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Let the wrangling begin…
The schedules for both weekends of ACL 2013 are out and you can start the process of arguing with your friends over what hillside or stage rail you will be on at 7pm everyday. Not too many either or dilemmas for me on first perusal, but there are plenty of half-set conflict. Pheonix to Atoms For Peace to Lionel Richie? Probably going to happen. So sad I’ll miss Kings of Leon to see The Cure.
But why the hell is Wild Nothing playing at 11:15?
As summer sadly begins to draw to a close, Wild Cub are here with a brand new dancey number that can help us hold on to those last few remaining moments. The track, entitled “Blacktide”, is chock full of some great dance party inducing beats along with perfect lyrics reminding us of young love. Seems like a perfect fit for summer love and fun. This is the first taste of new material from the band since the release of their debut LP Youth last year. No word just yet on if the band have plans for a new album sometime soon.
Download: Wild Cub – Blacktide [MP3]
It’s one thing to write an artistic statement, it’s another thing entirely to just sit down and write a great pop song. Personally, I think the latter is probably much more difficult, making the latest single from Paper Lions even more remarkable. There’s a driving pulse to the song, aided by the rhythm section and electronics, with the lyrics bursting through the pop sensibility. It’s hard to not just twist and turn with this tune blasting on high; it’s just a gem of a pop track. The band will release their new album, My Friends, on August 20th via Fountain Pop Records.
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/98564694″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
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For the last year or so, the name of Matthew Siskin, and his Gambles project, has been on many a writer’s lips, or pens, or keyboards. After spending several days holed up with his short Far From Your Arms EP, it’s clear to me that all his accolades and interest are warranted. His EP is intimately moving, touching every corner of my oft darkened soul, awakening the spirit and faith in music/art once again.
“Trust” begins with a slow strumming, with Siskin’s voice wavering just atop. At points, he seems to struggle, though not in a manner that turns people away. Rather, I’ve been drawn closer into his sound, listening for every slight crack or every tarnished note, all reverberating a purity in songwriting that I’ve missed a lot lately. While the pacing of the strumming provides a sensation of solemnity, he picks things up slightly moving forward.
His strumming of his acoustic takes a heavier-handed turn on “Safe Side,” though he alternates between that punchier strumming technique to quieted careful note picking. But, when it’s loud, the sound is emphatic, yet his vocals turn intimate when he brings things to a hush. He’s speaking to someone, or a character he knows, switching from a personal perspective to more of an omniscient thinker. The closing whistle is an added touch of beauty.
Skipping ahead to the EP’s title track you’ll find what I consider one of the best two songs written this year. “Far From Your Arms” is the perfect bit of modern folk music, both in its sonic approach and its emotional pull. As Matthew’s voice rises, ever so slightly, one can picture himself listening carefully in a smoke-filled pint-size room, holding your breath as every note is played. Perhaps the song’s about a journey home, or the distance that divides us all, but regardless, it encapsulates everything I’ve ever dreamed of hearing. I imagine this song will play in my head and heart for some time.
What amazes me about listening to Far From Your Arms is how much I feel the impact and weight of the songs within. Admittedly, I consume a lot of music, and it takes a lot for something to really really hit home. But, in five short songs, Gambles has achieved that feat, with both the poetry in his lyrical content and the emotional pull of every chord. This is a must listen for anyone.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/04-Far-From-Your-Arms.mp3]
A few weeks back I hope I got you interested in Joseph Childress, as he’s a musician getting a lot of rotation on my stereo lately. His songs are often little more than voice and guitar, but that voice, man will it haunt you. On this new track, pay attention to the 2 minute mark, where it sort of warbles off key, but in a manner that draws you into his world. Such moments build devoted fans, and many will be established when The Rebirths, his new album, is released by Empty Cellar Records on August 20th. This is your new Tallest Man.
Feel like I’ve posted a few slower pop tunes today, so I had to pick up the pace a little bit with this tune from Smartboys. The group is comprised of members of other acts such as US Girls and Fucked Up, so the band has a definite established pedigree. But, unlike those other acts, this single has a little bit more focus on the pop side of garage rock, with an innate hook built in, allowing listeners to immediately attach themselves to the tune. The Receiving the Bribe 7″ is out now on White Iris Records, so get your hands on it while its hot.
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A rather fun and popular part of pre-Fun Fun Fun hype is the Aqua Olympics. You get to do stupid things off of other things into the lake. Backflips on a bike? Sure. 1080s with a scuba mask? Why not. Plus, you get to learn about the Comedy and Ride+Skate stuff at the fest.
Anyway, just passing along a little poster action received via Bothan spies. Reminder FFF8 passes on sale and the new PIP dubbed the Ultimate Smooth Pass will be launched about the same time as Aqua Oly.
Well, color me mystified. Late last night I received an email with little more than a link to a song; I’m not even sure if the name is for real, but I’m digging this mysterious entity. Whoever it is, definitely has their ear to the pop writing wheel. It reminds me of what the older version of the Shins might have sounded like if they had gone on exploring the world. It’s careful in construction, yet beneath lays a monster of pop ready for rebirth. All I can say at this point is that Southern Boutique are exciting, and they’re from Austin. Here’s a great song for you to check out (with another at their SOUNDCLOUD). If any one knows more about this band, please let us know; we want the inside scoop.
Download: Souther Boutique – Rabbit Trails [MP3]
Florida based group The Band in Heaven just sent this new fuzzy pop song called “Dandelion War” and we’ve deemed it worthy to share with you guys. I find it interesting that the band is Florida based as they could easily compare to a more poppy version of fellow Floridians Surfer Blood. Hopefully the band would take that as a major compliment.
New album Caught in a Summer Swell is due out September 17th on Decades Records.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/1.-Dandelion-Wine.mp3]Download: The Band in Heaven – Dandelion Wine [MP3]
Having already released their Ladders EP earlier this year, we’re happy to hear that TRAAMS are back and prepping for the release of their debut LP Grins on September 24th via Fat Cat Records. Prior to that date, the band have graciously offered up this new track “Flowers” for all of us to enjoy. It’s certainly a post-punk number with some great barking vocals throughout that are sure to draw you in. Enjoy.
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