Jamming Out with GRMLN

1840We’ve written about GRMLN before, but I’m even more excited about the band after hearing this latest track.  It’s a lot more upbeat and in your face, with an edgy guitar kicking off right from the start.  The vocals have this bit of power-pop delivery while the drums pound in the background; there’s even a riotous breakdown at the end of the tune. If you’re in need of a record you can just blast as the wind blows your hair back, then you’re going to want to get your hands on Empire when it is released by Carpark Records on June 4th.

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Colleen Green – Sock It to Me

ColleenGreen_LP1Rating: ★★½☆☆

It seems like girl pop and grungy lo-fi are some of the hippest genres at this stage of the musical world, so Colleen Green really fits the bill. Sock It To Me combines both the grittiness of lo-fi records as well as the lyricism of typical teenage girly pop all in one neat and concise package of a 10 track, 34 minute record.

At first, it may not seem to be a record that really grabs you. On the first track “Only One,” everything is there to love, but the sound may come across as a bit intangible and far away due to the synthesized backing drums, the high pitched ultimate girl vocals of Green herself, and fairly monotonous gritty guitar. The song comes across as a younger band trying to pass itself off as older. However, after the first track is out of the way, you’ll find it easier to get to know and enjoy Sock It To Me, as “Time In the World” goes along with a more youthful, bouncy vibe that suits Colleen Green better. Most of the other tracks from here on out follow this trend, which works fairly well for Green.

The album moves right along, bouncing from gritty minimalist pop track to gritty minimalist pop track, one after the other. There are certain moments that shine above the simplicity, such as “Heavy Shit,” the shortest song on the whole album. It rages through its 2:14 time, with hyper active drum machine and furious guitar in tow. Though snappily short and sweet, it is a good direction for Green; the minimalist lyrics are matched by the duration and fast pace that screams youth. However, along with this youthful vibe, there really isn’t much to offer on here lyrically, other than stereotypically whiny teenage girl problems. Which evokes some of the same basic boyfriend imagery akin to that of Bethany Cosentino and early Best Coast. That’s not to say the songs aren’t catchy or fun to listen to, but if depth is what you are looking for, you’ve turned to the wrong album.

If you can get past this lack of depth and just focus on the simple and catchy guitar riffs, then you are set to love Sock It To Me, but like other albums of this playful nature, it certainly isn’t for everyone. Some people may never be able to connect to the music here, but others may find something fun to jam to.

Don’t You Just Love Kurt Vile

dse_9896webI just absolutely love Kurt Vile.  While some artists I adore seem to be hit or miss, this guy just doesn’t ever seem to write a bad song, let alone a mediocre one.  His latest single features those smoky vocals and light guitar sound, occasionally stopping for some careful strumming moments; I even like the stuttering vocal of “away-ay-ay-ay” that he throws in there.  His new record, Walking on a Pretty Daze, will be released on April 9th via Matador Records, and I guarantee that it’s not going to get a bad review from anyone, unless they’re crazy folks.

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

Download: Kurt Vile – Never Run Away [MP3]

More New Music from Velcro

30916641-1I love bands who work hard to perfect their sound.  In doing so, that usually benefits us, as we get song after song of a band making their way in the musical world.  One of my favorite acts working their way up the ladder is Velcro.  It seems like they’ve always got a tune to release, and I think “Bottle Shop” really finds the band making their home.  The pace of the track is slow, with Curtis taking the stage early with his vocals being placed atop gently progressing guitar chords.  Then a female counterpart softly joins him just before the track fades out.  If you love what these guys are doing, and I do, then keep an eye out as they’ll have a new full-length coming to you later this year.

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

Download: Velcro – Bottle Shop [MP3]

Great New Single from Day Ravies

4283719872-1Sure, you can see that the Day Ravies has some allegiance to rock n’ roll history, but that stays in the name alone.  This Sydney group specializes more in dreamy pop songs built around a steady rhythm section and beautiful bending guitar sounds.  They released an EP last year, but this new track is our first glimpse of great things to come when the band releases their full-length debut later this year on Popfrenzy Records.  This is definitely a group with a sound that’s going to attract a lot of attention as it gradually makes its way overseas.  Just be glad you heard it here first.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Day-Ravies-Double-Act.mp3]

Download: Day Ravies – Double Act [MP3]

SxSW: The Flaming Lips @ The Belmont

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Flaming Lips.

…and Guards, Surfer Blood, Atlas Genius, Frightened Rabbit, The Joy Formidable, and Alt-J.

I told you all last year that I pick at least one night per SxSW to camp at a bigger venue. Last year, it was The Belmont for Jesus and Mary Chain. This year, same venue for The Flaming Lips. Other than a weird unannounced show, when would I get any where near this close to Wayne and the boys? …save for holding up the plastic ball thing as Wayne walks out over an audience. Add to that several bands on the rise or with a prize, some I have seen before, some new to me, and one that I was massively apathetic towards. What did I discover? Read.

Oh and a massive shit ton of photos to go with everything…

Read more

Quiet Track from White Woods

White Woods Big Talking Corner Town 7"I first discovered the work of White Woods when The Coathangers announced that their singer Julia would be doing a little side project.  I loved the first 7″ that came out, and this new one is even more beautiful, demonstrating how far she can step away from her garage rock mainstay.  It’s such a peaceful track, with Julia’s voice carefully laid atop the quiet instrumentation.  If you’re familiar with her main project, you’ll be amazed at such a stark contrast.  The new 7″ is up for pre-order now from Suicide Squeeze Records.

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Consumerism Track of the Day: The Wedding Present – What Have I Said Now

bizarroOkay, so I’m starting off a new feature that will appear from time to time on our pages.  It’s geared around two ideas that were spawned while exhausting myself catching as many bands as possible at SXSW: the idea of running a music web site and owning tons of music.  Sure, not all of you are inundated with tons of music like I am, but in this day and age, everyone has growing catalogues of singles and albums; it’s part of living in a consumerist society.  I wanted to force myself to revisit my own history, musically, by randomly going through my iTunes.  Read on for more details about the process of selection, and see how you can participate. Read more

Sonny Smith Keeps Trucking with New Sonny & the Sunsets Tune

1838I don’t think anyone in the world works as hard as Sonny Smith, except for maybe Ty Segall.  It seems like Sonny always has something in the works, be it his solo work or his band Sonny & the Sunsets.  He just released a new single that will be featured on his upcoming effort with his band; the record is called Antenna to the Afterworld and will be released by Polyvinyl Records on June 11th.  Interestingly, this song has less of a folk feel, changing it for that current Cali guitar sound that you find in many of the modern acts from the state (many of whom Sonny has worked with).  I’m interested to see how the whole record comes together, especially if he’s mixing things up.

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Get Rowdy With Kid Karate

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Kid Karate is an Irish band that I wanted to check out during a rare appearance at SXSW, but my feet didn’t get moving fast enough to see any of their sets.  To make up for this goof, I thought I’d share with you a new single from the band entitled “This City” found below.  Now for those of you unacquainted with the group will notice a distinct feel of Death From Above mixed in with the likes of The Rapture or similar squealing vocal bands.  This tune is a fast paced jam that makes me want to pump my fist in the are while doing my best MJ dance moves at the same time.  Is that even possible?  Stay tuned for more information on a proper release from Kid Karate as we receive the details.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/08-This-City.mp3]

Download: Kid Karate – This City [MP3]

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