Los Angeles Police Department Return with Soft Pop

551494_904732099561401_6340773065914297492_nWe’re just about a week away from the February 24th release date of the new Los Angeles Police Department 7″, and so they’ve offered up another tune to get you in the mood for their dreamy pop tunes.  This tune has this great restraint, never pushing the envelope beyond the song’s capabilities, which in the end really allows for the group to hone in the track’s underlying melody.  Vocals are soft, and the drums never overwhelm, ending in this sprawling track of perfect pop blissfulness. Look for their release next week via Fat Possum Records.

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Check Out Great Outdoors

greatThis new song from Great Outdoors just popped up yesterday, and I’m going to spend the next few weeks fawning over it.  There’s such a careful touch to everything the band does in this track, from the pacing to the guitar chords to the tribal percussive elements that open the tune.  You’ll find this song as one of the featured tunes on the band’s new album, Dads Oasis, which was just wrapped up in their native Australia. If you’ve got good things going on in life, they’re only going to get better with this 4.5 minute gem of a pop song.

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Damn This Keath Mead Tune is Sweet

unnamed-2Ah, those old innocent days when a great pop tune made everything seem perfect.  This Keath Mead track is just such a tune, erasing the doldrums of every day life.  There’s some slick production that gives it a straight pop feeling, though I think Mead’s vocals have a nice touch to them that really brings this new single home.  It’s interesting that Keith’s imploring the song’s intended audience to “act your age,” which is completely the opposite of how this makes me feel.  I want to take off on a long sunny day walk with this song bouncing me along. His album Sunday Dinner comes out on February 24th via Company Records.

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Enjoy This New Nic Hessler Tune

unnamed-4A few weeks ago I hit up a Nic Hessler tune, and I wasn’t entirely sold on it.  That’s until I got hooked on this new single, which made me realize how great Nic’s work could potentially be going forward.  It’s an example of perfect recording, starting the song off a bit slow, then waiting to explode in this huge swell of pop magic.  It’s surprising that more music ins’t being crafted in precisely this manner; it seems so simple (though I’m sure it’s not) and so easy, yet that’s precisely why I give Hessler credit, as I don’t think everyone can perfect it in such a manner. Look for Soft Connections in stories on March 17th via Captured Tracks.

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Can’t Get Enough of Anthonie Tonnon

unnamed-3Pretty sure that this Anthonie Tonnon LP is going to be a secret hit in certain spheres of the world.  It’s like an elevated version of Jens Lekman, which I’m pretty sure everyone found endearing.  The production on his latest single is spot on, letting his voice take the lead, while still giving the instrumentation the proper impact.  This is the sort of pop music that makes me swoon; it’s warm and has this lofty melody that allows my heart to swoon like a giddy school kid. Look for Successor on March 3rd via Wild Kindness.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/05-Water-Underground.mp3]

Download: Anthonie Tonnon – Water Underground [MP3]

Feeling This New Dick Diver

dicksIt seems like the Melbourne, Australia scene is where its at these days.  Dick Diver is just another band from that area carrying on the tradition of writing these incredible guitar pop tracks for the world to sink their teeth into.  The opening minute of this track is instrumental, focusing on the band’s musicianship, getting that groove.  They jump in soon afterwards with that swinging guitar style, a slight little bounce and the ever relaxed vocal delivery.  I didn’t think I could get any more excited about Melbourne, Florida, but this new single has me ready for the LP already; look for it to come out March 10th via Chapter Music/Trouble In Mind.

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Fun Times with Cafeine

CAF profileFriday’s are meant to be fun. Celebrate the weekend. Celebrate a brief respite from stress and all that. What’s the best way? Finding a track that’s invigorating and kick ass, then turning it up real loud while you get ready to hit the town or have friends over or whatever floats your fancy.  This new tune from Cafeine is going to be that tune for you today, so just get ready to add it to your playlist already.  His album New Love is coming out on February 17th, and it’s a genre-hopping collection of guaranteed good times.  If you’re into those.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/02-Cafeãne-Electric.mp3]

Download: Cafeine – Electric [MP3]

Upbeat Number from Life Size Maps

LSM_LP_Art_hiresYou’re probably tired of hearing about Brooklyn bands, but Life Size Maps seem to be offering something slightly different from your average fare.  The group is crafting pop music of the purest form, utilizing synth hooks and a chorus that will surely find a home in your subconscious.  You’ll tap your toes, you’ll sing along, and you’ll realize that the simplest route is sometimes the best.  Take a ride with these lads, and enjoy your day. Old Flame Records will be releasing the group’s self-titled LP during the first weeks of April.

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Premiere New Jeremy Jay Tune

JeremyJayLondonTreesWe at ATH have long admired the work of Jeremy Jay, from his earliest days on K Records to his newest efforts with his full band Dystopian Violet.  He’s a great songwriter, so we’re always glad to share something with you if it pertains to his writing chops.  Recently he tossed this new single our way, which will hopefully be coming along with a new full length.  In it you’ll hopefully hear some added production value, like string and keyboard touches.  It adds depth to his already solid sound; I’m personally in love with the steady propulsion of the drum beat here.  Take a listen, and we’ll keep you posted on upcoming releases as they come our way.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/The-Stranger-July.mp3]

 

Cotillon Brings Something New to Burger Records

coatyIf I told you Cotillon was on Burger Records and you hadn’t heard the band, you’d likely think the group would offer something in the vein of garage rock.  But, with this album, the label is continuing its efforts to branch out into new territory, having this latest single offer little more than just a tinkling piano and some vocals.  It’s a short little ballad, yet it’s one that continues to push my excitement for the self-titled effort from the one-man project (January 26th).  Think gentle and pretty, yet far from mundane.

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