Institute Announce New LP

Institute is one of those band’s that pushes you off the fence; you either love the band or you hate ’em…and they could probably care less either way. Me? I love it, and so I welcome news of their forthcoming release, Readjusting the Locks. According to the press release, the band have trimmed the fat down on this record, focusing all the tracks into a concise 29 minute album run. You can get that here, where the song is ominous and haunting, almost like it’s stalking the listener from the get-go. I love how the drums pound angrily while the guitars dance in the opening moments, making way for the steadied delivery of the vocals. This new LP will be out on May 17th via Sacred Bones Records.

Top Austin Albums Of 2015

Best ATX 2015It’s that time of year when we all throw arbitrary numbers at you, trying to convince you that our tastes are the best. But, I’m going to try taking a slightly different approach this year, giving you just a list of great Austin records that came out this year, but with no numbers or anything. These are just the LPs that connected with me in some way or another throughout 2015. There’s no particular order, just a bunch of records you should probably own. Also, I added some helpful BUY links for you to take you right to where you can get the goods. Just take my word for it and go buy those things.

Sweet TalkDouble Perfect

Stephen Svacina takes on our mundane world, turns it into catchy pop punk, and leaves it memorable. Recommended for those who like high energy tunes that you’ll remember for the rest of your times.  BUY

ReservationsTaking Time

‘To be honest.’ some records hit all the right notes, and hit home. The full length debut by Jana Horn and Reservations is just that. Well-crafted, sincere. A joy of orchestrated indie folk.  BUY

Lochness MobstersWar Tuna

Immediate disclaimer. I helped put this record out. These boys take on the modern Austin cliche of garage-psych and turn it into a sweaty party that’s been proven to rile up audiences, then flip the world upside down by breaking into Beastie Boys. Too good.  BUY

VideoThe Entertainers

Snarling rock n’ roll, no holds barred. I mean come on, you can’t discard the fact that Third Man Records had a hand in getting these tracks out. People are taking notice.  BUY

The Zoltarss/t

Jared is another of Austin’s artists that probably doesn’t get nearly the amount of credit that he deserves, crafting some of the best guitar pop. Pop songs like the one’s on this album aren’t written every day, and when they are, they last in your memory forever. BUY

Stiletto FeelsThe Big Fist

Geoff Earle makes good on his promise to get everyone grooving, while still supplying enough grit to make it important. One of the most diverse in sound to come out of the city; you’re bouncing to electronic elements before guitars jump in to guarantee that this is more than just a programmed, laptop affair.  BUY

Grape St.Wallpaper

Another batch of hooks. Another batch of songs from Curtis O’Mara. If you know me, you know I’ll never get tired of listening to his work. Some guys just get you.  BUY

Spray PaintDopers

I have to apologize to Spray Paint, as this is the only record of theirs that’s going to make it onto my list this year. Maybe people are tired of these guys, but how can you look away when they’re just continuing to release solid album after solid album. It should say a lot that even when they’re so prolific, they never seem to leave you with a track that you can throwaway.  BUY

Single Lashs/t

Lurking beneath the belly of Austin’s rock n’ roll scene is a slowly blossoming shoegaze/indiepop scene. There’s this dense coat of atmosphere coating the album, making it perfect for those who seek darkness reinforced by standard pop structures. BUY

BOANMentiras

If I were still into making mixed CDs for people, “Babylon” would be one of the opening moments; it’s perfect in both it’s simplicity and its construction. One of the few electronic Austin acts that really matter.  BUY

XetasThe Redeemer

How do you take the tenacity and fuel of a great live band, then capture it on tape? Well, Xetas did it, and you’ll be remiss for skipping over the record.  BUY

InstituteCatharsis

A few years ago everyone was raging about The Men. That was fair, but if you’re looking for solid rock n’ roll, I hate to tell you that Institute does it better. Catharsis is one of those albums that seems timeless from the moment you press play; it sounds familiar, yet the songs brim with attitude and execution that you’re not going to find in many scenes.  BUY

Good FieldFuture Me

Indie rock is only sustainable when it’s executed perfectly. These guys nailed it on this go round, giving us the “Business.” Smells like Spoon, sounds like awesome.  BUY

Abram Shook Landscape Dream

Guys. Abram Shook. How many times do we have to tell you. ABRAM SHOOK! Another perfect collection of songs.  BUY

ATX Spotlight: Institute Unleash New Single

instAustin’s had a pretty solid week single bringing out music.  We had a hit from Orthy, Jesse Jenkins and now we’ve got this Institute track (there was also a new Future Death tune floating about). The music has this propulsive proto-punk, though the latter half of the track has a little bit more of a quirky art-rock approach.  The vocals, by and large, are delivered in a sort of matter-of-fact spoken fashion, which works against the guitar’s created sounds; it’s unsettling, creating a haunting that will surely win over new listeners. Look for Catharsis on June 9th via Sacred Bones Records.

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ATX Spotlight: Institute Full Length On Its Way

instLast year’s Salt EP really solidified Institute as a group to be aware of in the broad spectrum of the Internet rock n’ roll buzz-bands, but those in Austin likely had already been paying attention to the group (if not their other projects like Glue or Wiccans, etc). Now, they’ve got the release of their new full-length lined-up, and this first single really has me amped for its release.  You’ll hear a certain nonchalance in the delivery of the vocals, while there’s a sharpness in the gritty recording of the rest of the act. Sounds like the band’s going all over the place on Catharsis, and I hope you all have fun on the ride…going to be a good one. (Sacred Bones 6/9)

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/01-Perpetual-Ebb.mp3]

Download: Institute – Perpetual Ebb [MP3]

Austin Spotlight: Institute Sign to Sacred Bones

institootSeems like Austin has had a pretty good year, musically speaking.  Bands from all corners are getting a lot of much deserved recognition for their work, and I’m really impressed with this new tune that’s been hopping around by Institute.  The act features members of a lot of local acts you should be familiar with like Wiccans or Glue, though this new entity seems pretty impressive.  They’ve signed on with the great Sacred Bones Records to release their Salt EP, and since I didn’t get around to it earlier, I’m getting you amped now.  The rhythm section owns this song for sure.  Pick up the EP on October 14th.

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