Austin Town Hall

Our writer Nicole turned us onto Blind Pilot when their record, We Are the Tide, first came out.  Since then, I’ve really enjoyed their pop via country tunes, allowing them to fit into my peppier playlists.  So, it makes sense that you should be at their show, but if you’re not convinced, you should also check out opening act, Lost Lander.  The band just released their album, DRRT, and it’s a cross between the pop sensibilities of late Spoon, but with touches of the group’s own experimentation in the songwriting.  It doesn’t matter which band you like most, you need to see them both this Friday night.

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Download:Lost Lander – Cold Feet [MP3]

If you’re looking for a show that’s going to rock your socks off then you better get out to the Mohawk on Tuesday night.  One of my favorite acts, Bass Drum of Death, is heading into town with a whole bunch of new tunes to bring the house down; they’re loud and energetic and everything in between. They’ll be joined by their friends DZ Deathrays who’ve been touring all over the country with the band, bringing the rock n’ roll to us all.  If you’re looking for a show that’s destined to be memorable, then meet us at the Mohawk on Tuesday.

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Download:Bass Drum of Death – I Dunno [MP3]

Date	Wednesday, June 27th
Location	Mohawk
Doors	900 pm
Tickets	$7 at the Door

This is essentially a great local show with a great out of state opening act.  The opening acts Grape Street and No Future (formerly Leatherbag) are two acts we’ve raved about on these pages, and they both put on exceptional shows live.  Even if it was just these two bands, it’s worth your $7! But, you also get to see Broncho, one of the stronger acts to come out of Oklahoma.  They’ve got ties to Other Lives, Starlight Mints, Colourmusic, Unwed Sailor…so they come with good pedigree, and great songs.  Seriously, it’s inside, with cold beer and nice AC, so do yourself a favor and catch some great no-frills rock n’ roll.

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Download:Grape Street – A Date With You [MP3]

The next few weeks are going to be chocked-full of great shows, but this one here on Tuesday night over at the Parish is an absolute must see.  Lower Dens, who feature Jana Hunter from Texas, are one of the strongest acts around.  Their recent record, Nootropics, is pretty phenomenal.  They’re crafting this darkly tinged emotional post-rock, and you’ve got to be there to hear it.  But, opening the night is No Joy, who should have a record for us all shortly.  They’ve come through town a few times, and I promise you that this group will rock your socks off.  Get there early to catch Alan Resnick kick things off properly.  Seriously, you have to be at this show if you know what’s good for you.

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Download:Lower Dens – Tea Lights [MP3]

Date	Friday, June 22nd
Location	Stubb’s
Doors	1000 pm
Tickets	$8 @ the Door

I know there’s some great shows going on this Friday, but one that everyone that claims to support the Austin scene needs to be at is the Eastern Sea album Release over at Stubbs. Their new album, Plague, is something I know that everyone will enjoy, crossing boundaries of indie rock and forging into well-crafted mass appeal.  This is definitely one of the Austin bands that’s on the rise, so come support the group before they hit the road.  And of course, if you show up early you get to see another solid Austin (via Michigan) artist, Dana Falconberry, who’s always worth your top dollar.

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Download:The Eastern Sea – A Lie [MP3]

We’ve been huge fans of Here We Go Magic for years, so we’re always going to encourage you to get out and see their live shows.  The group’s got something going live, with Luke Temple orchestrating vibrant music with his band, creating joying pop music that everyone can appreciate. They come into town supporting their recent release, A Different Ship, which came out a short while ago on Secretly Canadian.  Also making an appearance will be Austin’s Hundred Visions and Moonlight Gram, who I can’t seem to find anything on, but I love a good Field of Dreams reference.  See you Tuesday folks.

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

Date	Saturday, June 16th
Location	Red 7
Doors	900 pm
Tickets	$10 from Transmission

If you’re looking for one helluva show on Saturday night, Quintron and Miss Pussycat are putting on a garage party over at Red 7.  Everyone already should be aware of the headliner, but I’d also like to get a special shout out to Dent May who will be filling the middle spot right after local band, The Golden Boys. His newest record, Do Things, just came out this week, and while it’s got a marked change from his last affair, it’s definitely still got the hooks that made us swoon for Dent early on.  Be sure to show up early to catch all three bands; it’s cheap, plus you can support the local scene by supporting one of our own.

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Download:Dent May – Meet Me In The Garden [MP3]

I was so excited to get the chance to see Crocodiles perform tonight at Stubbs that I completely went unaware of the impending show by Cave Singers tonight.  I aim to rectify my oversight, knowing that Cave Singers always bring their A game to the live setting.  Their last record, No Witch, spent a lot of time on my playlist, and I hope you spent some time with it as well.  If you’ve got the funds, then this is definitely a show you should get out and see.  Smoke and Feathers will probably kick things off around 10 PM.

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Download:The Cave Singers – Swim Club [MP3]