propulsion of the drum beat here.  Take a listen, and we’ll keep you posted on upcoming releases as they come our way.

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New Music (To Me) from The Babies

babesFirst off, you should own Our House on the Hill by the Babies. The song “Alligator” alone warrants your ownership; it’s one of my favorite songs of the last few years, period.  Luckily, the band’s been holding onto some of their B-Sides while they’ve been working on solo Kevin Morby and Cassie Ramone LPs.  Woodsist has opted to released these two B-Sides as a digital single, and I’m going to pick them up (though I wish they came on a 7″).  This song from the release has that jangly swagger, featuring Morby on the lead vocal; it’s so tasty I’m not even sure how this track didn’t make the final cut! Listen and hit up the label for the release.

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More Music from Quarterbacks

QUARTERBACKS-by-david-grimaldi-2There’s one record on the horizon that I think everyone is going to love; it’s the newest self-titled album from Quarterbacks.  You’re not going to find an album full over-indulgence, but instead you’ll get a ton of short songs, each delighting in its own way.  There’s hints of jangling pop in there, which you know I love, but there’s also a passion in the songwriting that really makes the whole record rather uplifting.  I guarantee this will be a hit for you all; look for the LP on February 10th from Team Love Records.

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