Clever Girl Pop from Anna Hillburg

annaI’m a sucker for a female singer, especially one who can carefully craft a pop ditty with ease.  This is much the case with San Francisco’s Anna Hillburg who just released her self-titled album on California Clap Records.  “Wine In a Tea Cup” is a pretty simple track here, pushed forth by a quiet drum track and some keyboard-ish accompaniment.  She’s joined at times during the chorus by the perfectly placed backing vocal; all of this works together to make a joyous little number that you can definitely spin over and over again.  Girl power!

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Solemn Ballad from Frank Smith

Frank SmithThe word might be out that there’s a fuller sound, and even a more rocking sound, on the new album from Austin outfit Frank Smith.  For me, none of that matters at all, especially when you listen to the quality of this latest single, “Chewing Glass.”  It’s got the backbone of a piano, with the guitar ringing in the distance; it paints the picture of what I always think of when it comes to Texas defined music, though with a heavier leaning here, slightly.  I’m already calling this one of my favorite tracks of the year.  The band’s new album, Nineties, is out next week!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/10-Chewing-Glass.mp3]

Download: Frank Smith – Chewing Glass [MP3]

Heavy Handed Rocker from Odonis Odonis

odonisodonisIt’s definitely the year for heavier-handed rock n’ roll to break back through into the mindset of indie fans everywhere.  There’s Milk Music and Metz, but now you can enjoy Odonis Odonis.  The group releases their Better EP on April 16th via Buzz Records, before they blast off on a tour that includes a date at Austin Psych Fest. This song has a swirling guitar part that’s emphasized by some industrial drumming; the lyrics don’t come across as heavy at first, but they’ll blast off to match the pace of the track.  Just another reason to turn up your speakers this year!

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New Experimental Track From Junip

junip_photo

This new track “Your Life, Your Call” from Junip is a bit of a new turn sonically from what you might expect from the band.  Sure it still has the hushed vocals from Jose Gonzalez, but the synth heavy bass is definitely something of a new bit for Junip.  What’s created is a really interesting experimental sort of folk song that manages to make you nod your head along to that nice bass track.

A new self-titled album from the band is out April 23rd on Mute Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/04-Your-Life-Your-Call.mp3]

Download: Junip – Your Life, Your Call [MP3]

Bright Indie Pop from The Felt Tips

Felt-TipsOne of the acts I discovered this past weekend while doing my own personal music trolling was The Felt Tips.  Everything about their sound immediately caught my ear; I can’t say if it was the way the guitars dueled or the affecting tone of the vocals, but I know that I’ve just been playing this song on repeat for several days.  The group has a new album titled Symbolic Violence ready for your ears this coming Spring via Firestation Records–that label alone had me scrambling for pen and paper to bring you news of great indie pop.  Sometimes I just like simplicity and cleanliness, both which come to mind on this joyous listen.

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New Matador Signing, Majical Cloudz

Autosave-File vom d-lab2/3 der AgfaPhoto GmbHMatador Records continues their push to diversify their catalogue by adding Majical Cloudz, the songwriting project of Devon Welsh.  The label will be releasing the Impersonator, the new full length effort, on May 21st.  It takes time for this track to open up to you, much as I expect it will take time to absorb the music within the album…I mean that in a good way.  Electronic flourishes slowly trickle in just before Welsh’s deep voice slowly unfolds.  I like the almost operatic quality of the voice; it’s not too over the top, yet it’s far from ordinary.  I think people are really going to find something to sink their teet into here.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/majical_cloudz_childhoods_end.mp3]

Download: Majical Cloudz – Childhood’s End [MP3]

Catchy New Jam from Kingsley Flood

20121220-kingsley-flood-600x-1356032432It’s good to diversify your tastes, so I have no qualms with posting this new jam from Kingsley Flood, one of the hottest acts around Boston at the moment.  There sound blends elements of raucous bar tunes with punk rock stomps, touched off nicely with bits of horns/violins/keyboard.  It’s an eclectic sound for sure, but one that’s definitely captured my attention.  You can hear this track, along with other equally mesmerizing tunes (like “The Fire Inside”) on the band’s new album, Battles. If they’re making songs as good as these, it won’t be long before they break out of Boston and move on to greener pastures.

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Keeping It Austin: Meet Pharoahs

1887140403-1Over the last year or so I’ve caught several sets from local boys Pharaohs, and they continue to impress with their enthusiastic indifference.  Their goal you ask? Well, in my eyes the aim of the group is to throw down like nobody’s business while building their sets with rad hooks and jagged guitar lines.  I haven’t caught one set that didn’t make me want to let loose, all the while singing along.  You should care about the group, not only because they’re fast becoming an Austin staple, but because their debut record, Babes Booze Bam Bam Baby, is solid track after solid track.  If you like what you hear, then head HERE to grab the album from the band…and remember to contribute to your favorite artists!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Pharaohs-Babes-Booze-Bam-Bam-Baby-01-Prettiest-Girl.mp3]

Download: Pharaohs – Prettiest Girl [MP3]

Bright Pop From Young Man

tx3p_SMYM1crJoryCordyThis new tune “Unfair” from Young Man is about as straightforward and easy to catch on to as it gets when talking about pop music.  I really dig the swirling guitars and breeziness that mixes in beautifully throughout the song.  It’s not likely that you’ll find a better pop tune if you try looking for one.

New album Beyond Was All Around Me hits stores on April 9th via French Kiss Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Young-Man-Unfair.mp3]

Download: Young Man – Unfair [MP3]

Fuzzy Pop from The Laurels

Lyndal-Irons_Laurels_IMG_8056.111030We’re getting close to the Austin Psych Fest, and with that we’ve got news regarding one of the great acts that will be making their way into town: The Laurels.  You know how we love Australia, so it’s only fitting that we spread some love on this Sydney group; they’ll be releasing their new album, Plains, on April 16th.  You’ll find the new single here quite a gem; it has a quality that walks the fine line between psych rock and regulation pop music.  The vocals seem to float away, there’s some fuzzy guitar playing, but the rhythm section is solid through and through, especially the drumming. Now’s the time to start getting ready for Psych Fest folks.

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