Say Hello To Smirk

Well we are sort of starting to wind down the season as we discuss year end lists to recap everything we’ve posted about and listened to in 2022. Though it tends to be a slower time for new music, this is when we often find some hidden gems we may have missed recently. This new track called “Souvenir” from Los Angeles based artist Smirk is a perfect example of something I slept on earlier but am loving now. Sometimes a song like this can be so simple in its construction yet still manage to leave a lasting impact with lyrical content, expertly arranged bass lines, and a slight bit of reverb from a guitar. Check check check it out below.

Smirk will be releasing a debut album entitled Material on November 18th. Pre-orders for physical copies are live now.

Premiere: Family Video Drops New Tune

You might remember a few weeks back that we dropped news that Family Video would be releasing a new album on Lost Sound Tapes; Long Time Listener, First Time Caller will be released on March 16th. The video below is for one of the standout tracks from the LP, offering listeners a glimpse of the quiet bedroom pop being crafted by J. King. The song sounds fragile, like it could break in your hands, yet the emotional appeal washes over you; it seems so personal that you almost feel like you shouldn’t be listening. I love the way the guitars pick up just before the 1:30 mark, giving an ever so slight touch of energy. Pre-Orders for the new cassette can be found HERE.

 

New Jam from Puff Pieces

In case you missed Bland in DC, then you missed the jagged stuttering punk rock of Puff Pieces. But, now’s your chance to get into the band, as they have a brand new 7″ coming your way soon via Lovitt Records. There’s this ever-present erratic sound that the band brings to the table, but twice in this song they break it down with an emphatic punch of crashing drums and ringing chords. I can’t deny the vibrance that lives in their work either; it’s smart, upbeat and ultimately, you find yourself pogoing about with your hands around your best friends. PreOrder the single right HERE.

Literature Pre-Order Now Up

Okay, admittedly we’re going to give a little plug here for ourselves, but I’m totally okay with that.  As we’ve mentioned here before, we’re going to be helping put out the new album, Arab Spring, from Austin’s own Literature.  It’s a project we’re stoked to be part of, and one that we hope will help us launch our non-profit label (aren’t they all?) to help Austin/Texas bands.  Anyways, for those interested in getting your hands on it, you can preorder the album today from our partners (the other benig Cop’s Kids Records)  in this venture, Square of Opposition.  Go HERE to get yours now, and sample one of the sweet tracks from the record below!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/06-GRIFTED.mp3]

Download: Literature – Grifted [MP3]