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There’s just too many shows to really talk about any singular show above any other, so we’ll point you in the right direction (in our opinion) of where you’re likely to have the best time this weekend. There’s worthy shows Friday thru Sunday, so we’ll get right to it. Read more
Austin musicians have had a pretty rad week. Although we’ve mostly dealt with the rocking side of things with Spray Paint and Jonly Bonly, but today we get a glimpse at an emerging Austin pop act, Alex Napping. That being said, we’ve already caught the band’s great live set…not to mention talked about various members of the band in their other projects (Major x 3, anything w/ Andrew Stevens). I love how this tune is drawn out over five minutes, gradually building pace after a soft little opening. Alex Cohen’s voice couldn’t sound any better; she don’t need no auto-tune. Look for the band’s debut album, This Is Not a Bedroom, to come out via our friends at Punctum Records in late September.
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It’s been rather a slow year for Austin’s Spray Paint, considering they released two great LPs in 2013. But, we don’t have to wait anymore, as the band are readying their new album for release in September via Monofonus Press. The track begins with a bit of angular propulsion, almost in the vein of a repetitive stutter. But, the song opens up with a bit more discordant noise just after the minute mark, only to quickly return to the steady drive of the track. The record is titled Clean Blood, Regular Acid, and it’s sure to make a lot of local year end lists, not to mention getting the Norman Wanklord seal of approval. AND…if you’re in Austin tonight, you should check out their live show this evening at Hotel Vegas with Flesh Lights and more.
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It seems like a few years ago, The Antlers were on top of the indie rock world. They’d crafted two great records, won over countless fans, but with their latest album, Familiars, they didn’t seem to get as much fanfare as one would hope for. Personally, I think that’s quite sad, as the ornate qualities of the record have made it a repeated joy to listen to time and time again. They’ll be bringing their careful craftsmanship into town on Sunday night over at the Parish, which seems like the perfect venue for their sound. The show will start off at 8 PM with Thus Owls, so if you’ve got tickets, be sure to get there early to catch them as well. You can see the latest live video as a reason why you need to show up early HERE.
There’s always been a bit of mystery in the work of Southern Boutique, comprised of members of the now defunct act, Tiger Waves; they’ve always remained relatively hidden, choosing to focus on recording great songs. So, it comes as no surprise that they quietly began to stream their album today, asking for little other than your pure enjoyment, and enjoy you will. I’ve always admired the boys for their craftsmanship, and their focus on perfecting every inch of tape is evident throughout the entirety of this LP. There’s no word on when it’ll have a physical release, but just take some time today to drift away this afternoon with one of Austin’s best kept secrets.
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It’s been a great week for Austin acts, with Basketball Shorts and Letting Up Despite Great Faults all releasing new tunes, and now we have another one of our beloved locals returning to the fold, Love Inks. Of course, the star of this slow-core show is going to be Sherry, who’s vocals dominate all the bands work, but I personally love the restraint that’s being shown. Guitar lines are relaxed, moving beneath the pulsating electronic beat; it’s a great atmosphere for the group to showcase just how powerful they can be, without actually being, powerful, in regards to volume. Their new album, Exi, will be out on September 9th.
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We here at ATH have always stood behind Letting Up Despite Great Faults. They blend shoegaze and indiepop, and it’s always done quite successfully. Their last album, Untogether, was one of our favorite a few years back, and now they’re set to return with Neon. One thing you’re likely to notice is that singer Mike Lee has allowed Annah Fisette to play a larger role in the vocal performance, as evidenced by this first single; her voice definitely is the perfect counterpart to Lee’s vocals. It all makes forms an infectious blend of pop music that’s sure to warm the band’s fans, and gain new followers. They’ll be releasing their album on August 12th, including a show at Holy Mountain on the 16th that we’re proud to sponsor. Pop doesn’t get much better than this.
It’s still rather early in the year to start talking about best records of the year and what not, but as we’re midway through 2014, every one is doing it…so why not join in the fun. But, with this in mind, remember that these lists are arbitrary, and if anything, pretty meaningless in the long run; you never know if your thoughts will change in six months…and really, they’re just like, our opinions man. We’ll have two sections…one for national albums and another section of Austin albums released up to this point in 2014. Read more
If you’re looking for shows to attend this week, odds are you’ve found something to your liking. But, before the work week starts back up, there’s a nice little show over at the Parish featuring Wye Oak that you should catch. They’ll be playing with Pattern is Movement, and you can buy yourself a ticket to the show right HERE. We caught up with Andy real quickly for some questions about their tour, and their latest album, Shriek. Read on for the interview. Read more
From the ashes rises the phoenix…or something like that right?
Having one of your favorite bands break up is always a bummer, but sometimes you get lucky and end up with a new favorite cobbled from the pieces of the old. Saturday at the Blackheart two bands will stand as a reminder that great things can be built out of broken pieces.
July 5th at the Blackheart is the first of Sweet Spirit’s residency shows. Sweet Spirit was formed after the demise of local favorite powerhouse Bobby Jealously. Commandeered by the energetic front women Sabrina Ellis, Sweet Spirit is poised to absolutely destroy the Austin music scene. Sabrina Ellis’ melodies are immediately engaging, and combined with her clever pop lyrics have a way of latching onto the brains of listeners. Ellis is backed on stage by an equally talented band. Sweet Spirit is one of those rare finds where the entirety of the backing band is talented enough to each front one of their own groups, and with Ellis at the helm the sum is certainly greater than the parts. Sweet Spirit takes the inside stage at midnight every Saturday this month, so no there are no excuses to miss this band.
Another highlight of the night is sure to be Lӧwin. Fans of the now defunct the Couch already know what a vocal powerhouse Sara Houser is. In Lӧwin, Sara Houser takes the guitar heavy sounds of the Couch and condenses them into more focused, sculpted songs. There’s no fat or gristle on the recently released two tracks Lobo and Heave Ho. Lӧwin plays on the inside stage at 8:30, and if I could make a prediction that will be one sweaty, rockin’ room.
Click HERE to see other great acts on the bill.
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