New Music From Matt Pryor

It seems as we all continue to grow older, Matt Pryor grows up with us but still manages to keep a timeless feel about his music.  His work in The Get Up Kids and The New Amsterdams will always be ATH theme music.  Pryor’s more recent endeavor, putting out music as himself, also seems like it will stand the test of time as well.  A new release from Pryor as a solo musician, May Day, is due out January 24th on his very own Blue Collar Bistro label. Until that date, check out Matt’s new single “Your New Favorite” below.  A pre-order for the new album has also been set up over on BCD.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/09-Your-New-Favorite.mp3]

Download: Matt Pryor – Your New Favorite [MP3]

Show Pics: Cass McCombs @ Stubb’s (1/14)

Cass McCombs came to town to play an intimate set at Stubb’s indoor stage. The crowd on hand was tightly packed into the cave beneath the restaurant, enthusiastic and respectful. The quiet moments were quiet allowing Cass and the band to fill the space.

Helping to create that atmosphere was the spellbinding opening set from Frank FairField.. Just a stool, guitar, violin or banjo, toe-taps to set the rhythm and single mic in front to pick it all up. Pin drop quiet allowing the traditional blues/folk sound to resonate. The crowd would burst with approval between songs.

Wish I could have spent more time, but split show duties did not allow. Head after the jump for pics…

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Show Review: Balmorhea @ The Parish (1/13)

On a chilly and regrettably less than spooky ‘Friday the13th’ evening, the Parish and Western Vinyl hosted a sold out event of emerging and established local talent.The audience was full with family and friends, young and old, who were treated to a sonic experience of the highest order and the way in which Balmorhea, in particular, presented their craft might have caught a few of them off guard.  Follow the jump for the full review. Read more

Show Preview: Starfucker @ The Mohawk (1/14)

Starfucker is playing The Mohawk. Since the show is sold out, this serves only as a reminder to those of you that purchased tix a few months ago. If you want to join the dance party, you could of course brave the online pitfalls of craigslist or talk to the “ticket agents” out front. I am dragging a whole group out, things may get messy. I just have to remember to run across the street to catch Cass McCombs for a few songs.

It is all about balance.

Painted Palms and Alexico open.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/01-Julius-1.mp3]

Download: Starfucker – Julius [MP3]

New (ish) Music from Howler

Every once in awhile the Brits steal our homegrown bands beneath our noses, promoting some of the best in America without us even knowing.  It happened with the Strokes, and now it’s happening with Howler, a Minneapolis group.  They’re record America Give Up comes out next week via Rough Trade, and it’s a pretty solid collection of pop tracks.  NPR even praised it as an album full of stand alone singles, so I had to give it the good old college try. The number below is definitely one of those tracks with hooks galore, giving listeners a bottle full of fun. Surely this tune will make your day just a little brighter.

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

Download: Howler – Back of Your Neck [MP3]

Show Preview: Ola Podrida @ the Mohawk (1/15)

Date Sunday, January 15th
Location Mohawk
Doors 930 pm
Tickets $6 at the Door

Well, with cold weather comes that wintery music I love so much, and none do it much better than Dave Wingo and his band Ola Podrida.  Word on the street is that the group will have a new album sometime in 2012, so I’m sure the set will feature old favorites as well many new songs to boot.  Last time I saw them, they pulled off the set to perfection, giving me all the mellow tracks I adored, so get out there and find your own to adore; besides, you don’t have to work on Monday!  Opening the evening are ((Sounder)) and Donkey Skin.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/08-Roomful-of-Sparrows.mp3]

Download: Ola Podrida – Roomful of Sparrows [MP3]

New Folk Pop from Adam & the Amethysts

When bands come at you with a press release with loads of references and name-dropping, sometimes you get a bit skeptical.  Can they really fit that all into one album?  Regardless of allusions to modern acts, what I do know is that I fucking love this track from Adam & the Amethysts.  It features non-traditional percussive stylings, rising harmonies and a pleasant overall vocal.  Such things generally make me happy on most days.  You can find this little number on the band’s new record, Flickering Flashlight, on March 27th here in the US via Kelp Records.  Enjoy this splendid sample.

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

Download: Adam & the Amethysts – Prophecy

Funky New Jam from Field Music

One of my favorite acts over the last few years has been Field Music, as well as the various bands that have been spawned from the group like The Week That Was.  They always have a way of manipulating their musical work, and often play with the vocal registry in order to create intense rhythmic emotions.   As me near closer to the release of their latest album, Plumb, more songs are coming out our way, and this one just hit today (via RS).  It’s been a slow day so I thought I’d toss it up to you folks, see how you like it.  The new album hits stores on February 21 via Memphis Industries.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/04-A-New-Town.mp3]

Download: Field Music – A New Town [MP3]

Show Preview: Cass McCombs @ Stubbs (1/14)

Date Saturday, January 14th
Location Stubbs
Doors 900p
Tickets $12 from Frontgate

As the show season begins to pick up, and the weather remains a bit on the cold side, you’re going to find the perfect show for you Saturday night over at Stubbs.  Cass McCombs, six records into his career, is the sort of singer you want to hear inside Stubbs, where the heat of the crowd accompanies the solemn vocal display and quiet musical accompaniment.  As his career has gone on, he’s only gotten more respect from the press, and tracks like the deeply moving “County Line” are a perfect reason for this.  Opening the show will be Frank FairField.

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

Download: Cass McCombs – County Line [MP3]

Even More Great Pop from Tiger Waves

I know, I know, I’ve been harping on Tiger Waves quite a bit, but it’s deserved love I’m throwing at these up-and-comers.  The more tracks they let me have, the more I can’t wait to sink in my chair and absorb the whole album.  As we get closer to the release of Don’t Be Yourself, more tracks are coming your way, and they’re nothing short of incredible.  Just listen to the rising pop beauty in this new song, accompanied by sunny coastline vocals.  The track below will be featured on the band’s single as the A Side, and soon enough we’ll have the whole record! Oh, and if you want to catch the band live, they’ll be playing next Thursday at Frank, but don’t worry, I’ll be sure to remind you about that one!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/02-A-Smirk-And-A-Smile.mp3]

Download: Tiger Waves – A Smirk And A Smile [MP3]

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