More from the Love Child Compilation

Seeing as this is a compilation of old Love Child stuff, this post is mostly to convince you and our friend Norman Wanklord to pony up some cash and grab Never Meant to Be. There’s two fresh tracks from the collection, and I’ve got both below. “Asking For It” is this frantic bit of rock n’ roll with Rebecca Odes spitting out venomous vocals faster than the drummer can ride the cymbals; I love how there’s a melodic slow jam to the song’s middle, reminding us that they could’ve done anything, and it would have kicked ass. “Escalator” is this sharp burst of crashing art rhythms, rising and falling, stuttering and jabbing…kind of like if Built to Spill were an 80s punk band from NYC. You can get your hands on this collection this Friday via 12XU!

Winter Aid Share Silk Video

I have to cop to the fact that the piano line from this new Winter Aid song completely sucked me into the tune; it swept me up and turned me over dropping in the midst of the tune, as I’m hoping it does for you. Between those little rolling piano notes you’ll find the mystery that’s made this song so intoxicating, for me anyways. Little hints of noise echo in and out, with a snappy bit of percussion keeping the pace, setting the scene for Shane Culloty’s voice; he’s got some notes that remind me faintly of Spencer Krug, holding onto this imperfect fragility that I can’t escape. This is the first track we’ve heard from the forthcoming Pull the Sky Inside.

Last Week’s Jams (2.26 – 3.1)

As we ramp up towards SXSW, things have been in full swing over at the ATH camp. We ran a bunch of our “getting-to-know-you” interviews with the Ophelias, Jess Cornelius, Tigercub and Native Harrow. But, we also covered a shit-ton of new music that’s worth revisiting, if you’re up for it. Our old friends Blushing dropped a new tune from their next LP, plus we got to hear more from Dancer and Torrey in relation to their new releases. Long time ATH faves like Mo Troper and Rosie Tucker made an appearance too, with each having their own new records on the horizon. Plus, a bunch of other greats like Red Sleeping Beauty, Klaus Johann Grobe, Non La and more…so dive on in.

Red Sleeping Beauty Ask Is This Love

Challenging themselves to write get out one song a month for the year, Red Sleeping Beauty have another pop ditty to slide into your rotation. A dancing little line jumps you right into the track, before being met by a quick wash of keys that cleanse your palate as the song slides into subtle disco pop. I love the fusion of the electronic elements with this jangling guitar line that hangs about in the distance; you tie it all together and you have this freeing moment of melody that should have you spinning about with your arms out wide like a helicopter, ready to take off into the weekend. Track comes courtesy of the band and Matinee Recordings.

Daily Worker Share Holding Out for Nothing + Announce New EP

Harold Whit Williams has been turning up the amps to 11 with the most recent Daily Worker pieces, and today the project announces the MF Genius EP, which will drop in May. But, you’ve got the opening rip-roaring tune below to tease you with what’s to come going forward; stuttering drums and a visual rush down an old highway lead you right into this pop rock madness. In some manner, the song feels like a drag race, riffs racing by with speed, and a little melodic pause in between from Harold and company before the next set of riffs line up and race through your speakers. And, if you live in Austin or are around the area on March 10th, Daily Worker will be rocking the stage at our annual ATH vs SOTO show at Hotel Vegas.

High Water Marks Share YFF + Prep Compilation

Over the last several years I’ve raved about High Water Marks and their ability to craft some of the most consistently solid power pop tunes. But, the songwriters in the band aren’t proverbial spring chickens, as Hilarie Sidney was one of the OGs in Elephant 6. That makes sense when you listen to this brand new tune, with a look back at grungy songwriting centered around the most striking melody. They don’t lose their edge by any means, with distortion and thumping drum work setting the start, but once they slide into that coy little vocal melody, you’ll be caught in their net, praying they release an LP of songs this delicious. Plus, the song is part of the So Many Things at Once Compilation, which is aiming to raise funds for Justice Democrats; the compilation features Elf Power, Rose Melberg, Mikal Cronin…just to name a few. The compilation drops on April 5th via 6612 Tapes, and its live for pre-order since its Bandcamp Friyay!

Dancer Share Bluetooth Hell

We’ve been able to hear a handful of Dancer tunes from their forthcoming 10 Songs I Hate About You, but if I’m being bold, this one might be the most exciting of the singles. Whether it’s the rolling of the beats or the sharpness of the vocal blasts, there’s something joyfully primal in their sound. But, at times, it can also be a touch off-kilter, reminiscent of Life Without Buildings or Love Is All, playing within the confines of post-punk but with a little more of an indie rock scrub. I definitely dig how the buzz comes right before the song closes, bringing the volume up before dropping out. The LP is out March 15th via Meritorio Records.

Bop Along to New Bibi Club

I really can’g get enough of this new track from Bibi Club; I was instantly hooked with the pulsing beat work that sets the tune at the start. From there, however, the song opens up into this rocking bit of guitar pop, while the undercurrent continues to provide energy throughout the middle. I can already hear folks making comparisons to other Francophile acts that use electronics, but for me, this is different; it feels more rocking and lighter in a sense, like it’s trying to free itself from the confines of that style a bit. Plus, that hook is just too damned good to walk away from. Feu de Garde will drop via Secret City Records on May 10th.

Chalk Share New Track Bliss

While we prep for that little festival coming in a week and a half, we are of course still getting in some bangers on the regular. This one seems expertly timed as Belfast based band Chalk not only have this new single “Bliss” available, but will also be stopping in town for SXSW. So while “Bliss” gets your body moving with its dark wave, synth pop inspired rhythms, you can learn the words to sing along live during a set in Austin.

This track is part of a new EP entitled Conditions ll which is out on Friday, March 1st via Nice Swan Records. Vinyl pre-orders are live now.

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