A New Single from Quin Galavis

I think if you go back and listen to some of the Dead Space tracks from long ago, you’d hear that Quin Galavis always had a penchant for pop hooks; that’s pretty evident even on his newest work. There’s this fuzzy churn of guitars from the get-go serving as the driving force behind this number. He really pushed himself on the vocals, in a different manner than we’ve seen previously; it almost has this howling prog vibe in the way it stretches to reach those high notes. I just always appreciate how you can’t really define his music; he’s always got something different cooking. This track appears on Victim/Non-Victim Pt. 1, out February 15th via Super Secret Records.

Brand New Quin Galavis Single

Tomorrow you’ll be able to get your hands on Quin Galavis‘ new album, The Battery Line. We’re here today with the last single you’re likely to hear before the release, and I think it perfectly illustrates why Quin’s one of Austin’s most valued songwriters. You’ll hear guitar work that leans towards the heavier side of things, pushing distorted riffs with a hint of danger. That being said, the song’s accents such as keyboard work and string accompaniment balance the song, never fully giving in to either rock or pop. Plus, there’s a calm in his voice that soars when it reaches the chorus. Look for The Battery Line at your local shops tomorrow, courtesy of Super Secret Records.

Brand New Quin Galavis Track

After releasing My Life in Steel and Concrete last year, Quin Galavis isback again with a brand new album, though this time with a little bit more of a familiar sound. The song opens up with some careful chord work, as Quin seemingly whispers into the microphone. He seems calm and ready to take on a return to rock n’ roll; this is precisely what he does as he sings “I’ll forget the answer/to the final question” stretching his voice to its higher tones. Even for fans of his former band, The Dead Space, this seems like Quin at his most accessible, surely ready to endear him to a huge group of new listeners (or so I hope). TheBattery Line will be released by Super Secret Records on June 16th.

Premiere of a New Quin Galavis Tune on Slack Capital 2

Slack Capital 2 is a compilation of music by 27 of the greatest bands in Austin. All proceeds from the comp go to SafePlace, which provides support for victims of domestic and sexual violence. We’re unveiling one song per day until the the release party on April 14.

Song of the day: Quin Galavis — “Cold Skin”

This new song by Austin songwriter Quin Galavis is a gorgeous kind of hushed ballad, epic in its scope. Opening with spare, plaintive piano, and the words, “I told them leave/ I’m done wasting hours” Galavis evokes a world of regret, heading toward an ambivalent brand of hope: “Maybe you, maybe you, maybe you/ can dream.” The song evolves toward the end, as strings and dissonant sounds gently pile up, and the words take on the shape of a litany: “The fragile, sickly love/ the ocean of mistrust/ the shaking, fearless love.” There is no irony or humor, yet it doesn’t feel cloying. Galavis’ delivery is earnest and believable; his vulnerability neglects to be self-indulgent, and he never risks succumbing to what I call “cool tough folky nice guy syndrome.” A quietly stunning entry into what is clearly shaping up to be a tremendous era for Austin music. –Eric Braden

Order Slack Capital 2 HERE.

See you tomorrow at Barracuda for the Release Party!

New Quin Galavis Video

We raved, or I did, about My Life in Steel and Concrete, the last LP from Austin’s Quin Galavis. One of the great things about that release is that it showed Quin covering some new territory, while still sounding wholly, well, Quin. It looks like this will continue on his forthcoming, The Battery Line. His voice has often gone overlooked in his work, but he’s got perfect control of it throughout this track, touching high notes with just a hint of a passionate quiver. While I love when Galavis goes loud, his soft underbelly of late is pretty stunning. The new release comes this May via Super Secret Records.

Premiere: Quin Galavis “Glorious Man” Video

Earlier this year, I raved about the new release from Quin Galavis…his new album My Life in Steel and Concrete. His release show was something quite special in and of itself, and now he’s released this new video to further draw you into his musical world. The video features Quin and his cellist, clad in dark hoodies, doing their part with the live performance, whilst Ali Copeland (of Que Pasa) plays the role of our distraught protagonist. Her role reeks of frustration, which could be seen as one of the various themes that exists within the folds of the album itself. Speaking of, if you haven’t already, or you just love this track, head to Super Secret Records to grab your copy.

Premiere: One Final Bit from Quin Galavis

quin-galavisJust last week I put up a post raving about the local Austin release show for Quin Galavis; you know, part performance art, part concert (read about it here).Today, we have the premiere of one of the tracks that I think exemplifies the quiet brilliance beneath My Life in Steel and Concrete. In my review, I discussed how I had mistakenly never given Quin much credit for his vocals, and this number allows for his voice to really take the central focus while plucked chords and cello are employed behind him. But, aside from fawning over his voice, I think this tune exemplifies precisely why this album is a must have in your collection…standing alone, it’s striking, but it’s even more so when it’s listened to in the midst of the various movements and approached Galavis utilizes within his latest release. Be you curious or in love, you’ll find the album available tomorrow from Super Secret Records.
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A Night with Quin Galavis + New Song

quin-galavisLast Saturday, I took myself to the Museum of Human Achievement, treating my ears to a unique album release by Austin’s Quin Galavis. Next week the world will get to hear My Life in Steel and Concrete, but those in attendance were treated to part show, part performance art.

The large stage at MoHA was split in two, one for the performance and one for the musical element. Our evening began with our protagonist working on fixing an old radio, seemingly looking to find friends/survivors in the outside world. Her communication revolved around a voice from above named Marshall. As the lights faded on that half of the stage, we were encouraged to look over at Quin, sitting quietly on a pew, ready to share his voice with those in attendance.

Perhaps the best idea for the entire night revolved around the setting. In such a place, the audience wasn’t there to be cool or to hang out, they were there to see what Quin was offering, and in that, they were completely silent from start to finish. He began his portion with a couple of tracks, accompanied by prerecorded samples. Sitting alone, I think it was then that I first noticed how great his voice truly is. There are moments when he pushes himself, pulls from the nether regions of his soul into more of a polished growl, but for these moments, there was a stark beauty in his delivery.

The scene quickly faded back to the performance, where we encountered a continued battle between our protagonist, the radio and Marshall. I liked the brevity of these scenes, as they came forth as refreshing interludes into the overall production Galavis had mapped out for such a release.

Then we were back to Quin, accompanied for the next few songs by Graham Low on cello; you should know Graham for his work in all your favorite bands about town over the last few years…most recently seen with A Giant Dog. At this point, the depth of My Life in Steel and Concrete began to shine through completely. It became clear that this was an album of emotion, completed by complex arrangements that filled in the space behind the vocals. And then quickly back to the closing scene.

Now, I can’t be wholly certain, but the scenes seemed to involve a sense of isolation and loss, which, when put together with this record, are destined to affect every person that listens…though we were fortunate to see it all together in one interesting evening. And as it ended, Quin introduced his full band who joined him on stage to close the night out.

They ran through seven tracks from My Life in Steel and Concrete, and still, no one said a word. By this point, the heat in the room (no AC on the night) had become stifling, but with just a dimly lit stage, it felt like all the elements aligned perfectly to leave me with a lasting impression.

And just what did I walk away with, besides the beautiful brown double LP? Well, for one, Quin Galavis deserves a ton of credit, both for the completion of this great record and the organization of something that stands out amongst the many other release shows I’ve attended. Musically, the whole night was a journey, and that’s much like the record Quin releases unto you all next week. The performances pieces combined with the musical element created something that is rare nowadays; it’s a collection of songs that begs you to sit down and indulge in listening, begs you to immerse yourself in the confines of the whole album. If you don’t, then you’ll miss out on something that deserves more than just a casual passing.

My Life in Steel and Concrete comes out August 26th via Super Secret Records.

Show Preview: Quin Galavis @ Museum of Human Achievement (8.13)

quin-galavisMy Life of Steel and Concrete is set to be released by Super Secret Records, so the only way to guarantee you get your hands on it early is to head out to The Museum of Human Achievement on Saturday night. Let me tell you, not only will you get to participate in being part of the unique atmosphere of MoHA, you’ll also get what we can expect is an incredibly unique performance from Quin Galavis. Lately, he’s played some shows with his band, while other times he’s played whilst having actors play the role of those in his songs. It should also be noted that this is possibly the most unique/diverse listen you’ll hear in Austin this year, or even if you’re outside of Austin. There’s heavier edged stuff, there’s beautiful atmospheric pieces and there’s the shanty-like tune featured below (just to leave a few genre marks). This is going to be something really special, so be sure to make your way out on Saturday night.

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