Tag: austin

Austin Spotlight: Two Weeks Until the Love Inks New Album!

inkblotterWe’re just a short distance away from the release of Exi (September 9th), the newest album from Austin’s Love Inks.  I’ve always appreciated the group’s work, but I really enjoy their use of space on this latest single.  Sherry’s voice is the dominant focal point, while there’s very light bass movement in the distance, accented by little guitar pieces and synthesized beats.  The song walks this fine line of feeling huge and empty at the same time, which is quite an accomplishment in and of itself.  Those living outside of Austin will again get a chance to see the band perform live, as they’ll be touring the States throughout September.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/08-Regular-Lovers.mp3]

 

 

Austin Spotlight (Sort of): New Music from This Will Destroy You

twdyTechnically, This Will Destroy You hailed from San Marcos, which is just a few minutes away from Austin, so we’ll gladly take them in as our own.  They’re crafting the sort of sprawling post-rock that was popularized by the likes of Mogwai and EITS, and they’re doing a pretty solid job.  On their latest single, the song opens with a rolling drum and a careful touch of keyboard notes, as guitars quietly begin to creep into the track.  Just before the 1 minute mark, those guitars begin to ring louder, distortion enters the picture, building towards a crescendo.  But, if I were to have a complaint, it would be that song doesn’t quite get there; there’s no ultimate crash that swoops in.  Of course, that also makes the group different, offering their own branding on the style.  Look for their latest album, Another Language, on September 16th via Suicide Squeeze.

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Austin Weekend Show Spotlight

Austin, I love you.As the weather unfortunately heats up, that means there’s also a music scene heating up.  There’s tons of shows this weekend in particular, both local and traveling.  I won’t bore you with details, but remind you to show up early to catch openers, especially the local ones like Sweet Talk playing at Mohawk tonight. Here you go: Read more

Austin Spotlight: I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness Return

I-Love-You-But-Ive-Chosen-DarknessIn the early 00s, Austin was alive, like most of the country, in the rehashing of 70s/80s influenced dance music; Red Fez, Whiskey Bar and Beauty Ballroom were the hot spots.  In the middle of that mini-musical explosion was I Love You But I’ve Chosen Darkness, who unfairly got lumped in under the genre of Joy Division copycats.  But, they’re back with a brand new album, and from the sounds on the single, they’re not really going to have to wear that mark much longer. Sure, there’s that melancholic tone, but the guitar and percussive work seemingly move more into a post-rock sphere; clearly this a band who’ve taken some time to grow.  They’re new record, Dust, will be released on Secretly Canadian on October 28th.

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Little Cinema Hits the Diving Board

tdubsLong ago there was a great little Austin band named Hollywood Gossip.  For all intents and purposes, they were my favorite local pop band…then they were gone.  Frontman Tyler Womack has relocated to Brooklyn, but he’s still got a knack for writing hook-laden songs…he even still is pushing the path through Austin; Marcus of Shivery Shakes and Dana Falconberry appear on his new single. This first song really reminds me why I fell in love with Womack’s work long ago; he’s got a rather distinctive voice, kept in check by Falconberry here.  It’s nice to see Tyler back as Little Cinema.

Show Preview: The Both @ the Mohawk (8.13)

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tednaimee

Date Wednesday, August 13th
Location Mohawk
Doors 6:30 PM
Tickets $22 from Mohawk


I’ll be the first to admit that I vastly overlooked the first release from The Both, the album of work from Aimee Mann and Ted Leo.  The self-titled record took me by surprise, and perhaps I didn’t give Mann enough credit.  It’s a spot-on album of great pop tunes, from two great songwriters, and I know that Ted will definitely be bringing his showmanship to the stage (I’ve yet to catch Aimee).  I’m not even sure if the duo will continue writing together, so you’ve got to be there to catch them while you have the chance. And, opening the show will be Lemuria, who won us over with their album, The Distance is So Big.  This is a night worth every dollar.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/05-Pay-For-It.mp3]

 

Austin Spotlight: Another Spray Paint Tune

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Spray-PaintA little over a week ago we tossed up a tune that was from the forthcoming album from Austin’s Spray Paint.  But, while we’re waiting for what’s sure to be another rad record from the band, they’ve also announced a new 7″ for Upset the Rhythm that’s coming out next week.  I’m loving the discordant pluck that rides along this tune, while the pummeling beat just pounds away.  Lyrics accompany the first half of the song, and the last few seconds, but the middle is filled with instrumental pacing, of the dangerous sort.  Not sure if “Cussin” will appear on the next LP, or if it’s just a stand-alone 7″, but it’s another reason for people to continue their praise of the Austin three-piece.

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Great New Track From Mumblr

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downloadIt’s well known that we are in full support of local label Fleeting Youth Records and the great artists they continue to pick up.  Today we’ve got a new song for you called “Philadelphia” coming your way from Philly based rock group Mumblr.  I love that the song seems to be inspired by harder indie rock groups like Cursive with the emotional vocals and strong guitars.  Keep it up doods.

Mumblr’s new album, Full of Snakes, is due out September 16th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/03-Philadelphia.mp3]

Download: Mumblr – Philadelphia [MP3]

Show Preview: Miniature Tigers @ Stubbs Jr (8.6)

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miniature-tigers_320

Date Wednesday, August 6th
Location Stubbs Jr
Doors 8:00 PM
Tickets $12 from Stubbs


After a really busy few weeks, the going of shows slows down a bit, but there’s a great pop rock show that should be on your radar…you know, if that’s your thing.  Miniature Tigers blow into town, filled with catchy tunes from their most recent release, Cruel Runnings.  Their tracks are all fun, all the time. But, be sure to pay special attention to openers, the Griswolds.  The Australian band is set to release their album, Be Impressive, and the title does great to serve notice to new fans.  Plus…it’s not every day bands from Australia get to make it over here…traveling gets expensive ya’ll. Another opener, Finish Ticket opens things up; I don’t know much about them other than they’re influenced by The Strokes and the Killers…so there’s that.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/play.mp3]

Download: Miniature Tigers – Gold Skulls [MP3]

Austin Spotlight: Xetas Ready 7″

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xetasListening to Xetas, I’m reminded that I owe my friend Mark a debt of gratitude.  He teaches across the hall, and he’s been championing his friends for some time.  I’ve caught them live twice now, and let me tell you, there aren’t a lot of bands playing this style of music that live that bring the energy and the licks like these three.  There’s a dichotomy between guitarist D and bassist K, with both playing the role of the foil to the other. I’m further impressed by the recording on this single; it captures the ferocity of the band’s live show, but still sounds huge.  Their new 7″ is being released on September 2nd via 12XU Records; you can preorder it HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/01_The_Silence.mp3]

 

 

 

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