Been Playing This Ashley Shadow Track a Ton

ashDon’t know what it is about this brand new song from Ashley Shadow, but I’ve really taken to her latest single. There’s something special in her voice, something that really drew me in; I love the slight changes in pitch and tone that come when switching between chorus and verse. Musical accompaniment is fairly simple, but it does its job to really supply her voice with the perfect base from which she excel in her own performance. She’ll be releasing her self-titled debut album on April 15th via Felte.

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ATX Spotlight: Fresh Nameless Frames

namelessI’m really digging the few short listens I’ve had to the forthcoming LP from Austin’s Nameless Frames; it’s a good blend of punk fueled by energetic tunes and anthemic vocals. The single below has this grit to it that initially covers up some of the pop sensibility lurking beneath, but as the track evolves, that element rises to the top, asking you to tap your toes as you play the song over and over again. The band is releasing their self-titled album this week via Super Secret Records, with a release celebration at End of an Ear on Sunday (2.20) at 6 PM. Enjoy.

New Music from Velcro Hooks

velcroI’m a huge fan of really great pop rock, and I think bands like Velcro Hooks are few and far between; it’s also a genre I think we all take for granted. They provide listeners with classic pop structures of verse chorus verse, yet throw in enough flair (typically through guitar style) to create some differentiation from their peers. Distinctive vocals also help to bring the pop sensibility into the fold, matched well with little moments of rock jamming (not a la Phish). These guys just write great songs, so I’m hoping that their debut self-titled album lives up to the expectations I already have in my head. Look for it on the first of April via Howling Owl Records.

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Premiere: Say No! to Architecture Returns!

allenIt’s been a few years since Allen Roizman last put out something under his Say No! to Architecture project, but as the 10 year anniversary of the act neared, he knew something had to be released to celebrate the occasion. The first listen you’re going to get is rather propulsive, but seeing as it’s a one man project, it’s important to listen to how Roizman layers the track, even using his voice at times to serve as an additional instrument. There’s no empty space, as each nook and cranny is filled and pushing forward. It accomplishes so much in an expansive 6 minutes that listeners should prep themselves for what we can hope is a long sit down with his new album, which is self-titled and self-released, representing the true artistic achievement Allen’s been able to accomplish over time; it’ll be birthed into the world on March 18th.

Drifting Psych Pop from Golden Daze

goldenBe it the cover or the song itself, everything about this track screams psychedelic nod. Lucky for Golden Daze the execution is pretty spot on, and has just enough of a hint of pop accessibility to push it into my stream of listening. There’s a steady drift to the track, coming in all directions from the vocals, guitar sound and the song’s overall pacing. Something pleasant breaks through the song in the end, begging you to play it again and again, which is always a positive sign for any listener. Look for the group’s debut self-titled album on February 19th via Autumn Tone.

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And Another Idiot Glee Track

idiotaWhy not start off the week with another sweet tune from Idiot Glee? This tune has come in quick succession to the first single released, but I can see that we’ve all got to take note of this release as both of the singles are pretty special. There’s a likeness to Adam Green or Jens Lekman in the vocals on this tune, immediately holding a special place in my heart. But, I also like the way the song builds in the middle and end, piling sounds on to the voice of James Friley to create this huge wall of pop. Look for his new self-titled album on January 29th via Hop Hop Records.

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More Music from Stutter Steps

stutterstepsIf I haven’t told you guys how much I cherish the new album from Stutter Steps then perhaps I’ve made a huge mistake. The self-titled record is one of the few records that came across my desk this year that just didn’t fit in with the normal fare…in a good way. On this new track, you get a nice male versus female duel on the vocals, almost so perfect in its execution that the tune could survive without music. But, there’s this jangling indie rock approach by the band, bringing the song forward and pushing the energy fully behind the vocals. You can grab this album next week from Wild Kindness Records…and you’ll be wise to do so. 

Terrible Truths Finally Prep Debut

Terrible Truths 2015 LP cover PRINT READYI feel like it’s been a long time coming, but it looks like the debut from Australia’s Terrible Truths is finally on its way. Several singles have floated about for years, and this is the second official single from the band.  It’s got an angular punch to it, tied in with a playful bounce to keep the groove running. There’s a whole lot to love from the vocal delivery; it’s almost bratty, but in an indifferent sort of way rather than just an angst-ridden tirade. Honestly, it’s all really refreshing, and it feels like the band is doing so much right with this tune. Their self-titled debut is out this week courtesy of Bedroom Suck Records.

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Quiet Hollers Unleash Another Tune

quiethollersI’ve really taken a liking to this new Quiet Hollers album, so why not take this opportunity to share another single from the album with you. While some of the songs on their self-titled record adhere more to the crossroads between punk and Americana, this one seems rooted in the warmer tones of the latter. Considering the band’s gotten comparisons to MMJ, it only seems natural that they add a bit of polish to that sound, making it their own. You can grab their s/t LP on October 23rd…and if you’re in Austin they’ll be playing the Blackheart on Sunday night.

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Soliti Music Signs Puuunhalaaja

puunIt’s Friday and it’s been a really slow week in the music world, which is perfect because I’ve had to get back and hunt to find some gems. Luckily, I didn’t have to search for this great track from Puunhalaaja; it was sent to me by our friends at Soliti Music. I think the hardest thing for American audiences will be that the music is sung in an entirely different language, which is the ONLY detractor. Musically, it’s a great piece of songwriting. The guitar has this intimate quality, and the vocals are really pleasant; I don’t even want to mention the nice symphonic touches that make me melt. This self-titled album will be released by Soliti on November 20th.

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