The Wave Pictures Prep Another New LP

Having already released Brushes with Happiness earlier this year, The Wave Pictures are back with the promised second LP, Look Inside Your Heart. Dave’s distinctive voice is, as per usual, one of the stars of this single; he has this particular way of weaving syllables around one another and polishing them off with a nice little melodic quiver. Of course, the band’s music this go round is quite enjoyable; it feels a lot like where Vampire Weekend could have gone had they grown as tight as this trio; the guitar sound throughout is sharp and spiritually lifting. The new album will be released by Moshi Moshi on November 9th.

Don’t Count Out The Wave Pictures

wavepicsSome bands come and go, and their popularity rises and falls, but some bands are constant…forever, even; the Wave Pictures is one such band in my book, and they’re back with a brand new album, Bamboo Diner in the Rain. The vocals are quite distinctive, but I feel like they’re delivered in a bit more of a quick-draw manner on this track. Musically, the band builds on their pop cum spaghetti Western feel…steady and rock n’ roll enough to rule. Look for the group’s new LP from Moshi Moshi on November 10th.

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Pop Rock from Teleman

telemanOut of the ashes of the excellent Pete and the Pirates burst forth Teleman. They’ve been toiling about with a few releases, but I think their newest, Brilliant Sanity, is the one I’ll cling to as the one where they sound most complete. Just the way that the hooks are delivered on this track, taking aim at pop music, but still adding a little bit of artistry in the way of light vocal samples and building layers while the guitars seemingly go off the tracks. It’s energetic good times, of the best sort, so look for the album on April 8th via Moshi Moshi.

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Fresh Music from Sweet Baboo

babsI’ve mentioned the pop work of Sweet Baboo before; his work draws upon that classic approach to British pop songwriting, which is why he’s found a home with Moshi Moshi Music.  Speaking of his label, they’ve just offered up a brand new track from the songwriter, landing him in territory akin to both Antony and the Wave Pictures; I know it sounds strange, but you’ll understand exactly what I’m saying when you spend some time with the tune.  There’s the vocal and the intricate process in the recording itself that brings these things to mind.  Tell me what you think.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Sweet_Baboo_Home.mp3]

Download: Sweet Baboo – Home [MP3]

Brand New Tune from The Wave Pictures

1091058_10151581188527972_1737922932_oI’ve long fawned over the work of The Wave Pictures, and while I’m not entirely sure how I’m feeling about the harmonica work in this tune, I’m still giving the song a nice thumb’s up. The guitars are crunchy as ever, and there’s a ballsy approach to the band’s approach.  It seems like they’ve finally begun to fully embrace their desire to rock a little harder, having spent a lot of time in the indiepop realm.  Perhaps writing some of these songs with Billy Childish (true story) has impacted their sound.  Regardless, I’m still going to get a copy of Great Big Flamingo Moon, their new LP for Moshi Moshi.

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New Tom Vek Jam

tomvekWe’re still playing a little catch up due to our server exchange (thanks for being patient), and I’m sad I missed the chance to post about this Tom Vek track immediately.   It’s one of the standout tunes on his new record, Luck, which will be out on June 10th via Moshi Moshi.  I love how there’s a bit of a post-punk vocal delivery on this single, while the electronic instrumentation seems to work in contrast to that.  It’s one of the reasons Vek has become so interesting, drawing from various influences to create an amalgam of pop references.  Give this tune a try.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Broke.mp3]

Download: Tom Vek – Broke [MP3]

New (ish) Music from The Wave Pictures

city forgiveness 500pxOne of the unfortunate things about being in the States is that you occasionally have to wait a long time to get your hands on the works of your favorites artists.  I’ve been a huge follower of The Wave Pictures for some time, and I’m really happy to just toss up their latest single, which is featured on their album City Forgiveness.  The album has been out for a few weeks in the UK via Moshi Moshi Music, but it should soon be making its way overseas, at least I hope it does.  There’s just something perfect about what the guys do; it’s like a nerdier sharpness added to traditional indiepop. Give a listen.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/07-Red-Cloud-Road-Part-2.mp3]

 

Groovy New Tune from Boxed In

boxedinMoshi Moshi Music has been on a role this month, and they’ve got another track that’s perfect for your listening pleasure.  They’ve just put out this new single from London producer, Boxed In, and while he may go as a one-man act, there’s more to his sound on this track.  I love the vibe given off by the bass here, and the propulsive nature of the drums really moves the tune along nicely.  It doesn’t hurt that there’s some guitar work cutting back and forth through the tune.  If you dig what you’re hearing, keep an eye on the label, as I’m sure we’ll get more from the man soon.

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Casual Indiepop from Sweet Baboo

sweetbabooNot too long ago I wrote about Sweet Baboo, who released Ships earlier this year via Moshi Moshi.  He’s turned right around to ready another EP, titled Motoring Home.  For me, his music falls somewhere between the realm of Wave Pictures and Bubblegum Lemonade…both acts that are a must have for any fan of the genre.  I also like the fact that this isn’t a project that’s taken too seriously, especially when you come to the auto-tuned verse that lurks in the middle of the song.  Perhaps the greatest thing is you can sit back in your chair, allowing for a grin to creep up on your face as you revel in the simplicity.

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Throwback, or Is It? Casual Sex

artworks-000040153461-haigad-cropJust been jamming to this track by Casual Sex all day today, and I’m trying to decide if it’s too old school to be modern, or just a nod.  Every time I listen to this, I think of Ian D and the Blockheads, but it has a little bit more of polish to it.  The Glaswegian group will be releasing this single as a 7″ and as a digital download via Moshi Moshi Music on April 1st.  I don’t know, this track just stuck out to me, and it wasn’t run of the mill, so I figured you all needed to enjoy it too. If you hate it, feel free to tell me!

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