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Austin’s got a busy weekend ahead of us, and it’s not because of a festival (for once). There’s album releases, benefit shows and celebrations of all sorts, but with so much to choose from, we’re here to take a look at some of the more vital shows on your Friday night line-up. It’s likely some of these will go to capacity, so if you’re looking for a ticket, do so now. Here you go folks… Read more
Apparently I’m not as up on my avant pop music in the Italian scene as I used to be, as I’m pretty impressed by Turin’s Niagra. The duo construct these rather interesting pop pieces that, from what I’ve heard, compile all sorts of electronic elements (beats, loops, samples) to serve as the background for their varying approaches to pop songwriting. Here, the vocals have this soft touch, which works in direct contrast to the pulsating music they’ve used. This fall they’ll be releasing their album, Don’t Take It Personally, on Metronome Records on September 8th; it definitely won’t be your run-of-the-mill electronic pop record.
Download: Niagara – Fat Kaoss [MP3]
It’s not like Burger Records really needs another band in their stable that’s going to blast out some summery tunes, but it looks like that’s what they’re doing with this new tune from Wax Witches; it’s the project of Alex from Bleeding Knees Club. There’s a bratty vibrancy to the tune, fueled by amped up guitar work and simple pounding drum work. If the line “summer’s here/lets have some fun” doesn’t get you amped about the increasing temperatures (or I guess declining since one of these guys is from Australia), then you’ll just need to run to your stereo, pump this up loud, and get yourself in the mood. Centre of Your Universe will be out on September 9th, which is too late for summer time here, but at least we’ll have this jam to rock.
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#USMNT
I kind of sort of want to move to Ontario. Well, not really because I can’t cut it in the cold. But, that being said, this track from Ontario’s PS I Love You is really fitting into my listening rotation. There’s something oddly pleasing about the vocals…there’s this weird little hiccup in the pronunciation, and it catches just right. Speaking of catch…those guitars have a nice little hook going on too. Their new record For Those Who Stay is filled with such bits, with the bands typical penchant for darker melodies present throughout. Be on the look out for it on July 22nd via Paper Bag Records.
This is a case of the blogger who judged a book by its cover and turned out to be an asshole. The photo I received of TOPS had this brooding 4 piece, two guys/two girls. I expected based on the photo that the band would bring some sort of noisy power pop or some erratic dance ensemble. But, this track is really something quite special; if you don’t listen to it, you’ll be bummed. Every note and chord hides this subtle beauty or perhaps a soft bit of innocence; I cannot stop listening to it. Their album Picture You Now will be out later this year, but you can grab this song on a 7″ from Arbutus.
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As we head into the summer months, there’s a slew of great shows on the horizon, and one we’re particularly excited about features two of our favorites, Amen Dunes and Axxa/Abraxas. After a superb self-titled release in March for Captured Tracks, we caught up for a short little interview with Axxa/Abraxas frontman, Ben. Read on for a brief look into his world… Read more
New York rockers, Heeney, are gearing up to bring you your first full taste of their tunes. They’ve been putting on blistering shows across NYC with the likes of Titus Andronicus and So So Glos, in case you need a reference point. I like that the delivery of the vocals fit perfectly into the vibe created by the guitar work; the barking verse near the end adds a bit of intensity. This jam will end up on the band’s debut, which is scheduled to pop up later on in the year. No matter the delay, this song will definitely do enough to whet your appetite.
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Having spent a lot of time over the last year or so with Genuine Leather, I’ve found that the band is one of the more diverse acts playing around in Austin. They always carry about a certain pop sensibility that endears them to audiences, but they can spin it in an indie vein or toss it about with a little twang; they seem to employ both on their latest single, “Say the Same Thing Twice.” It’s the latest in what is sure to be an excellent album, titled Losers, which the band are releasing on July 1st. They’ve got a couple of great shows lined-up to celebrate too! They play at the Blackheart on July 5th and Cheer Up Charlies on July 13th. Their great music is second only to their dominating live show, so be sure to catch them at least once, if not twice. For now, enjoy their new single, on us.
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After an 18-hour ocean crossing trip, followed by a brief power-nap, I finally found myself at the Secret Solstice Festival in Reykjavik, Iceland. To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t exactly sure what to expect as I was very unfamiliar with most of the artists on the lineup and I don’t speak a lick of Icelandic. Of course what we worry about most never happens and I ended up being treated to a great festival experience that could rival most anything we can offer here stateside. Click read more for words and fancy photos.
