Show Preview: Cursive @ Mohawk (5.12)

I feel like a majority of the people that stumble upon this site had a period in their life when they were so heavily into music that it accompanied them everywhere. For me, 1997-2004, it was my main companion. Walking to class, walking to work, driving in my car on long road trips…no matter where I went, there was something playing; I honestly cared more about music than most of my relationships at that time. And, a huge part of those years was the Saddle Creek discography, particularly Bright Eyes and Cursive. Well, this Friday, Cursive is coming to Austin and the Mohawk to play the entirety of their 2000 classic, Domestica. So, in anticipation, I wanted to do a track by track breakdown, 23 years down the road from when I first listened. If you haven’t gotten your ticket; you can grab them HERE.

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Feeble Little Horse Share Steamroller Single

Opening with a squall of noise is definitely something that catches my ear, which is how Feeble Little Horse got me with their latest single. But, don’t buy into that noise, as they pull back the curtain to leave listeners with a very clean bit of pop joy; Lydia Slocum’s matter of fact delivery, slightly hinting at the song’s melodic core, creates a juicy little pop moment that will surely get under your skin. The rest of the band fill in that space, bridging it all by making sure their noisiness is never too far away from your mind. Just another reason while folks are stoked to get their hands on Girl with Fish, out June 9th via Saddle Creek.

Most Listened to Albums in 2019…According to Keeled Scales

Austin label Keeled Scales are clearly some of our favorite people; they’ve pretty much exploded into one of the best labels in the US, so we’re glad they had a few moments to list out their 10 Most Listened to LPs of 2019!

Be sure to visit their SITE and check out all the great releases; I’d start with this year’s Jordan Moser record, then maybe hop back to that Julia Lucille LP (if you were asking me!). They’ve also made us a great playlist of their favorite tunes from this year, as well as some hits from their artists, all after the jump!

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Haunting Beauty From Black Belt Eagle Scout

After the last single shared from Black Belt Eagle Scout, I was anxiously awaiting another from Katherine Paul. This go ’round we’ve been graced with a far subtler, but just as moving, track in the form of “Indians Never Die.” Filmed on theThe Ancestral Lands of The Chinook, Chinnuk Wawa, and Tillamook Tribes, the video is vastly gorgeous– sweeping landscape shots command your attention. The instrumentation is quiet, just the gentle plucking of a guitar, and a stark percussive motif that lingers through the whole song. “Indians Never Die,” visually shows Paul in both traditional Indian garments and skinny jeans with her guitar–the constant tapping rhythm a reminder that Paul is a combination of past and present, two selves existing, both essential to the other. Black Belt Eagle Scout will release her album,Mother of My Childrenon September 14.

 

I Dig This Black Belt Eagle Scout Ripper

I’m not sure what exactly I expected from a band entitled Black Belt Eagle Scout, but “Just Lie Down,” gives the kind of edgy darkness that some part of me knew was coming before I pressed play. Heavy percussion and squealing guitars greet your ears as soon as you press play; a dark introduction to the track which leads me to believe it comes after a solid jam on the forthcoming LP,Mother of My Children. About a minute in, the proper portion of the song begins, and you get the vocals of Katherine Paul, which are all reserved power, conveying emotional vulnerability as well as pure lushness. The track is a slow-burning beast of alt-rock goodness, making me excited for the September 14th release ofMother of My Children on Saddle Creek Records.

Pre-order it here.

 

Sam Evian Drops Latest Tune

If the sounds we’re hearing are any indication, we’ll end up spinning Sam Evian‘s latest LP quite a bit. He begins this track much like the accompanying video, allowing things to casually just cruise through your speakers. But, most importantly is how carefully he treats each guitar note; he’s got a hold of something that allows him to bend and turn each distorted note however he wishes, giving listeners an almost jammed out journey through time. Soft where it needs to be, forceful when called upon, Sam’s latest has it all. This tune is the title track off his You, Forever album, dropping on June 1st via Saddle Creek Records.

Sam Evian Announces New Album

Sam Evian, nee Sam Owens, originally came to my attention on Need You, his collaboration with the adored Chris Cohen. Today, news comes our way that there will be a new record from Sam, titled You, Forever. Our first listen has these softened vocals churning throughout, solidifying the track’s natural melody. But, Owen’s seems willing to throw down on some jams too, building some extensive solos into this track (and some sax too). It ends up being a crunchy hook-laden jam, something you might expect from a Kurt Vile in the early days. This new LP will drop June 1st via Saddle Creek.

Bouncy Synthpop From Twinsmith

Are you ready to dance the day away? Well, then you’ve come to the right place, as Twinsmith are trying to their damndest to get you out of that chair and onto the dance floor with “You & I.” This song has all the trappings of a summer banger– infectious synth riffs that spiral through the whole tune, bombastic percussion which encourages head bobbing and tight knight guitar riffs. I personally like how the track’s instrumentation screams radio hit, but the vocals are pared down to that of a classic indie rock gem. Take a listen and get on board before Twinsmith blows up.

 

Their new album,Stay Cool, will be out July 14 viaSaddle Creek Records.

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Stunner From Big Thief

It’s no surprise that Brooklyn’s Big Thief keep rolling out the hits as they approach the release of their sophomore album. The group has been hard at work making a name for themselves and when they release singles like “Shark Smile,” you can’t help but fall for them. This track is as devastating as it is gorgeous–Adrianne Lenker’s smoky vocals and the dark lyrics pack a heavy one-two emotive punch. The song lingers in this simmering swirl of folk rock with piercing electric guitar that throws a little snarl in there. Take a listen below.

Capacitywill be out June 9 via Saddle Creek Records. Pre-order it here.

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Cool Vibes from Twinsmith

As the musical climate seems to pull from our parent’s music catalogs, looks like we could add Twinsmith as one of the acts polishing off smoothed out pop tropes. It’s like a wonderful combination of yacht rock and your favorite 80s movie soundtracks…and that’s not to knock the band in any way. Their hooks are infectious, yet not overstated, allowing you to slide right into the natural groove. The band have just signed onto Saddle Creek for the release of their album, Stay Cool, which will hit stores on July 14th.

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