Cape Lion Hits The Sweet Spot

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Cape LionCape Lion proves to me that I should move the Sweden and start Stockholm Town Hall.

Nathan was a little worried this was too poppy. Bah, no such thing as too poppy, but it can’t suck. I like this track from a pending EP quite a bit. It has the big wave synth with soaring riffs and an M83-at-their-best feeling while having a pleasant pop sensibility. I see this as the soundtrack to a drive home. Get the timing right, pull into the driveway just as the last notes fade out…

I have the embed to stream right here, but head past the break for a surprisingly awesome live video they shot in an attic above their recording space.

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Ex-Cult Returns with New Rocker

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excultThis new album by Ex-Cult is one of those albums that I wasn’t even aware was coming down the pipeline, but now that I’ve heard this new single, I’m actually getting pretty excited.  The recording is definitely a bit stronger than their first effort, with Chris Shaw’s vocals sounding stronger.  There’s also a propulsive mood to the tune, with the heavy pounding of the drum kit leading you down a path meant for destruction.  It’s a pretty confident track, illustrating the growth of a band that’s ready to unleash their fury on American audiences. Goner Records will be releasing Midnight Passenger on April 29th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/132254380″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Slow Beauty from Small Wonder

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smallwonder As Austin is surrounded by some awfully dreary weather today, it’s perfect that this Small Wonder tune came into our inbox.  It’s a soft ballad draped around the backbone of a piano. The song broods for over six minutes, offering a sincere bit of beauty that’s enforced by the trading of vocals between songwriter Henry Crawford and Susannah Cutler (no relation to Jay).  It’s a listen that reminds me of my first run through with Majical Cloudz; you find it hard to tear yourself away from your stereo.  You’ll find this song on Wendy, which just got a digital release via Father Daughter Records.

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SXSW 2014 Interview: Clouder

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photo by Bryan Bruchman

SXSW comes earlier and earlier every year doesn’t it?  Prepared or not, the festival is right around the corner and of course we’re going to get you ready as best we can.  Interviews are a great way to get a varying perspective from band and I’m going to kick mine off today with one featuring Brooklyn upstart Clouder.  I haven’t know about these guys too long, but what I’m hearing, I’m digging big time.  Based on these interview responses, I think I might just like the guys even more.  Check it out after the jump. Read more

FFF9 Early Bird Is Tomorrow

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1509662_10202846117451242_1697379067_nWe are underway. The Fall festival buying season is upon us.

The pre-lineup announcements to get wristbands in your hands for cheap continue to flow outbound. Fun Fun Fun Fest 9 is the latest online ticketing opportunity that will make you swear at your computer and wonder if the number of people that got in early could be counted on one hand. Get in the queue. Might I recommend listening to our January Mix as your online on hold music?

YOU MUST GET ONLINE TOMORROW BEFORE 9AM CST!!! CLICK HERE!!!

The Charming Return of Woods

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woodsAh. Finally a new Woods record is on its way.  There’s just something about the band and the various projects of the members that simply makes you feel welcome in the musical world they’ve created.  Sometimes it’s their classic rock harmonies that win you over, while other times it’s their desire to jam things out in a mellow fashion that grabs you.  Here, you get both of those, which reminds me of the fact that I think the band is one of the most endearing bands around (despite some of the drug association).  Their new record is titled With Light and With Love; it’ll be released by Woodsist on April 15th. They’ve also been included in the most excellent Austin Psych Fest schedule this year.

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Austin Spotlight: New Music from Mini Dresses

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coverWe first brought you news of Mini Dresses when we discovered the now defunct Manic Pop Records (RIP), and we’re happy to see the group is back with a few new tracks for your ears.  I think perhaps one of the things that draws me to this group is that there’s not a whole lot like it going on in Austin at the moment, so it’s refreshing to find something a little bit out of the norm.  It might possibly fall under the dream-pop category, but it’s not often crafted so carefully.  There’s two songs to grab, which will come out soon on a new 7″, but like always, we suggest donating to the cause, as it keeps our bands working on music.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Mini-Dresses-Emmi-Tom-and-I-01-Emmi.mp3]

Download: Mini Dresses – Emmi [MP3]

 

Eternal Summers Should Be Huge

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eternal summersIt’s been a great week for Kanine Records so far; they’ve announced to excellent releases surrounding bands Beverly and Eternal Summers (though we knew the latter was coming).  But, after spending about 15 listens to this new Eternal Summers track, I’m predicting that the band really breaks out.  Their album Correct Behavior was one of my favorites a few years ago; it still gets a steady rotation.  Now, they’re up to their same tricks, employing angular guitar chops with hooks that stick in your mind.  There’s always an inevitable spirit too, lurking within the songs.  This is definitely my most anticipated album coming out; The Drop Beneath hits stores March 4th.  

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/119047167″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

 

New Music from The Migrant

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migrantMan, the Migrant are on an incredible roll.  They’ve released three albums in the last four years, and their next one is on its way.  They’ve just put up our first sample of the new album, Flood, and it’s a pretty marvelous track.  While I can easily say that I just love the overall appeal of the song’s construction, I love the sound of the strumming melded with the rolling percussive element that’s present.  If you’re in need of something to keep you warm today, then you’ve come to the right place.  No date has been announced, but we’ll keep you posted.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/134048393″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Music from Beverly

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honeydoListening to this new tune from Beverly, it dawned on me that very few bands nowadays seem to just operate with one band…everyone has a new side project.  Just like this band, which is the project of Frankie Rose and Drew Citron; no point really, just an observation. This track starts off with a rather garage rock  approach, which works against the pristine quality of Rose’s voice.  It’s possible that this tune won’t bowl you over with creativity, but you can’t turn down a good song. The group will have a full-length via Kanine this summer, but you can also pick it up on the label’s Record Store Day sampler.

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