Last Week’s Jams, Today (9.19 – 9.23)

Happy Monday! Man, we covered a ton of ground last week, and I’m super stoked with the songs we squeezed into this playlist…and for the first time all of them are available on one streaming platform. That either means my tastes have gotten super basic, or those DSPs have taken over! Either way, there were a bunch of songs to love last week. I’m smitten with this new track from Kindsight, and I can’t stop playing that Cozy Slippers tune, so that’s a fun place for you to start. We get bonuses as members of Math and Physics Clubs have created two new bands, both with great new singles: Field School and Model Shop. Just a bunch of great jams to get your morning off on the right track.

Free Time Share Half Measures

Free Time will be dropping Jangle Jargon next week, and before it hits, there’s one more little tasty morsel to get you on board. Like most of the tunes we’ve heard thus far, this single works in parts, though culled together seamlessly. Starting off with this sort of natural chug, it then opens into this childlike chorus, punctuated by the move towards a jangling crisp guitar that moves us into stage 3…all before returning to stasis. The second go round, Dion is joined with backing vocals, giving into this sense of hope and elation that brings us to the song’s close. Bedroom Suck Records release Jangle Jargon on September 30th.

Last Week’s Jams, Today (8.15 – 8.19)

Is it just me, or does it seem like there’s an overabundance of great music coming out as of late? I mean, I fell in love with at least a half dozen new tracks last week, and that’s just the one’s I was able to get up on the site. At the end of the day, I’m still blown away by that Mo Troper tune; I was a fan before but these last two tracks are out of this world good. Ribbon Stage dropped another hit we couldn’t escape running, plus there’s some old ATH standbys like Michael Beach, the Beths and Free Time (all Oceanic acts no less!). Press play, and sink into that Monday vibe.

Free Time Share Jangle Jargon Title Track + Video

A few weeks back, we got the strikingly sparky “That’s Rare” from the forthcoming Free Time LP. Below, you’ll find the Jangle Jargon’s title track in video format, revealing a more pensive brand of guitar pop from Dion. We join Dion (and dog), canoeing alongside him in still waters while the gentle strum paddles us downstream; it’s a mellower turn than the opening single, allowing the listener more of an immersive experience. Just at the 2:22 mark or so the percussive element gives us a bit of a gallop, with Nania relishing the mantra of “jangle jargon” before the song erupts into a bit of pop exploration, guitars noodling as Dion accompanies in visual interpretive dance. A different journey down the river, but one that’s as equally rewarding as its predecessor; Jangle Jargon drops on September 30th via Bedroom Suck Records.

Last Week’s Jams, Today (7.18 – 7.22)

We got back to being super busy last week, with RayRay premiering that new No Win jam, plus a bunch of other new stuff that we were stoked to dive into. Good to see Free Time and Laura Jean back with new stuff, not to mention a little local love from the likes of First Names and Twain (he lives here!). All in all, its a bunch of stuff, all over the place musically, just like we do, so hopefully this kicks your Monday into gear!

Free Time Announce Jangle Jargon

We haven’t heard from Free Time in quite some time, but Dion Nania’s band returns with one of my favorite tracks of recent weeks right here, along with the announcement of Jangle Jargon. Rushing in with those jangling guitars doesn’t ever do any harm, and I love how some of the notes jet off into their own little mini-solos, adding some bounce to the tune here and there. The vocals hold onto this cool indifference, and somehow Dion feels like he’s channeling an Australian Dan Treacy. One of the great things about this tune, however, is the musicianship is on full display, with plenty of moments where they band just let it rip, vocal free, yet still keeping the vibe going. If you dig, Jangle Jargon is out September 30th via Bedroom Suck.

Brand New Track from Free Time

free-timeWhat! New Free Time?! I’m in. This band now calls NYC their home, though they originated in our favorite Aussie town of Melbourne. It’s primarily been the project of Dion who played with Twerps when we booked them for a SXSW show long ago (the line-up currently includes Marty of Twerps!). Honestly, on the band’s last LP, I thought the songs moved just a touch too slowly for my tastes. But, this new song seems absolutely perfect. Guitar sounds are perfect, they bring in some harmonizing vocals and just a casual hint of jangling to go with the hip beat. Sure, it’s early, but this has been one of my favorite tracks of 2016 so far. Their new album, In Search for Free Time, comes out soon via Bedroom Suck/Underwater Peoples.

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Catchy Jam from Free Time

freeWe’d previously run the B-Side from Free Time, but the A-side is even better.  Dion Nania’s project seems to have fully taken form, stepping further away from his work with Twerps, and moving in another direction, though still paying homage to his past.  There’s cascading guitar solos maneuvering in and out of the song, and you’ll find the relaxed vocal approach working too.  If you expected another chilled bit of casual pop, then check yourself, as “Esoteric Tizz” is a stunner.  The 7″ will be released this week on Underwater Peoples, so grab it while its hot.

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Free Time Share New Single

dionI wonder if Dion Nania is still playing with Twerps?  I reckon it’s irrelevant at this point, with his Free Time project announcing a brand new single.  Today we’ve got the mellow vibe of “Guess Work” for your listening pleasure, and while there’s similarity to his Australian friends, there’s an interesting spin he offers on this song.  It’s definitely got an Australian vibe in the guitar playing, but I hear a bit of Kurt Vile in the vocal delivery; it’s a nice touch that makes the song rather reflective in nature.  This here is the B-Side to the Esoteric Tizz 7″ that’s being released by Underwater Peoples in mid-August.

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Free Time – Free Time

freeRating: ★★★☆☆

It’s no surprise that Free Time has compiled a bunch of songs that sound an awful lot like Twerps, seeing as front-man Dion spent time with the group fleshing out their live sound.  But, make no mistake about it, he’s got a voice all his own, which makes Free Time a record that will wash over you with a bit of warmth and pop, fitting in perfectly to any daily listening occasion.

“I Lost Again” is the opening track, and it’s exactly what I expected from Dion.  There’s a leading guitar line that seems fitting for a day in observance of the ocean, with casually ringing guitar chords and vocals that seem drenched in an oceanic mist.  A slight vocal adjustment arrives during the chorus, allowing the song to drift to a certain degree.  However, “It’s Alright” is where Dion Nania puts his own stamp.  While there are some similarities to Aussie pop, there’s a bit more of a blues-y stomp/sway to the track; the track itself is a bit lighter, even playful.  I like the fact that you can feel a bit of an emotional swing to this tune. It’s these little touches that make Free Time escape a lot of its relationship with Twerps.

For instance, taking one listen to “World Without Love” will easily show you that Dion and his band aren’t content settling for an easy Aussie formula, not that I’d mind that either.  The vocal delivery is a bit more whimsical, using overlapping bits of spoken-word to maneuver in and out of the interwoven guitar parts…and is that a flute in the background? Or you can look at the track that serves as a precursor, “Just Once.”  On this number, things are a bit noisier, at least in regards to what’s going on in the background.  It takes a bit of formulaic indie pop and ups ante by coating the vocals in a bit of a wash, with strings striking hard in the distance.  These aren’t your run of the mill touches to what I expected from Dion.

That being said, one of my favorite pieces from Free Time does harken back to Nania’s musical relationships.  Opening with chiming guitars while he cooly, and casually, sings definitely works to the song’s benefit.  When the pace picks up, it’s hard not to get swept away in the track’s audial pull, directly latching onto your heart.  While listening to this tune, it’s easy to see where Dion’s been musically, but what I like about Free Time is the fact that it manages to stand out a bit on its own merit.  There are nods to friends and such, but as I’ve mentioned, he’s doing his best to make sure you know this is his band and his sound; for the most part, he’s extremely successful.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/01-I-Lost-Again.mp3]

Download: Free Time – I Lost Again [MP3]

 

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