Brown Recluse – Evening Tapestry

Rating: ★★½☆☆

Despite the creepy implications of their name, Brown Recluse is far from such dark arachnid qualities in their music. Instead they rely on pop, and at that, psychedelic pop laden with airy vocals and crisp instruments. Ironically, many happy and jubilant sounds are produced from this band on Evening Tapestry.

Starting off with “Hobble To Your Tomb,” Brown Recluse begins on a high note. As one of the more interesting numbers on this album, it serves its pertinent job of making me want to see where this band is going to go for the rest of the album. It builds gradually, with short spurts of organ-like synth, and stop and go styling. The horn work at the end creates such promise. Seriously who doesn’t love horn work? However, the song doesn’t really go anywhere; much like the rest of the songs as a whole.

 While this album is chalk full of groovy pop tunes, it just won’t make the transition between good and great to me. Perhaps it is the blandness of the lead vocals; they suit the music, but at the same time there isn’t that disparity that allows for some noticeable separation of instruments and singing. It doesn’t command your attention, but lets you wander a little ways off, and it’s easy to get distracted from the tunes that are brightly playing away. The same goes for the shortness in each of the songs, which, sadly, but inevitably causes them all to sound similar.

Despite it’s one-note-nature, Evening Tapestry still has its moments. Such moments occur on numbers like “Impressions of a City Morning,” that starts with some quick, yet soft drums, and follows with the jingle-jangle of a tambourine. At some points during this number, I get the feeling of some old Belle and Sebastian song, chalked full of that story-telling diction and delicate vocal qualities that Stuart Murdoch does so well. Another stand out comes on “Monday Moon,” that relies on jangly guitars and the slight wail of some funky synthesizer to spin a poppy tune.

To be honest, most of the songs on this album are likable; there just isn’t enough variety in general to warrant excellence or even longevity. As I listen to this over and over, I just can’t latch onto hardly any of the songs. They run their course and then are done, becoming forgettable. Instead of falling in love with Brown Recluse, I feel more so like being their friend; I’m not quite ready to spend all my time with them, but hanging out every once and a while could be alright.

Evening Tapestry is out now on Slumberland Records.

More New Music From Young Girls

Earlier this month I posted a new song by up and coming Houston outfit Young Girls called “Six Pack Back Stab”.  Apparently that song wasn’t quite as new as I thought and the band has since sent me a more recent jam entitled “Mexico in December”.  It’s a very well written pop song that’s sure to grab them some attention this spring.  A full length album featuring this song and a few others is said to hopefully be available some time later this month.  Stay tuned.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/MEXICO_IN_DECEMBER.mp3]

Download: Young Girls – Mexico in December [MP3]

New Music From Appleseed Cast

It’s quite apparent that I love the Appleseed Cast, duh.  I remember watching their set at Fun Fest this past year and wondering why more people weren’t screaming “THE CAST!” like I was.  Sure, the newer stuff isn’t quite as enjoyable as the old favorites, but it’s still solid.  So today I’m pumped to hear about a new EP from the band entitled Middle States coming our way June 7th on Graveface Records.  Also with this news comes the first taste of the EP in the form of new song “Middle States”.  It really reminds me of something from the Low Level Owl albums, which I’m sure plenty of people will be on board with.  To say I’m excited about this change in sound direction would be a major understatement.  THE CAST!

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/03-Middle-States-1.mp3]

Download: The Appleseed Cast – Middle States [MP3]

Those Darlins – Screws Get Loose

Rating: ★★★★☆

Despite releasing an album back in 2009, Those Darlins are still a band that has been flying under the radar. However, I don’t see them staying in that predicament for long after this work catches fire.

If the album art wasn’t enough of a clue, the instant you press play on this album, it’s clear that this is a playful, blunt, edgy and full out rock and roll fest. “Screws Get Loose,” the title and opening track is probably the best song that you’ll come across when things are all said and done. While normally it’s not necessarily a good sign for the best song to come first, it doesn’t hurt Those Darlins because all of the songs are decent. Its appeal begins with the jangle of the opening procession and continues to the classic garage punk sound. The grit of the feminine lead vocals is perfect in that it doesn’t fall into the sugary category that everyone else seems to be going for these days.

These punk vocals are also vital in convincing listeners that all the female narrator wants to do is “Be Your Bro” on the second number from Those Darlins. On this track, this band establishes themselves as people who could very well be your friends. Their songwriting (not just on this song) is simple and relatable; since it’s easy to discern what the band is discussing it quickly becomes like an inside joke between you and them. However, their lyrics aren’t oversimplified, they still manage to cover a wide variety of topics, from only wanting to be friends with a desiring male, “Be Your Bro,” to discussing and giving a testament about the evils of money, “$.”

The same can be said for the sound of the group; it goes a variety of places while still staying under the giant umbrella of garage, be it the pop, rock or punk variety. On “Let U Down,” there is a poppy vibe in the beginning that carries through the 70’s guitar riffs spliced though the tune. Later on comes “Tina Said,” whose guttural guitars and bobbing bass lines twist it to a darker, yet still jamming beat. “Fatty Needs a Fix” is a start to finish punk race that is molded by its quick-witted words and precision drumming, but don’t forget to stick around for Dutchess & the Duke—esque “Waste Away.” Such diversity will allow Those Darlins to bridge the gap between forgettable and kick ass.

At the end of Screws Get Loose, there is a bit of silence and then a guitar solo layered upon the melody of the first song, prompting you to go back to the beginning and start again. As the band intended, I suggest you do the same; this will surely be an album that you will play over and over.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Those-Darlins-Screws-Get-Loose.mp3]

Download: Those Darlins – Screws Get Loose [MP3]

New Track from Country Mice

As we approach the summer heat, I tend to have sort of a lull in my musical listening habits.  I tend to back away from the heavier/faster tracks, and indulge in those sort of songs that remind me of just sitting around in the backyard with a cold beverage and a bevy of friends.  Brookly band Country Mice  might have just given me a track to add to my collection of mid-season jams.  This single is prepped to get your aedy for the release of their album, Twister, which will hit stores on June 7th.  Singer Jason Rueger’s vocals soudn a lot more youthful, and less country, than the band’s name might lead one to belive. Give this track a nice couple of listens.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Country-Mice-Festival.mp3]

Download: Country Mice – Festival [MP3]

New Song from We Are Trees

Last time we heard from We Are Trees, they seemed to be crafting more of a bedroom pop appeal with their songwriting, but now we have a new tune fromt he band from their upcoming Girlfriend EP, coming sometime soon (you can currently grab it on iTunes).  The track I wanted to post is one of the more upbeat numbers of the five present on this collection, and it shows the groups terrific grasp on absolute pop goodness. It’s hard to imagine such a completed sound coming from only two musicians, but it’s definitely exciting to watch this group as they continue to progress with incredible tunes.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/05-I-Dont-Believe-in-Love.mp3]

Download: We Are Trees – I Don’t Believe in Love

New Music From Sons & Daughters

It’s been so long since I’ve heard anything about Glasgow band Sons & Daughters that I just sort of assumed they had called it quits as a band.  An email today tells me I’m wrong and the band is prepping a new album called Mirror Mirror due out June 14th on Domino Records.  Below you can find a new song from the band called “Silver Spell”.  I haven’t given it too many spins just yet but I am glad to at least see the band pressing forward musically.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/01-Silver_Spell.mp3]

Download: Sons & Daughters – Silver Spell [MP3]

Hunx and His Punx – Too Young To Be In Love

Rating: ★★★★½

It’s a shame that people tend to associate Hunx and His Punx with some sort of gay punk movement, though he doesn’t do much to do distinguish himself from that image.  However, Too Young To Be in Love is probably one of the most enjoyable releases that should be on everyone’s radar, yet somehow it still seems to be sort of a small blip. Shame on us, as I haven’t had this much fun listening to a record in some time, not to mention the fact that it was produced by one of the Voidoids!

When you jump into “Lovers Lane,” you better be ready to grab a hold of the nearest person to you, swing them in your arms, and spin spin spin.  Hunx has that spoken word delivery you’ve heard from the 50s soundtracks of your parents, then you add in the gentle growl of Shannon Shaw of Shannon and the Clams; you’ll want to play this track at your next barbecue.  And it just walks right into “Hes Coming Back,” which has a similar appeal, but here you’re going to have a bit more of a stomp going on, as the groovy drumming definitely has the toes a tapping.

Perhaps there is an innocent nostalgia in everything Hunx and His Punx does, but that’s precisely why we’re all going to have so much fun listening to this record this year.  Listening to the title track, “Too Young To Be in Love,” you have the absolutely perfect song to close out the night, if your night happens to be some giant hipster-laden prom-type affair.  These are songs where you can roll your window down and tap your fingers to the rhythm on your steering wheel, or perhaps you’d rather just have nice gentle dance around the living room with your significant other while dinner cooks on the stove.  Everything you’ll find on Too Young To Be in Love is full of vibrant tracks that warm your heart, and it would probably do the same for your parents, not to mention their parents.

If you’re looking for faster paced songs, you’re likely to find what your looking for on the latter half of the album, in so far as Hunx can only speed it up so much.  Tracks like “Bad Boy” and “Tonite Tonite” definitely have a more forceful approach to the sheer joy of this record, though there’s an ability to slow it down amidst a heavier footed drummer. As these songs jangle and Shannon adds oohs and ahhs in the background, you’re caught up all over again.  It’s hard, however, to even differentiate these songs from those on the earlier half of the LP, as the whole thing sounds so cohesive, so well put together.

It’s hard to really say who will fall in love with this record, though Hunx and His Punx clearly have made one of the most enjoyable releases of the year.  Perhaps Too Young To Be In Love will get overshadowed as too nostalgic for its own good, or too this or too that.  But, one thing is for sure, you’re not likely to find so many catchy songs lined in a row that are going to make you fell young and innocent all over again, or keep you feeling young if that’s the case. I don’t know, but if this is the gay punk movement, I think it’s time I join.

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

Download: Hunx and His Punx – Lovers Lane [MP3]

The album is out now on Hardly Art. Hunx comes to Austin on 4/12 at Emos.

Top Ten SXSW Artists

It has taken us just about a week to come to a reasonable consensus about who we loved the most during SXSW.  We compiled our lists based on individual preferences and tried to give you a broad range of acts, so now you can consider our SXSW coverage complete with our list of the ten best bands we saw.

Read more

More New Music From Fleet Foxes

Well we hear on the streets that the new Fleet Foxes album Helplessness Blues has leaked super early and indie fanboys are already going crazy.  With a distant release date of May 3rd, you’ve still got some time to check out singles like this one “The Plains/Bitter Dancer” before you pick up the album in about a month.  Will they be able to keep their buzz going on the sophomore effort?  Only time will tell.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/fleet-foxes-the-plains-bitter-dancer.mp3]

Download: Fleet Foxes – The Plains/Bitter Dancer [MP3]

1 1,614 1,615 1,616 1,617 1,618 1,931