Austin Spotlight: Mini Dresses

minidressesLate last year I posted a tune from the first 7″ by Austin dream poppers Mini Dresses (released on Manic Pop).  Just last week they dropped a brand new two song EP, aptly titled Two.  While it might only be two tunes, it’s just the sound I’ve been looking for lately.  It’s got this bubbling guitar/bass line that works excellently throughout, occasionally jangling off.  Female vocals float cooly throughout the tune, though in an airy sense as opposed to some sort of haunting dreamscape.  This is definitely a band we should all keep our eyes on in the near future.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Mini-Dresses-Everywhere-I-Go.mp3]

Download:  Mini Dresses – Everywhere I Go [MP3]

 

Show Preview: Pharaohs @ Mohawk (8/19)

PharaohsI know Alex Bleeker of Real Estate is playing over at Hotel Vegas, but I think I’m going local Monday night by checking out the great acts featured at the Mohawk.  I can rave on and one about Eets Feats, which features members of Low Times, or I could talk about the connection between The Shine Brothers and Black Angels. I might even want to talk about exciting new Austin act, God’s Gun, but of course, I’m going back to love on Pharaohs. This isn’t because the other bands aren’t incredible (they are), but because one of my favorite local acts has also just released a new video for their track “Come And Get It;” ou can watch it HERE. The track is super local; it was filmed by Jon Chamberlain of Rubberneck Mag, and features Steven of Sweet Talk/Jonly Bonly fame.  Seems like you should get to the Mohawk tonight: doors are at 9.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Pharaohs-Babes-Booze-Bam-Bam-Baby-01-Prettiest-Girl.mp3]

Download: Pharaohs – Prettiest Girl [MP3]

Another New Rocker from Bad Sports

Bad SportsI’m going to admit that I have a bit of an obsession with Bad Sports, and all the associated acts of the members (Video, OBNIIIs, etc).  Their new record Bras is, to me, a huge success.  They’ve slowed down a few of the tunes, leaving listeners with these great power pop ballads; there’s still a nice grinding edge, however.  The track below is just such an example; it’s catchy in the chorus; there’s a stomping drum element.  My two cents think this is going to be a sleeper hit for a lot of folks that are into the realm of garage-rock.  Bras comes out on Dirtnap Records at the end of August.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/08-Terrible-Place.mp3]

Download: Bad Sports – Terrible Place [MP3]

We Love Obits…and Their New Single

ObitsI’ve actually grown to appreciate  Obits as their own entity; I used to love them based solely on their earlier bands.  On this new song, the second single from their upcoming album, they’re, surprisingly, not going on full blast.  There’s still that rawness, which admittedly can be attributed to the vocals, but the warmth of the guitar towards the end of the track really finds the band going in different directions.  Bed Bugs is the title of the new album, and it’s being released by Sub Pop on September 10th; are you ready to rock?

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/02-Spun-Out.mp3]

Download: Obits – Spun Out [MP3]

Graceful Pop from The Black Watch

blackwatchGotta give a shout out to my friend over at IPSML for pointing me in the direction of one of California’s longest working (and greatest) bands, The Black Watch.  I like the band’s ability to construct songs that dwell in varying genres, much like the work on their albums.  On this tune I can hear classic pop sounds, yet there’s that ringing in the way the guitar lines are struck that reminds me of The Wedding Present.  I even chuckle when the “hey” jumps out from the background.  Their new record is titled The End of When and will be released by Pop Culture Press Records within the next month.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1-02-Meg.mp3]

Download: The Black Watch – Meg [MP3]

Show Preview: Young Girls

younggirlsI know a lot of you think that heading to My Bloody Valentine is the smart choice Friday night, but we’ve got something better for you…at least as far as your wallet is concerned. There are some great local acts playing over at Parish, including up-and-comers, Empire Machines, as well as 3D Friends and El Paso’s Mattox  But, my money is on our friends from Young Girls stealing the show.  They’re in the process of recording new tracks, and they’ve already been playing some of those new hits for us all–guaranteed fun! Not only should our recommendation set things going, but it’s only $5! Super cheap, super fun. We’ll be there.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Young-Girls-Another-Day.mp3]

Download: Young Girls – Another Day [MP3]

Oops! I Like His Electro Blue Voice

hiselectroOkay. I’m really late on this tune from His Electro Blue Voice.  But, I initially dismissed this record, solely based upon the name.  Honestly, I saw the name and skipped it, despite the Sub Pop connection.  Yet, like most people, I came back to it.  I needed something to rock my socks off, and I think that today this track is going to do just the trick.  It’s perfect if you’re into the angst-side of indie rock, and really, it’s just an all-around rad song to throw down on your playlist for Hump Day.  The band’s record, Ruthless Sperm will be released next week, and it’s shaping up to be a good old fashioned rock n’ roll album.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/03-Sea-Bug.mp3]

Download: His Electro Blue Voice – Sea Bug [MP3]

Gross Relations Bring Out Another Single

grossrelations_masksRayRay posted the first sweet jam from Gross Relations less than a month ago, and I have to follow in his footsteps in order to bring you this new single from the band.  This new single still maintains the group’s lo-fi aesthetic, at least in so far as the recording goes, but personally, I’m feeling a hint of 90s alternative rock.  No, it’s not “Cumbersome,” unfortunately, but those of you who grew up with 90s radio will probably hear the same sort of catchy accessibility, while still seeing that the group isn’t just pandering to fans by making watered-down alterna-rock.  Their self-titled album will be in stores next week from the dependable folks at Old Flame Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/04-Discovery-Zone.mp3]

Download: Gross Relations – Discovery Zone [MP3]

More New Music from Alligator Indian

alligatorEarlier this summer we brought you the first single from Alligator Indian, so why not make it two for two by bringing you another hit from the band.  The band is working hard to build up their name before the release of their More Songs About Animals and TV EP, which is available on September 17th from Bleeding Gold Records.  This tune has a bit of a different approach, with a slow trotting tune that maintains a bit of the odd emotion, while still utilizing the group’s R&B influences.  There’s a haunting female vocal bursting throughout, only drawing more attention to the main vocals.  Hope you like this one too folks.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/03-PUF__FIN.mp3]

Download: Alligator Indian – Puff/Fin [MP3]

Summery B-Side from The Eversons

theeversonsI really enjoyed listening to Summer Feeling from The Eversons when it was released recently.  The group are still promoting the record, and so they’ve released a brand new single, which features “Stick Around,” a new B-side; it’s featured on their new “Creepy” single.   I like the jangling delivery of the guitars, but I also like the feeling of the vocals and their nonchalant exuberance.  That’s one of the attributes of the group that made them so much fun to listen to in the first place; they’re light hearted and catchy, making the group something easy to digest and enjoy.  Don’t believe me? Take this song for a spin!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/02-Stick-Around.mp3]

Download: The Eversons – Stick Around [MP3]

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