Austin Town Hall

Every time I listen to Deer Tick, I definitely get the feeling of listening to early Lucero–not a bad thing at all.  They’ve got that same attitude of country-tinged pop song writings with a little bit of a punk rock attitude in everything they do.  It makes for a listen that a lot of people can get behind, which is good considering the group is hitting the road in support of their new Tim EP.  This EP includes four new songs, and even a date in Austin on 4/29, so we’re happy to offer up this track today in hopes it’ll lead you to a pleasant weekend.

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Download: Deer Tick – Born At Zero [MP3]

It’s been a great couple of weeks for Austin artists (depsite Michael C.’s hatred); releases by Whitman, Zoltars, Literature and leaks of songs by Eastern Sea, Little Radar (coming tomorrow) and now Deep Time. Formerly the group was known as Yellow Fever here in our fair city, but as they’ve signed to Hardly Art, it’s time to move on up in the world–and move in new directions.  As Deep Time, the duo will release a self-titled debut as a sign of new things to come; it’ll be in stores on July 10th. I really like the sound of Jennifer’s voice on this track, and it’s definitely a stronger (if only in production) sound for the group. Congrats Austin…seems like you’ve got a lot going on afterall.

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Download: Deep Time – Clouds [MP3]

Earlier today P4K threw out this great new track from The Fresh and Onlys, which appears on a compilation (HERE) between the band’s new label Mexican Summer and Software.  While I completely dig the sound, it appears as if it’s going to end up a B-Side of sorts, being tossed aside for the band’s upcoming label.  Once again, you can see the band really progressing in their songwriting, eliminating a lot of the cacophony that was on earlier recordings.  I’m digging the chorus quite a bit, and if this is an outtake, there’s no telling how good the new album will be when it finally sees the light.

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Download: The Fresh and Onlys – Do What I Came To Do [MP3]

Three weeks ago we brought you a country-ish number from Juston Stens, the former member of Dr. Dog, but this new track is something quite different. There’s an almost jagged element, giving a little spring to your step, but through it all, you can still see the folk-ish routes of Stens and his past.  My ears hear a little bit of an homage to Okkervil River, but perhaps that’s just wishful thinking.  Regardless, if he’s writing songs like this, it doesn’t seem like he made a bad move in stepping out to go solo. His album Trash or Treasure can be found in stores now, and if you’re in Austin, you can catch him playing several sets as part of the SXSW festivities.

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Download:Juston Stens – When Fire Burns Out [MP3]

Balthrop, Alabama has an interesting story, having moved to New York (of course!) to start a band, then forming their own town of sorts to help them create their tunes.  The results in my book are pretty exciting, and the band will be releasing their album We Have Electricity on April 10th.  You’ll find a nice groove going on from the get-go here, but also an organic sound fueled by their established township.  This is definitely a promising introduction to this group, don’t you think?

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Download:Balthrop Alabama – Electricity [MP3]

Oh snap! New Suckers! Man, we absolutely love this band; we’ve probably seen them a combined 25-30 times, and we’ll get another chance when they grace us with their presence at our SXSW Party.  But, more importantly, the band has a new record coming out on Frenchkiss Records on April 24th titled Candy Salad.  This first listen is a solid track, just as we expected, but it indicates a whole lot of focus from the band, seemingly reigning in some of their spontaneity.  Feel sure that the band’s got more great songs up their sleeve, and as an early indicator, this one definitely makes me happy!

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Download: Suckers – Turn on the Sunshine [MP3]

If you checked out our Top Texas Albums List, you might have noticed a little known band, Tiger Waves.  In my opinion, the band deserves all sorts of adoration, and this new track should definitely prove to you that you basically need to spend your weekend getting your hands on their old works, falling in love, then enjoying this new track. Word on the streets is that 2012 should feature a new record from the Austin/Chicago based group.  In this new song, music sort of trickles in carefully, then the vocals harmoniously dance atop it all, creating this dreamy song that you won’t want to miss.  Do yourself a favor and spread the word; bands like this deserve all the love they can get.

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Download: Tiger Waves – I Hope You Feel Alright [MP3]

After releasing the excellent Young Von Prettylips EP earlier this year, Young Buffalo is back with a brand new track to win you over today.  The duo has just released a new single that we’ve got here for you today, titled “Baby Demons.”  There’s a bit of an angular jaunt that kicks off the track, but the distance of the vocals really give this track an old school sort of feel to it, and not in that blatantly nostalgic sort of way.  If the band keeps writing tracks like this one, then there’s telling where they’ll go, but our bet is that it’s going to be awesome.

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Download: Young Buffalo – Baby Demons [MP3]