Generationals Share “Breaking Your Silence”

We’ve long been fans of Generationals here at ATH, so I’m excited to share that they’re back with a new single and a new album which will be released shortly. This new track, “Breaking Your Silence” dropped a few days back, but it’s a pleasant reminder of how well Generationals can craft an indie rock tune. The very beginning of the number reminds me a touch of Foals, but soon the band stews up a simmering blend of groovy bass, slightly fuzzy percussion and barely there synths. Lingering there for the first minute or so, we calmly groove with the band before the loud synth hook and vocals peak for the catchy chorus. Take a peek at the new video below.

Reader As Detective will be out on July 19, 2019. Pre-order it here.

New Music from The Generationals

Seems like the Generationals have been around almost as long as we’ve been “blogging” over here, as we’ve covered every release the band have done. They just announced they’ve got something brand new in the mix, and it’s always great to hear the duo’s songs. This song really revolves around the chorus of “always on the phone/keep it low,” which definitely has the greatest vocal hook. The pulsing melodies are definitely in line with their previous work, steady and hook-laden. No words on a release other than the promise that we’re in store for more from the guys in 2017, with a bit tour throughout March, so give in to the power of pop.

ATX Show Spotlight: Generationals vs Jonly Bonly

Jonly BonlyHump day requires celebration. It means the weekend’s almost here. So check out these two shows going on that beg your attendance.

You can hit up the Generationals show at the Parish.  They’re a Louisiana based pop group, built on maximizing hooks and memorable lyrical content.  But, to be honest…nothing has hit me as hard with this band as Con Law…but that’s just one man’s opinion.  The gig starts at 8 PM sharp!

Or, for you late night rockers…you need to be at Hotel Vegas to catch Jonly Bonly.  The local band is fueled by the excellent guitar play of Jason Smith (ex-OBN IIIs); they’re debut Put Together was one of my favorite records last year, so you can take that to the bank.  Plus, they’ll be joined by locals Slow , Mike Melindi and Caroline Says…two other acts on the rise in town, so you’ve got to be sure to show up early.  This one kicks off at 10 PM.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/The-Generationals-When-They-Fight-They-Fight.mp3] [audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/02-A2-Never-Thought-Id-Die.mp3]

 

Generationals Ready Alix

generationWe’re continuing our trip down the pop yellow brick road with the return of Generationals.  We’ve always loved the band; they’ve been one of the most consistent bands in pushing out pop music for the last several years.  They’re readying their newest album, Alix, which will be released via Polyvinyl on  September 16th.  This track pretty much sums up the group’s offerings; there’s a nice hook in the melody with a steady beat meant to give a little bit extra pop to your ears.  All signs point to another successful release from the duo.

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Top Songs of 2013

best songs ath 2013We’ve put our pretty little heads together ladies and gentlemen to bring you our favorite songs from this past year.  It was a difficult task with our ever growing staff, but we feel like this list best represents the diverse taste of our staff.  Love it or hate it, it’s ours to call our own.  Hit play and put your head down or dance or shimmmy or drool or whatever works. Most of all we hope you hear something you missed, something you want to buy or something you want to see live.

Scroll past the playlist for full the run of the bestest songs ever this year.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/15794740″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

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Generationals – Heza

1705Rating: ★★★☆☆

Heza is the third proper full-length from Generationals, and while the sound remains largely the same, there are some definite shifts that alter the musical landscape for the group.  One thing is for sure though, the band consistently find themselves crafting perfect pop tunes that we’ll all enjoy.

“Spinoza” starts things off the right way, giving you some quick paced guitar work that reminds me of the modern surf-pop of bands like The Drums.  Of course, one thing the Generationals always have to make them stick out is the affecting vocal tone present on all their efforts.  It’s the perfect way to make surf-pop their own.  But, just as you think you’ve got the group pinned down, they go in a different direction on “Extra Free Year.”  This tune is filled with a thick bouncing bass, and the delivery of the vocal is much more subdued than on the previous track.  Little bits of guitar trickle in and out of the song, but it’s largely driven by the rhythm section.  It took me awhile to warm up to it, but it grew on me eventually.

By the time you arrive at “You Got Me,” you realize that Heza definitely has an emphasis on giving you hooks surrounded by the blips and beeps of electronica, though that’s not a huge step in a new direction, as those elements have been present before.  But, while past songs have seen those attributes used to push the track, here it seems to flesh out a mellower vibe.  There’s even vocal samples from a speech that fill out some of the empty space.  It’s tracks like this that suffice, though they’re not necessarily going to go down as my favorite. Still, it sets the mood for “Put the Light On,” which is one of the album’s standouts.  Guitar work is sparse, yet jagged, and there’s a warm atmospheric mood accentuated by some keyboard touches.  Those soaring high vocals that always do the trick are here too, allowing listeners to really fall in love with the great vibes provided by Generationals.

While I think that Heza is a little unfocused at points, the remarkable tracks are extremely memorable.  “Awake” is perfect in that it shows some restraint in pacing.  Had the band forced the issue, pace wise, I think they might have had a guaranteed iTunes commercial spot, though I’m glad they didn’t, as the true joy from this track comes when you let it slowly unfold.  This is where the band excels most on this effort, rather than their more traditional bouncing pop ditties.

After spending several weeks listening to Heza, I think that it’s an album with some great high points, and not really any lows.  Surprisingly, Generationals have excelled this time around on warmer, slower tracks.  You’ve still got your catchy pop tunes that will no doubt become live favorites, but if you spend time with the record, you’ll surely find clarity in their more pristine ballads.  Might not be top of the pops just yet, but the group continues to win my heart.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/02-You-Got-Me.mp3]

Download: Generationals – You Got Me [MP3]

Fresh New Pop from Generationals

generationalsWe’ve long supported Generationals here on our site, and personally, I’m excited for their new album, Heza.  It’s clear that they’ve been messing with their formula just a little bit, which has some people a little weary; they haven’t let me down before, so why worry about such things now.  One thing the group always guarantee is infectious hooks that get stuck in your mind, and record player, for days or months.  I’m tapping my toes just bobbing to this song as we speak.  If you dig what you’re hearing, then get your hands ready for their new album when it hits stores on April 2nd on Polyvinyl Records.

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Show Preview: Generationals @ Mohawk (11.20)

Date Tuesday, November 20th
Location Mohawk
Doors 9:00 PM
Tickets $8 from Mohawk

Okay, so I know a lot of you are trying to get out of town, but you’ve got a great reason to stay behind, just for a few hours.  Two of our favorite acts are coming to play the inside of Mohawk on Tuesday night: Generationals and Races.  Races played a show we sponsored this past summer, and they were incredible, pulling off a set that made us beg for them to come back.  As for Generationals, I can’t say enough about the group.  Their two records Con Law and Actor-Caster are great, and they just release the new Lucky Numbers EP, which is going to guarantee a great gig.  If you can stick around, then plan to show up!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/The-Generationals-When-They-Fight-They-Fight.mp3]

Download:The Generationals – When They Fight, They Fight [MP3]

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