ATX Spotlight: Breaklights Bring Pop Punk

breaklightsRemember when punk rock of the 90s had great production, huge hooks and just enough danger to keep you rocking out with your friends? Well, then you should grab onto Austin’s Breaklights, clearly operating without classic pop-punk sound. They work in some great little stuttering moments, and a brief respite via breakdown near the end before jumping you towards the track’s end. They’ve just wrapped up recording their debut album with Stephen Egerton of Descendents/ALL fame, so it’s already got the street-cred any band could want. Look out Austin, this band’s coming for ya, and you’re going to have fun.

Another Great Mutual Benefit Track

mutualbenefitAdmittedly, I wasn’t entirely on board for the first wave of Mutual Benefit hype, but on this new cycle, I’ve completely committed my support. This song is the perfect illustration at the care put into the band’s craft; it celebrates the band’s orchestral movements, while also portraying the fragility of voice. As the song sprawls over 4 minutes, you’re completely enraptured in the song’s movement, though glacial at pace. This is what should move us, should move you. Skip a Sinking Stone will be out via Mom + Pop Records on May 20th.

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Cool Vibes from Mons Vi

monsviI’ve hit up Mons Vi a few times before, and this new track is perfect for your Wednesday listening; it’s definitely chilled out while you contemplate the long two days aheads or the short two days behind us. I like the how the band’s early influences with jazz and piano have now been organized to create laid back pop structures. Still, it’s not entirely your ordinary fare; you’ll hear some odd samples and soloing guitar working against the casual feel of the track. This song is off the trio’s new single, which has another song you can grab HERE.

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Show Review: My Morning Jacket @ Austin City Limits (5/1/16)

jamesOften when it comes to the Austin City Limits Television program, performers can come across as coy or taken aback at just the honor of being invited. With 42 seasons running, the tapings do hold a certain special quality all their own. For My Morning Jacket however, this was just another show in a new leg of their extended tour. Another show of which they absolutely commanded from the final introductory syllables from Terry Likona’s mouth. Read more

Watch This New Told Slant Video!

Told Slant, the Brooklyn group that features the music of Felix Walworth, have got a new video to share with you for their song “Tsunami.” This song is eclectic pop gold, with riffs of guitars chiming in and out peacefully, while the lead vocals channel Spencer Krug in their twang, sounding like they’re holding weighty emotions behind them. I’m enjoying the way the track builds from a quiet folk number to its powerful close. Simply put, this song is a great burst of emotion and energy that is accompanied by the quaint music video. Take a listen and watch below.

 

[youtube]https://youtu.be/j2h7S5TbqCk[/youtube]

Show Pics: Animal Collective @ Emo’s (4/30)

Animal Collective 16When ACL cancelled a day of the festival a few years back, we were flooded by a series of pop-up shows to keep visiting artists busy. When the press release landed cancelling the entire festival, I emailed Team ATH to keep an eye out and put an ear to the street. One of the first big acts to land a venue was Animal Collective. The show at Emo’s sold out in two minutes. In fact, most pop-up shows sold out in a ridiculously short time, but I think this one was the fastest by far.

If you were at Scoot Inn or Hotel Vegas, get ready for notes and pics from the big show that featured Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith as the open…

Read more

New Music from Popincourt

popincourtSome bands play by their own set of rules, pulling in a slew of influences that don’t necessarily resonate with the modern trends. But, in the case of Popincourt, brandishing such an approach sets one apart from their peers, allowing them to rise to the top of the game. For my two cents, there seems to be a part mod, part pub-rock nod on this new single, with a hint of traditional pop sensibility. The brevity of the song allows for maximized enjoyment from the get-go, and giving mixing credits to Ken Stringfellow never hurt anyone around these parts. The new album from the project is called A New Dimension to Modern Love, and it’s being released on May 27th via Jigsaw Records, so you know it has the ATH seal of approval.

Sunny Folk Pop From Young Mister

12615620_826009907526518_5739122632816969566_oMaybe it’s because I’m in my last semester of college, or maybe there’s just something in the air, but I’m anxiously awaiting the summer time. While we’re getting close to warmer weather, what better way to dream of summer than with some folk pop? This track, “Pasadena,” from Young Mister is a great way to start anticipating chill vibes and carefree attitudes. It centers around the vocals of Steven Flore, and a laid back beat, as he crafts a cute tune with a choral hook that will reel you in and hold you there. Take a listen and get ready for his new, self-titled album,Young Mister, which is out June 24th via Refresh Records.

 

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Tonight’s Shows: Peach Kelli Pop or Roaring Sun

austiniloveyouIt’s one of my favorite seasons for music. Bands are traveling, shows are popping up, and nary a night passes without something great going on in Austin. Tonight, you’ve got two great choices: Peach Kelli Pop at Sidewinder or Roaring Sun at Barracuda. PKP brandishes surfy guitar-pop, and they’ll be joined by perennial local faves, Sailor Poon. Speaking of the Sailor Poon, they just released a video for their track on the Slack Capital Comp…find it HERE. On the other hand, you’ve got young psych-pop upstarts, Roaring Sun. While I may be biased, having taught one of their members years ago, I’m excited by what they’re crafting. They’ll be joined by Taiga, as well as Honey and Salt. So you can catch a traveling act, or something wholly Austin. Hear tracks from both suggestions below.

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Smoky Pop from Cerise

ceriseI already fell in love with the first Cerise single, and I think this one might be even better. There’s a smoky tone to the vocal delivery, but I hear a slightly psychedelic influence, from the guitar approach to the tambourine jangling in the background. I suppose you can say there’s a sultry note, almost sexual, but I think that diminishes the construction of the song itself. Hearing this single has me more amped for the final release of Smoke Screen Dreams, as it sounds like there will be enough movement within the sounds of the album to keep it wholly interesting throughout. Check it on June 24th.

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