Catchy Pop from Ski Lodge

I’ve been jamming this new tune from Ski Lodge that made it into my inbox over the weekend.  It’s got a little hint of that surfy-guitar pop that’s really popular right now, but I like that the vocals take on a nice focus in this track.  You can find the track on the short Ski Lodge EP, along with three other jams, all which are as equally as catchy as this one here.  It sort of reminds me of the innocence of the Drums early on, giving you that same casual bounce that just invades your mind.  Try it out!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Ski-Lodge-I-Would-Die-To-Be.mp3]

Download:Ski Lodge – I Would Die To Be [MP3]

New Music from Grassfight

New York trio Grassfight get a lot of nods for their kinship to Nick Cave, having solely to do with the vocals present in their music.  But, as the release of their new Icon EP 2 comes this week, I’m more focused on the music they’re creating.  The work on the high-hat is solid, and the cascading guitars that continuously assault your ears are precisely what I want an indie rock band to sound like nowadays.  There’s not a lot of frills, no added nuance, just straightforward rock n’ roll.  If you’re enjoying what you hear, keep your eyes out for the group, as we’re sure to get more from them soon…or so we hope.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Nassau.mp3]

Download:Grassfight – Nassau [MP3]

Experimental Jam from Solos

I always tend to think of Hella as Zach Hill’s project, but Spencer Seim was always a key ingredient in the group’s experimental math rock.  Recently Spencer united with Aaron Ross (not of UT Longhorn lore) to create Solos, a band still working on bending the traditional sounds of rock n’ roll.  The guys will be releasing Beast of Both Worlds via Joyful Noise Recordings on September 11th (going to be a busy day at the record store!), and it’s going to be a pretty intense affair if this single is anything to go by.  Of course, the music seems to be the main ingredient, with the lyrics coming across as secondary.  I’m definitely digging the powerful drumming here, and of course the fuck-it-all style Spencer has always employed.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/03-Carpe-Diem-1.mp3]

Download:Solos – Carpe Diem [MP3]

New Single from The June Brides

For those of you who missed Phil Wilson’s last record, God Bless Jim Kennedy, you can happily sink your teeth into his return under the June Brides moniker.  The group’s just released a new 7″ with Slumberland Records.  As always, his voice sounds quieted, seemingly taking the background to the song’s inner harmony, fleshed out with string arrangements.  Personally, I love how there’s a bit of a stomp just before the 1 minute mark.  This is definitely a happy return, and one I hope you’ll consider looking into; you can pick the A January Moon 7″ up at your local record shop.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/A-January-Moon.mp3]

 

Show Preview: Whalers @ Stubbs (7/20)

Date Friday, July 20th
Location Stubbs
Doors 900 pm
Tickets $7 from Frontgate

If you’re going to be in the Austin area, you’re in for a great treat Friday night; you’ll be able to check out two of our favorite local acts.  Whalers are the big headliner, continuing their rise to popularity in the local scene.  They’ll be releasing their single (featured below), which should feature on an unnamed effort to come later on in the year.  But, since I know you’re a fan of the local scene, you’re going to get their early to see Tiger Waves.  I’ve pretty much hyped this band since I discovered them, and I still don’t have a bad thing to say about them, so be sure to catch them…afterall, they’re making waves (see what I did there?).Oh, and this is your friendly reminder on behalf of Stubbs to not talk during the band’s sets!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Whalers_Bon_Vivant.mp3]

New Jam from Outside World

I went checking in on Brain Idea, a band I totally dig, and found that some of the members had begun a new project titled Outside World.  Man, I was surprised at just how great their latest single was; it’s got an old school rock n’ roll sound, filled with infectious hooks and a bit of ramshackle to it. The group’s about to release a new tape for Night People titled Seaside Nowhere, and this song’s going to feature.  If you were once a fan of the Replacements and Superchunk, then this band’s going to find a place in your heart immediately.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/01-Due-to-See.mp3]

 

New Music from Martin Creed

Martin Creed is a pretty credible songwriter, winning the Turner Prize, and now he’s back with a collection of 18 songs titled Love to You, which is just now being released by Moshi Moshi Records.  He definitely owns a distinctive vocal, but I’m more interested in the craftsmanship that enabled the record to come together.  Every detail is intentional, every lyric placed perfectly, every note placed in exactly the right place, creating a collection of thoughtful songs that you’re not likely to find anywhere else.  This single is perhaps my favorite at the moment, but there’s other more upbeat tracks if that’s your bag too.  Enjoy some Martin Creed today.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/17-Youre-The-One-For-Me.mp3]

Download:Martin Creed – You’re The One For Me [MP3]

More New Music From Twin Cabin

The more I hear from Nacho Cano and his project known as Twin Cabins, the more I really get into the music being created.  First I heard the track “I’m Sure” and I’ve really taken to the style coming out of these recording sessions.  This new jam “Ashes” is another shoe gaze style tune that’s making me buy into this guy more and more.  Don’t forget that more music from Nacho is streaming over on the Twin Cabins bandcamp page.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/TwinCabins-Ashes.mp3]

Download: Twin Cabins – Ashes [MP3]

Quirky Pop Tune from Gregory Pepper and His Problems

I’ve always favored quirky singers who mess with the formulaic work of singer/songwriter fare, thus I’m enjoying Gregory Pepper and His Problems most recent track today. In my mind, it kind of reminds me of the lyrical playfulness of Travis Morrison, but with the musical allusion to Owen Pallett or Dent May.  The new record from Greg and Co. will be coming out on August 21st via Fake Four Inc., and it’s titled Escape from Crystal Skull Mountain.  Definitely enjoying the light-hearted attitude of this track right now, and I hope you do too.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/13-At-Least-Im-Not-a-Musician.mp3]

Download:Gregory Pepper and His Problems – At Least I’m Not a Musician[MP3]

Show Preview: The Sour Notes @ Red 7 (7/21)

Date 7/21/11
Location Red 7
Doors 7pm
Tickets $9 @ Door

Our long time amigos The Sour Notes are kicking off a big summer tour soon and are starting things off right with a massive local show at Red 7 this Saturday.  The talent list in the lineup is crazy good and goes something like this: The Cymatic, Waikiki, New York City Queens, The Sour Notes (duh), Royal Forest, The Midgetmen, Knifight, Growl, Imagineiam, Jess Williamson, Little Brave, Melissa Bryan, Mrs. Howl, and Burgess Meredith.  Wow.  You guys get all that?  So yes, this is a big one with a lot of great bands that are sure to entertain.  Hell, it’s only $9 for all those bands people.  Support the locals!

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/01_The_Sour_Notes_Two_Hands_Wait_9.13.11.mp3]

Download: The Sour Notes – Two Hands Wait [MP3]

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/01-Beers-Gone.mp3]

Download: The Midgetmen – Beer’s Gone [MP3]

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