Spirited New Tune from Kishi Bashi

kishiIt’s been a whirlwind of a year for Kishi Bashi, who won over so many people with his glorious 151a LP.  But, fans of the artist should be really excited, as he’s readying a brand new 7″, which will serve as the precursor to a new record in the next year. I don’t know how someone can listen to this song and not feel some sort of spiritual upheaval or joyous emotion overtake you; it’s this sort of attitude that has allowed Kishi to become so successful and beloved.  The new 7″ will be very limited, and only made available through Joyful Noise Recordings; it will be available on September 10th.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/104424418″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Lost in Austin: Brazos

BrazosIt’s been a hot minute since we’ve worked with our friends over at Guerilla Waltz to create one of our Lost in Austin videos.  We typically wait around for the perfect band to fit our mold, and when former local residents Brazos were in town awhile back, it seemed like the right time to get back in the game.  So we sat down with Martin Crane in his studio to perform “Always On” off his new album Saltwater out now on Dead Oceans.  Follow the jump for video.

Read more

New Music from Gap Dream

gapdreamBurger Records has been on a role this year, putting out hits by various bands, namely The Memories.  But, news broke today that they’ll also be releasing the brand new album from Gap Dream, which has me particularly excited.  On the first single you can tell that there’s a definite chilled out approach on this effort, with strong synth work and the vocals of Gabriel Fulvimar taking the main focus. Listening closely, you can hear a rad little guitar line coursing through in the background too! This new record is titled Shine the Light, and it’ll be out on the streets on November 12…and I’ll be picking it up.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/104336564″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Midlake Return With Antiphon

Trials of Van Occupanther.

Midlake may as well have named that record Lightning in a Bottle. Since then, the band has been middling for me. So here we have a title track from the new record due in early November, “Antiphone” on Antiphon. The boys from Denton are offering up this track for download at their site, for what I assume will be the price of an email adress, but the site is slow, real slow. Guess there is buzz, we’re rooting for you.

Check it out below, let us know what you think.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/104277068″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Gem from Teen Daze

Teen Daze released two strong albums last year, The Inner Mansions and personal fave All of Us, Together. Both are chock-full o’ chilly waves of background music for your couch surfing cocktail party that can also hold up to critical listening.

Seems Jamison is staying busy, Glacier is set to release on 10/1 on Lefse Records. Pre-order is available here. No tour dates for Austin yet.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/03-Ice-On-The-Windowsill.mp3]

Azure Blue Readies New LP

azureblue-willowsandpines_highres-500x500I first caught on to Azure Blue when the band released it’s last album via Matinee Recordings. The group is the work of Tobias Issakson, and for me, I really appreciated the understated quality of his pop sensibility. Yes, it’s electronic-based pop, but it doesn’t push the beats too hard, instead using dreamier synth sounds and a casual pace. His voice carefully rests atop the instrumentation, creating songs that allow for escapism. His new album, Beyond the Dreams There’s Infinite Doubt will be out sometime this Fall.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/93212583″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

More New Music from Bent Shapes

bentshapes_coffee_promowebWe’ve already talked about our adoration for Boston trio Bent Shapes in the past, and this new single from the group isn’t going to change that at all.  In fact, this is one of my favorite tracks on the entire new LP.  There’s something about the sound of the guitar in this tune that really makes the song work; it’s got a drifting quality that seems to leave you with a floating effect.  I like the way the vocals reach the same level why the drums work furiously beneath.  You can get your hands on the group’s debut album, Feels Weird, on August 20th via the excellent kids at Father/Daughter Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/06-Hex-Maneuvers.mp3]

Download: Bent Shapes – Hex Maneuvers [MP3]

Indie Brit Pop From Ancient Times

tumblr_mqwxgrgzo21qceo88o1_500Ancient Times is a band that recently got in touch with us about some music they are releasing soon on upstart label Soft Power Records out of Brighton.  A planned 7″ release limited to only 250 copies will be out on the aforementioned label September 16th.  Now we’ve already shared track “Nightschool” with you a few months ago, and today we have the flip side to the record called “Heiroglyphic”.  Similar to our previous song share, this track immediately sounds like some of the very best tracks from the Smiths complete with a Morissey like croon.  We’re expecting big things from this band obviously.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/103725542″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Modern Hut – Generic Treasure

GenericTreasureCoverRating: ★★★☆☆

It’s interesting that Joe Steinhardt should title his latest album under the Modern Hut moniker Generic Treasure.  For most, the word generic seems to mean basic and ordinary, but when combined with treasure, it seems like the enjoyment from this record has basically been hiding right beneath our nose the whole time; seems fitting.

One of the things that immediately came to my mind when I first pressed play is how similar Modern Hut sounds to Adam Green‘s solo work.  The affair opens up with “Mid Tempo,” using a little bit of self-deprecating humor to revel in the mundane quality that often overcomes life.  But, while the guitar work and attitude are similar, I think one of the things that makes Generic Treasure (beyond AG comparisons) so successful is the brevity of the songs.  Only a few of the tracks branch beyond the realm of the three-minute mark, making them easily digestible and not overbearing, despite the similarity of sound.

I think perhaps the most successful song, however, comes with a bit of differentiation.  Sometimes the record seems to stay in one place, and not deviating too far, except for when you come to “Life.”  This track features vocal interplay between Steinhardt and Marissa Paternoster of Screaming Females fame.  Her dynamic voice is perfectly juxtaposed against the relaxed attitude of Joe’s delivery.  It’s a good spot, sequencing-wise too, as it breaks up a bit of the monotony.  For me, it’s the standout track.

Initially, I was head over heels for Modern Hut, and for all intents and purposes, I still quite enjoy the album as a whole; it just has to be taken in doses.  Joe’s defeatist attitude, apparent throughout most of the songs, does wear you down, so it’d be nice to see what lyrical territory he might venture into for future releases.  Admittedly, this seems to be on his mind too, as he closes out Generic Treasure with “Moving On.”  While the song seems to refer to a significant other, it could also hold an alternative meaning, indicating that we should all move on.  And in the end, I think that’s the message that really resonates with most listeners.  We’ve all found ourselves in a similar situation, surely, so the songs are definitely relatable, making the record something we can all immerse ourselves into from time to time.

My two cents is that Modern Hut‘s record is worth your time.  It’s not going to blow you away; it is a Generic Treasure, after all.  But, the songwriting is enjoyable, the lyrics are clever and Steinhardt does have a kind voice. You’ll go back to your record collection after shelving it for a bit, you’ll pull this out, and you’ll find yourself enjoying it all over again.  It might be a generic, but it’s something many people will find as a treasure.

Little Slice of Indiepop from The Swapsies

swapsiesIt’s been a pretty good month for some great new indiepop tunes, so I’m going to keep pumping out those hits.  I’m back at it today with another track from February Records  and Lovelypool by the Swapsies.  For one, seems like the subject matter revolves around football…the British sort. Throw that in with the rise and fall warm vocals plus the group harmonies, and you’ll find yourself bobbing your head along for enjoyment.  I can’t not post great catchy tunes. If this song doesn’t make your mouth move into a smile, you need to call 911 right away…something’s tragically wrong with you!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/The-Swapsies-Another-Game-on-Saturday-b-w-A-Fleeting-Summer-01-Another-Game-on-Saturday.mp3]

Download: The Swapsies – Another Game On Saturday [MP3]

1 1,317 1,318 1,319 1,320 1,321 1,931