Tag: austin

Brand New Bloody Knives!

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bloodyI’ve been following Bloody Knives pretty closely the last several years. The band play an abrasive version of modern dream pop/shoegaze, filling in their tracks with buzzing guitars and a warmth in the vocals that somehow manages to steady the ship for listeners. Their latest effort, I Will Cut Your Heart Out for This, already has an ominous attitude, and the single below fulfills that darkened omen with shrieking walls of guitars. But, perhaps the reason I’ve come to respect the band is that they manage to juxtapose that darkness with a gentle beauty, be it in central melodies or the vocals…it never disappoints. There aren’t too many, if any, acts around pulling this off…this well. Look for the LP on April 15th via Saint Marie Records.

ATX Spotlight: Meet Roaring Sun + Show Tonight

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12661934_809210662534869_5695155112711155093_nFull disclosure, Roaring Sun is a young new band in Austin, and I actually taught one of these kids long ago…but I didn’t expect his musical tastes to progress (nor his songwriting). Listening to the first single he sent my way, it takes some modern touches a la Cut Copy, but there’s also a feeling that it owes some of the electronic flourishes to Grandaddy. It’s exciting that these guys are so young, and can come out with such polished production. They have a show tonight at Cheer Up Charlies too…with other young acts, The Cuckoos, The Spoils and the Avocados. Enjoy this upbeat number.

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ATX Spotlight: Slow Pulse from High Church

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12509726_1041479649238309_9059295947368137274_nI found this tune from High Church floating around the Austin Internet yesterday, and was quite intrigued upon listening. There’s an electronic pulse that takes the song forward, moving slowly in the dark. But, in order to grab the listener, there’s a light vocal resting on top, which is reinforced by some vocal samples to boot. Just another act to keep an eye on as Austin’s electronic underground blossoms far from the spotlight. Expect a tape featuring this track in April.

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Hard Hitting Rocker from Empty Markets

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12695048_533599350155274_8307557657416101671_oFeedback. Pounding drums. You’re in danger as soon as you press play on this brand new Empty Markets track. This is the newest project of Drew Schmitz (Gremlins UK/Cruddy), and I can’t wait to get my hands on their new LP, Stainless Steel. I appreciated the fact that the band never slows, bringing that pummeling pace all the way until the end of the track; it’s almost abrupt, forcing you to go back and listen again…which isn’t a bad thing in this case. Need no frills rock n’ roll? This band is doing it right. Look for their new LP on 12XU on April 8th. The band’s current line-up also features members of other rad 12XU act, Sweet Talk.

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ATX Spotlight: New Black Balsam Single

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blackOur friends over at Punctum Records have picked up a rad new Austin act, Black Balsam, and now the band have unleashed a new single that should grab your ears. I really love the feeling of this song, balancing between singer-songwriter and full on folk ensemble. Strings and other tinkerings play lightly in the background, while empty space is filled with accompanying vocals touches; it makes the track both heartfelt and playful, so I can’t complain. The band’s album, See You Later See You There will be released next Friday, February 26th.

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ATH Takes Over Nomad @ Nomad Bar (3/15)

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nomadparty_ATHAfter a lot of hard work and tweaking of some components, I’m finally pleased to share the news of a show we have going down on Tuesday, March 15th at Nomad Bar in Austin. Personally I think this might be one of the best lineups we’ve ever been able to put together. Find some deets below and we’ll see ya there. Facebook event link.

Location: Nomad Bar Austin (Maps)

Time: ATH Happy Hour with music by us 5pm-7pm.Music @ 7pm.

Lineup: Keeps, Holy Esque, The Crookes, Adult Books, Oberhofer, Girls Names (check set times on that fancy poster)

Free & Open to the public. 21+ only. Sorry kids.

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ATX Spotlight: Fresh Nameless Frames

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namelessI’m really digging the few short listens I’ve had to the forthcoming LP from Austin’s Nameless Frames; it’s a good blend of punk fueled by energetic tunes and anthemic vocals. The single below has this grit to it that initially covers up some of the pop sensibility lurking beneath, but as the track evolves, that element rises to the top, asking you to tap your toes as you play the song over and over again. The band is releasing their self-titled album this week via Super Secret Records, with a release celebration at End of an Ear on Sunday (2.20) at 6 PM. Enjoy.

My Evening with Low: A Show Review with Photos

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LowI met up with Brian, our photographer just after 8 on Tuesday night, a little anxious and a little weary. Low, since the late 90s has been a consistent part of my listening experience, not to mention one that I’ve often had trouble explaining my fandom. But, if anything, I left the venue that night with an expression of gratitude, to the band and the many fans that filled the Parish; it was one of those musical encounters few will understand…but those that do will cherish.

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Classic Indie Rock Vibes from Pleasant Grove

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pleasantLast week, Austin’s Pleasant Grove released their new album, The Heart Contortionists, revealing a mature band with a well-seasoned sound. That’s the most sincere compliment I can offer, as these guys don’t sound like they’re rehashing anything at all…it even seems like they’ve improved upon things, bringing in light atmospheric touches to match the percussion and piano work that serves as a great backbone to the tune. Definitely feels like this is something that went drastically overlooked by us in the storm of a month that was January. Really enjoying this album, so give this tune a listen.

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Here’s New Music from A Giant Dog

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A Giant DogSabrina Ellis and Andrew Cashen have made a huge name for themselves over the past year with Austin’s Sweet Spirit, but I’ll admit that I’ve always gravitated towards their other project, A Giant Dog a little bit more; it has more energy and edge to it, which is exactly what you get on our first taste of their new LP for Merge Records. Ellis leads the band on over a tinkling bit of piano and driving guitar rhythms. You can almost see Sabrina doing her thing as the leader of this rowdy pack…and this time she brings way more hooks. Have fun with this one folks; PILE hits on May 6th.

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