Gritty Jam from POW!

powWhile many of us are lamenting the temporary (we can hope!) hiatus of Thee Oh Sees, we can be happy that John Dwyer is turning his attention elsewhere, allowing for more releases via his label, Castle Face Records.  His latest find is to unearth the young San Fran band, POW!, who offer up this darkened pop number.  The recording has things rather low, which provides for a dirtier sound than many are used to at the moment, but I think that adds to the appeal; the slightly discordant guitar solo really added a nice layer for me.  The band’s debut Hi-Tech Boom will be out on January 14th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/02-Hope-Dealers.mp3]

Tuesday/Wednesday Free Week Previews

austin-skyline-mark-weaverSo, if you haven’t seen a live band playing in Austin in the last few days, then you’re really missing out on one of the great things about Austin (at least from the music spectators perspective).  We continue our efforts to keep you informed with our list of shows you should check out in the next few days.  Brave the cold and catch some great music folks.

Tuesday: 

Shivery Shakes and RF Shannon at the Mohawk @ 8 PM (Indoors…you’ll be warm)

Speak @ Holy Mountain

Wednesday:

Dikes of Holland at Beerland @ 9 PM

Halaska at North Door @ 10 PM

Isaiah the Mosaic at Red 7 @ 9 PM

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Shivery-Shakes-Single.mp3]

Download: Shivery Shakes – Sidewalk Talk [MP3]

Austin Spotlight: Sleep Good Return

sixsongsIt’s been almost three years since we last heard from Sleep Good, who won us over with their album, Skyclimber.  But, via an email from the band, they’re currently in the works on two albums.  I’m not sure on the details, but if we go off their latest release that quietly came at the end of December, it’s likely to feature pop gems and instrumental numbers.  Personally, just looking at the titles of the tracks on their Six Songs EP, which may or may not be part of the upcoming albums, the band seems to wholly identify with Austin; they have a song called “Shoney’s” for crying out loud.  Regardless, it’s good to see the band back to work, and we here at ATH can’t wait to hear what more comes our way.  

Take a listen to some new tunes.

New Tune from the Kennsingtons

kensingtonsThose of you looking to make sure you’ve got your finger on point with the hippest indiepop of the world, you better keep an eye on the first few releases of 2014 from Dufflecoat Records.  The little label of love will be releasing new music from the Kensingtons, as part of a joint EP with The Rileys.  I love the warmth of the first single, as it’s got the perfect amount of ringing guitars and calming vocals that makes the genre one of my personal favorites.  Seems like we’re in for a great year from the label, which only means great things for our ears. I’ll keep you up to speed on the proper release dates.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/125793634″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Solander Is Coming To SxSW

solander - the woods are goneOK, you have an opportunity to do a nice thing. Yes, this song can be downloaded for free by zero dollaring. Like the previous preview track, it is a gem. Here is an idea, use someone else’s email address for a name-your-price purchase and give it as a gift.

Solander absolutely blew me away at SxSW a few years back. I was lucky enough to catch them at one of the church spaces that are taken over by us heathens and it was a forty-five minutes I will always love. With the harmonies, melodies and craftsmanship of their music, multi-instrumental perfection was delivered and I believe all in attendance waited around to chat with the band. Just wish there had been more of you with me. Luckily, you will have the opportunity see this band during SxSW this year.

The album Monochromatic Memories comes out February 4th on Tendervision.

New Music From Seahaven

Seahaven7InchCover500pxAfter we’ve all enjoyed a nice little break, it’s time to start talking music again for the upcoming year.  One release I’m pretty pumped about is coming our way from Canadian friends Seahaven.  This track, “Silhouette (Latin Skin)”, is a preview of the new album and I like the updated blues the band is bringing.  It’s a truly “loud” and epic sounding number that does a lot to get me even more excited for this release.

New album Reverie Lagoon: Music For Escapism is coming this spring/summer, but this track will be available on a 7″ 3 song single due out January 21st via Run For Cover Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/123358976″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

We Like This By Stanley Brinks

Brinks and...…with The Wave Pictures.

First collaboration between Stanley and the band in four years, this fun little number could be my new theme song for surviving SxSW. Yes, it is true; “The radio sucks balls.” Fika Recordings has posted up the preorder, but you can stream it now (oh hey, look at that down there). You can also check out the video for “Orange Juice” after the break where they enjoy the ditty in a kitchen.

The full release is Gin is due in early March. Perhaps SxSW? Nothing official. We had much fun with The Wave Pictures during their 2012 opening spot for Allo Darlin, best show banter award winners, so here’s hoping.

Read more

Creative Tune from Morgan Delt

morganThis latest jam from Morgan Delt has been floating around for a week or so, but please excuse me, we were on a break! And during that break I was able to spend a lot of time with various upcoming records, including this gem self-titled effort from Morgan.  It’s filled to the brim with all sorts of nods to California, both in the arena of psych and just traditional pop. It creates a listening experience that begs to have a listen from start to finish, and that’s the best way to take it all in.  For now, however, you can just enjoy this little number until the album comes out via Trouble in Mind Records on January 28th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/05-Obstacle-Eyes.mp3]

 

New Music from Skeletal Shakes

skeletalWhile we’ve posted several outfits featuring Emma Kupa of Standard Fare, we hadn’t talked about Dan and Andy, the other two members of my favorite three-piece.  Luckily, this weekend the two rolled out some new songs they’ve been working on under the name Skeletal Shakes, and I’m pretty impressed with the three tracks.  The one below is the most upbeat of the three, using bits of angular guitar parts to combine with a quickened pace.  Not sure what the two are planning in terms of releasing things, but I promise to keep you posted on the good news as it comes our way.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/127885189″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Weekend Free Week Preview!

austin-skyline-mark-weaverFree Week is upon us, and it’s time for you to go spend your night hopping around catching shows.  I caught several acts last night that I’ll be mentioning in the next few weeks, so it’s your chance to go discover some new tunes too.  

Here’s our recommendations for the weekend. Yeah.

Friday: 

OBN IIIs and Pharaohs at Beerland @ 9 PM

Young Girls and Bobby Jealousy at Hotel Vegas @ 9 PM

Bloody Knives at Elysium @ 9 PM

Saturday:

Spray Paint at Beerland @ 9 PM

Young Girls at North Door @ 9 PM

Megafauna and Little Radar at Holy Mountain @ 9 PM

Sunday:

Grape St. and Little Wesley at Red 7 @ 9 PM

The Baker Family at Holy Mountain @ 9 PM

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Caroline.mp3]

Download: Young Girls – Caroline [MP3]

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