Tag: art is hard records

Art Is Hard Records to Release 4 Way Split

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4wayMicrolabels have to go to great lengths to stay afloat, and often that means they come up with some really creative ways to release music to the masses.  For instance, one of my favorites, Art Is Hard Records, are releasing a rad 4-way split featuring Fruit Bomb, Living Hour, Bruising and Abattoir Blues; it’s a pretty rad idea, and even if it’s done before, it doesn’t take away from the hard work of the label. If you haven’t heard this Living Hour stream yet, check it out below, and consider picking up the Split from the label; it’ll be worth your money.

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Friday Rock with Pet Cemetery

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petkittyFelt like the folks over at Art Is Hard Records had been quiet for a few week, but as expected, they’ve been saving one of their best tracks for their infamous Pizza Club, where you can get rock n’ roll by the slice.  Today’s tune is from Pet Cemetery, one of the many spin-off projects coming from the label.  It starts off with this driving distorted guitar riff, giving you a traditional bit of indie rock.  For me, the song takes off when vocals begin to lightly creep in, similar to what you had on early POBPAH singles.  The mix could be louder, but the song’s damn good.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/giants-MASTER.mp3]

Download: Pet Cemetery – Giants [MP3]

AlternaJam from Broadbay

plasticeneIt’s that time of the month when I bring you something tasty from the dudes at Art is Hard Records. This time around, as they near the wrap-up of this year’s Pizza Singles Series, they bring you a free tune from Broadbay.  The band has a foot that’s planted firmly in the annals of 90s guitar rock, though I won’t be complaining.  There’s some soloing from the guitar, steady vocal delivery, and hook that keeps you coming from more.  Tune in, turn up, and drive fast; you’ll have some fun here.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Broadbay-Plasticine-Dream.mp3]

Download: Broadbay – Plasticine Dream [MP3]

I’m Enjoying a Daydream Waltz

ddwaltsYou come to expect a certain sound from your favorite labels, so I was taken aback when I grabbed this new single from A Daydream Waltz.  It’s one of the latest singles to be released by Art is Hard Records, so you knew I’d be on board, but for an entirely different reason.  I like the melancholic tone of the guitar; it has a bit of a billowing sound as well, which goes even further as the tune progresses.  It’s this perfect bit of pensive pop music, and it’s my jam today.  You can also go and grab the band’s According to Whom EP for the NYP over at their Bandcamp.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/A-Daydream-Waltz-She-was-like-you.mp3]

Download: A Daydream Waltz – She was like you [MP3]

New Music from Thalassocracy

artBy now you know that one of my favorite labels is Art is Hard Records, and one of the founding men behind the label has his own act, Thalassocracy.  As a follower of the label I’ve been quite impressed, as the band’s work equals that of the group’s on the label.  The newest tune from the group has this chugging guitar with these distant vocals coming in with a mellow semi-shout.  There’s nothing particularly mind-blowing about the tune other than the fact that I just want to turn it up really loudly and blast through my speakers!  Join me won’t you.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Art-Is-Hard-Records-Thalassocracy-Shimensoka.mp3]

Download: Thalassocracy – Shimensoka [MP3]

New Jam from WULFS

wolvesYou know that I like to check in with Art is Hard Records every few weeks, as their Pizza Club Singles always offer up something that not everyone’s hip to, so I know I won’t be being a dead horse when I post their tunes. This week’s jam comes courtesy of WULFS, who appear to be a younger act working with the label, but I’m stuck on this tune.  The guitars are dreamy and light, at least when they first enter.  They move forward, then the distortion kicks in; I think I even hear a bit of horn as they rock out during the chorus.  I bet you’ll have fun listening to this tune…you know, if you’re into good tunes.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/WULFS-Moving-Out.mp3]

Download: WULFS – Moving Out [MP3]

Please Enjoy This Tune from White Sands

whitesandsEarlier in the week I tossed up one new tune from Art Is Hard Records, but I also neglected to give you the proper warning about White Sands.  The group is made up of 1 parts Mazes, 1 parts Male Bonding and 1 parts Novella, so surely someone out there is going to be getting amped for this release.  Initially, I was grabbed by the distorted guitars, but then I went back and found myself hooked on the interplay between male and female vocal parts.  It’s going to be a special release too, as the label’s doing it on a flexi-disc 7″ with a 20 page magazine and 3 song digi-pack; you don’t get these sort of releases everyday.  Pretty sure you’re going to have to order this today; it’s a limited release!

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Grungy Pop from Virgin Kids

virginIn case no one else out there obsessively follows their favorite labels, I’m here to help you with that job today.  Art is Hard Records tossed up this little gem from Virgin Kids last Friday, and it made its way into my weekend rotation, getting so many spins I had to share it with you. The three-piece London outfit really has two sides of this song; they offer a pretty straight-forward guitar pop piece up front, but get all distorted in the middle of the song, letting the chords ring loud.  Heavier parts of the song come in strong, but they’re short-lived, as to be sure not to wear out their welcome amid such a pop-centric feel.  Enjoy this one.

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Quirky Pop from Joey Fourr

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joeyYou know by now that I’m a huge fan of Art Is Hard Records, especially when it comes to their Pizza Club Singles.  They just recently tossed up this oddity from Joey Fourr.  The tune warbles in and out of the speakers, with male and female vocals working in unison.  Sure, it’s got a bit of that home recording spin on it, but that doesn’t take away from the song’s ability to get under your skin.  Listen below, and feel free to browse AIH for tons of hidden gems; you can get some sweet free downloads and order some limited releases.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Joey-Fourr-Gold-Boy.mp3]

Download: Joey Fourr – Gold Boy [MP3]

Relaxed Tune from The Golden Dregs

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goldenIt’s that time again.  Art Is Hard Records have put out their latest Pizza Club Single, this time with The Golden Dregs…it’s the project of Ben Woods who’s done tons of great work with bands like Gorgeous Bully and the Black Tambourines.  This time, however, he’s stepped out as the leader of the band, and what an exciting introduction to his own skill set.  You’ll hear a bit of a country twang in the trickling guitar work, crafting an atmosphere that leaves the perfect set up for his relaxing vocal entrance.  You’re going to dig this groove.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/The-Golden-Dregs-A-Life-Aquatic.mp3]

Download: The Golden Dregs – A Life Aquatic [MP3]

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