Here We Go Magic – A Different Ship

Rating: ★★½☆☆

When Here We Go Magic first jumped onto the scene, it was clear that the work was mostly done by Luke Temple.  But, through two albums it has become clear that the band’s blossomed into more of a group effort. So with their third proper release, A Different Ship, would the title indicate a final change in the music itself? The answer to that question can go both ways, and therein lays the problem.

“Hard to Be Close” is the first track, and while there’s that inherent beauty that you find in Here We Go Magic tracks, but it seems rather subdued.  The percussion is fitting and tight, as I expect from a group of this stature, but there’s not a whole lot else to the song; it’s missing that, oh how do you say, magic. They follow it up with “Make Up Your Mind,” a groovier number than the rest, yet still missing that extra bit of emphasis that early HWGM numbers like “Fangela” contained.  It’s something that seems to be stuck in the overall emotion of A Different Ship.

Take, for instance, “I Believe in Action,” a song that definitely has a bit of a groove living within it, but for some reason, that sound is completely contained within, never being unleashed. Perhaps this is the sort of jam that unfolds before your eyes in the live setting (if you’re to go off the song’s ending), but the recording just doesn’t have a kick to it.  In fact, there’s really not a kick to this entire affair; it’s a slow burner to say the least.  I guess in my listening experience with the band this is the most subdued they’ve come across on record…and that might only be my perception.  Still, Here We Go Magic do possess the craftsmanship to write upbeat tunes that catch your ear.

“How Do I Know” is the lone standout jam.  From the moment Luke Temple sings, you get the feeling that he’s more passionate in this performance than he is on any of the other tracks within A Different Ship.  Even the percussion seems a bit more pronounced on this one, giving a more vibrant mood to the listener.  Honestly, this is the reason I adore the band as a whole, and I think I expected more gems like this one.

I know that bands are allowed to grow and progress throughout their careers, and that’s always appreciated, and in the very least, understood.  Sometimes, however, a group can take it too far, and I feel as if that’s what Here We Go Magic did on A Different Ship.  They took a turn in their recording that may sound cleaner than previous outings, but it left out some of the group’s strengths.  If you’re looking for a calmer, steadier version of the band, you’ll probably find this meets your fancy, but if you’re a nostalgic fan of the group, you might be a little let down. Better luck next time.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Make-Up-Your-Mind-1.mp3]

Download:Here We Go Magic – Make Up Your Mind [MP3]

New Music From Here We Go Magic

Does Luke Temple ever sleep?  It really doesn’t seem that way.  The guy is constantly recording, touring, and putting out new music as a solo musician and with his steady outfit Here We Go Magic.  This new tune “Make Up Your Mind” features a pretty funky beat on top of the typical Temple/HWGM chanting verses.  A new album from the band, A Different Ship, is due out May 8th on Secretly Canadian.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Make-Up-Your-Mind-1.mp3]

Download: Here We Go Magic – Make Up Your Mind [MP3]

New Jam From Damien Jurado

It’s always a good day when we get sent a new tune from long time favorite around here Damien Jurado.  This time the tune is called “Nothing is the News” and is more of a jamming psych style song compared to what we are used to from the singer songwriter.  A new album entitled Maraqopa is due in the later part of February via Secretly Canadian with this song and 9 more in tow.  Enjoy.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/01-Nothing-is-the-News.mp3]

Download: Damien Jurado – Nothing is the News [MP3]

New Jam From Richard Swift

I’ve been a big fan of Richard Swift and his music since he first started creating music for the world to hear at the beginning of this decade.  Well today I was sent a new song from Swift called “Whitman” which can be heard and downloaded below.  The song appears on a new EP called Walt Wolfman due out this fall on October 18th via Secretly Canadian.  If you have yet to get into this guy’s music, I suggest you do so now fool.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/01-Whitman.mp3]

Download: Richard Swift – Whitman [MP3]

The War on Drugs – Slave Ambient

Rating: ★★★★☆

While some may say to ‘never judge a book by its cover,’ I will forever judge an album by its artwork, or at least base my idea of what the band behind the cover art would possibly sound like. Sometimes, this theory proves faulty and none of the visual clues match up with the sound. Others, however, like with this release, fit perfectly; the ethereal pinks and purples mixed with the overall fuzziness match the lush waves of guitars and hazy pop/rock sounds of The War On Drugs.

The first track, “Best Night,” is one that should blow you away, as it did to me. Upon listening the first time, I was pleased with it, but after repeated listens, it began to grow to something much more. Soft, muted drums echo demurely in the background, easing into the meandering guitar parts until the scraggly vocals of Adam Granduciel chime in and you’re instantly hooked. Steady guitars feel confident and omnipresent, creating a flowing wall of background sound that is always buzzing in your ears. It’s a killer track to begin with, but then The War on Drugs throws in some extra minute details that just sets this above most common tracks; there’s something about the way the guitar part matches the little stretch out of a word that has me swooning over this track. To top it all off, the song transitions to the next with a sensational instrumental groove that is sure to have you grooving along with each riff.

Even though the first track is a big deal in itself, the rest of the album is nothing to turn your nose up at.  There isn’t a song that you’ll want to skip, and there are certainly more to treasure than just “Best Night.” “Come to the City” is a four minute and thirty second drum-driven party number, complete with buzzy guitar break. “Blackwater,“ the ending track, loses the drums for the most part, and takes a leaf out of the acoustic book, allowing you to appreciate the strength in such a powerful voice. Unifying all these great numbers is some stellar songwriting and the thematic waves of serenity.

When comparing this band to others, names like Bob Dylan and Springsteen tend to crop up, leaving big shoes to fill. However, it seems like this band has taken comparisons like these in their stride and not looking back. While this may not be a revolutionary album, filled with a dramatic and entirely unique sound, Slave Ambient is still a constant and confident effort from The War On Drugs.

Gardens & Villa – s/t

Rating: ★★★½☆

So much can be said about a band’s debut album; most importantly, it is the first real taste at the style of the group. For Gardens & Villa, this debut is even more important considering the fact that they did not produce an EP as an introduction. With that in mind, this album feels even more impressive, as the songs feel much more mature and aged than that of a group just getting things together.

The opening track proves to be one of the finer moments from the start. “Black Hills,” begins with pulsating synthesizer beckoning your ears to wait keenly for this song to kick into gear. Then percussion is added to bump things up a notch, but not to an outright dance number. Instead it comes across as more of a casual psych pop number, with the vocals pushing it to something more. In stark contrast with the deep tones of the synth, the vocals are edgy, and borderline on falsetto in moments. Mellow, yet still bubbly, this opener finds the right balance between moody and groovy.

The next noticeable standout comes on “Thorn Castles,” a short number that only feels shorter when sandwiched in between the rest of the numbers on this album. On this track, what stands out the most are the vocals provided by lead singer Chris Lynch. Running along the lines of a shriek, it completes the eerie-cheery vibe that Gardens & Villa have definitely got going for them. In fact, this theme seems to persist into every song, and even takes over completely at the end of “Spacetime,” when the beat slows down to a gait and the vocals eases from its starkness into to a creepy whisper.

As far as variation in pacing goes, this album is all about the changes: one instant, you have “Chemtrails,” and the next “Star Fire Power,” which are perhaps both songs at the opposite end of the pace spectrum for this band. “Chemtrails” is a crawler, laden with minute details and elegant harmonies at its close. It is followed directly by “Star Fire Power,” which is a stellar dance party number that begins slowly, and then builds to a catchy chorus with a deep bass line that is sure to have you bobbing your head.

Looking at the whole album, I do not see a song that sticks out as horrible or misplaced. There are definitely some that resound above the rest, and others that fell mediocre in comparison, but on a whole, this is an impressive and enjoyable first effort.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Gardens-Villa-Star-Fire-Power.mp3]

Download: Gardens & Villa – Star Fire Power [MP3]

More New Music From Gardens & Villa

After sharing “Black Hills” over a month ago, here’s another new synth-pop song called “Star Fire Power” from Gardens & Villa.  This new track is pretty similar to the last one we shared, but with a bit more of the 80s vibe going on.  Once again, you can pick up the new self-titled album on July 5th via Secretly Canadian.

[audio: ://www.austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Gardens-Villa-Star-Fire-Power.mp3]

Download: Gardens Villa – Star Fire Power [MP3]

New Music from David Vandervelde

David Vandervelde has to be one of my absolute favorite musicians. Sure, he sounds like Marc Bolan, but don’t you dare come at me and say that’s a bad thing!  I got news yesterday that David’s working on some new stuff, just this time under the moniker Vandervelde.  He’s releasing a digital single via the good people over at Secretly Canadian.  This one definitely has David giving off a different vibe, one that’s more drenched in heartache than the past of Tyrannosaurus Rex; his voice even sounds a touch warmer, albeit just as good, than it has on previous efforts.  Not sure if this is a sign of more Vandervelde work in the future, but whatever it is, if it sounds this good, we’ll gladly take it.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/morethanyoucanfeel.mp3]

Download: Vandervelde – More Than You Can Feel [MP3]

New Music From Here We Go Magic

Here We Go Magic are a band that we fancy around here in the ATH offices.  The band puts out solid tunes on a regular basis, is great live, and even manages to be a pretty nice group of people.  Continuing with their hard work ethic, the band  is getting ready to release a new EP of material entitled The January EP on May 10th via Secretly Canadian.  Below you can find a taste of that EP in the form of “Hands in the Sky”.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/02-Hands-in-the-Sky-1.mp3]

Download: Here We Go Magic – Hands in the Sky [MP3]

New Music From The War On Drugs

We here at ATH have been jamming this new song “Comin’ Through” from indie band The War on Drugs most of the day.  People representing the band have told us that a new album entitled Future Weather will be released on October 26th on Secretly Canadian.  Enjoy the track and head to your local record stores to pick this one up when it comes out.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/03-Comin-Through-1.mp3]

Download: The War on Drugs – Comin’ Through [MP3]

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