Kyle Forester Readies Solo Effort

kyleIt’s already been mentioned all over the Internet (yesterday) that Kyle Forester worked in Crystal Stilts, but I think that’s all you need to know, as nothing on his debut single sounds anything like that band, nor should it. He’s off on his own now, at least for this effort, and pop aficionados should take note. To my ears, this sounds like a stomping Nada Surf hit…Forester even takes on some of the same vocal notes as M. Caws. Still, it’s not power pop, it’s more of barn-storming, and I love it. He’ll be releasing his self-titled debut via Flying Moonlight Records on March 20th.

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ATH Premiere: Stutter Steps Are Your New Favorites

stutterstepsOkay, so maybe Stutter Steps aren’t your new favorites, not yet anyways. But, those of you who’ve carefully wrapped yourself in a world of indiepop and Australian/NewZealand guitar craftsmanship will surely find yourselves a new band to adore. This first single is as fine example of the art of songwriting as I’ve come to hear, which should come as no surprise; Ben Harrison, the man behind the band, can call himself a contributor/collaborator to the works of Dean and Britta (if you need to look that up then it won’t mean much). Still, I can hear the band’s references to Flying Nun, though I prefer to imagine Harrison crafting his own American version of the Go-Betweens. There’s incredible melodies and such a gentle warmth; you’re bound to find this the most endearing tune today. Their self-titled album will be out soon via Wild Kindness Records.

Pleased to Meet You: Snooty Garbagemen

sgIt looks like 12XU has added another high voltage act to the stable, and I’m really excited to hear what exactly comes from new signing Snooty Garbagemen. Tom Triplett already has some links with the lable via The Blaxxx, but this new project already has an impacting sound that’s got me itching for the full-length.  The musical vibe is just a blasting rock n’ roll burst, and some might find it akin to Thee Oh Sees, with Triplett’s yelps…but, there’ seems to be much more control on the direction of this single.  The self-titled LP will be out on the label July 6th, and after last year, I’ll pretty much trust anything they put out.

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ATX Spotlight: Decisions Decions Are Ready to Rock

228747_1088522405580_3663907_nDisclaimer.  I’m friends with Stuart from Decisions Decisions. Disclaimer. Stuart was also in the Rise, who I think any old-school Austin music fans fawned over.  His new band has that same tenacity, living somewhere between the realm of post-punk and hardcore. The vocals border on angsty scream, though they have a bit more control, allowing the actual lyrics to shine through the track.  The band have just uploaded 8 new songs to their Bandcamp page…and they’re worthy of your time, if rocking out real loud is your style.  Check it…and I’ll keep you posted on upcoming shows.

Austin Spotlight: The Zoltars Are Back

the-zoltarsI feel sorry for those in Austin that aren’t hip to the Zoltars.  They might seem unassuming, but the vision of Jared Zoltar has kept the band crafting infections pop songs that deserve your attention.  And now, the band are returning with their 3rd LP, which, based on this single, should be a delight for listeners in our town and beyond. I dig the swagger that pervades this tune; it sounds like Jared’s on to something cool that you want to be part of.  They’re going the self-titled route for this effort, so look for that LP (and buy it) when Happenin Records tosses it out on February 24th.

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Upbeat Number from Life Size Maps

LSM_LP_Art_hiresYou’re probably tired of hearing about Brooklyn bands, but Life Size Maps seem to be offering something slightly different from your average fare.  The group is crafting pop music of the purest form, utilizing synth hooks and a chorus that will surely find a home in your subconscious.  You’ll tap your toes, you’ll sing along, and you’ll realize that the simplest route is sometimes the best.  Take a ride with these lads, and enjoy your day. Old Flame Records will be releasing the group’s self-titled LP during the first weeks of April.

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Mellow Groove from Paperhaus

paprsWhen I think of DC, I always go straight to the punk roots of the city…still in love.  But, when listening to Paperhaus, I hear a band far from that…aside from the DIY aesthetic that has allowed the band to grow, crumble and rebuild. There’s this catchy groove, using a nice guitar pluck for some emphasis that works to offset the band’s slow-moving pace.  It reminds me of Austin’s Abram Shook running on-stage to join Built to Spill; I guess that’s a weird analogy, but I’m sticking to it. They’ll finally be releasing their debut LP, which is self-titled, on February 10th. Enjoy this ditty.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/paperhaus_soslow.mp3]

Download: Paperhaus – So Slow [MP3]

Austin Spotlight: New Release from Sungod

sunniAustin’s Sungod have countless releases, from full-lengths to EPs, and they’ve just added another release this week, with a new self-titled effort.  They’re not crafting music like many of their peers in Austin, which, to my ears, makes them stand out in quite a good way. The single we’ve got below really sounds like this space-aged psych-folk piece of work, and I mean that in an endearing, get you excited, sort of way.  But, just as you’ve settled into that vibe, they break the song down with an explosion of noise and ambiance to wrap the track up just under 7.5 minutes.  It’s not your ordinary fare, and as such, should be valued great. Pick up your copy of the group’s album from local label Holodeck Records.

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Stream the New Album from Trans Upper Egypt

transThese boring little pages of ours have seen several songs pop up from Trans Upper Egypt, so I figured why not give you the opportunity to listen to their whole new self-titled LP?  It’s music of the psychedelic sort, with the vocals often obscured in the mix while bass lines rhythmically bounce along.  Me? I dig the album; it’s different in a sense than a lot of the other “psych rock,” so it alone wins points for that in my book.  Monofonus Press will be releasing the album next Tuesday, but be a smart consumer, and listen in before you buy.

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Captured Tracks Signs MOURN

mourn‘Four nerds playing music and shit at the doors of hell.’  That’s right, that’s the band’s self-ascribed motto, which is a pretty bold statement if you’re looking to break into the indie music scene.  It’s even more telling that the band’s made up of a bunch of Spanish teens; that sort of exuberance can’t be captured on tape. Or can it? MOURN have recently signed with Captured Tracks to release their self-titled debut, and only time will tell if they fit into their own self-created mold.  If you listen to the noise they unleash just before the one-minute mark, you might just hear what’s in store down the road. I also suggest going to their bandcamp page for another single that offers a different glimpse of the group.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/10_Silver-Gold.mp3]

Download: MOURN – Silver Gold [MP3]

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