Stream the Unblinking Ear Mixtape

unblinkingearFriday’s are best if they’re polished off with a nice mix tape, or a nice stream for the end of the day.  I figured you’d be best to wrap up the day with one from a whole bunch of bands that’ll keep your spirit up…not to mention it includes songs from some of our local favorites like Simple Circuit, Sally Crewe and Sweet Talk, not to mention ATH alumni, Literature. If you pick it up from the folks at Unblinking Ear Records, then you can read all about the recordings…such as where the work was done, who took part, etc…you know, if you’re into liner notes.  Anyways…every track offers something different, so enjoy your weekend and these tunes.

Austin Weekend Spotlight: The Non-X Games Exclusive

austinMan.  The festivals and large events in this town never cease, and while I appreciate that, I’m a bit sick and tired of it all.  Are you in the same boat? Perhaps you want to carefully venture downtown and catch some live music?  You’re lucky, as the local bands are bringing you some great line-ups all over the map this weekend.  Here’s  a quick look at where you can go. Read more

Ticket Giveaway: Protomartyr @ Holy Mountain (5.30)

chaosChaos in Tejas and Transmission are bringing some incredible bands into town this week, and we’ve got yet another chance for you to win a pair of tickets. Under Color of Official Right is one of the most rewarding listens this year, and the group dominated the SXSW post-hype machine with several great performances.  You’ll get a chance to see the band perform in a fairly intimate setting over at Holy Mountain, supported by two incredible local acts: Xetas and Simple Circuit.  Just because you love Protomartyr doesn’t mean you can’t get there early to catch these two remarkable bands too.

It’s the midway point in the year for all intents and purposes, so leave your Favorite Album of 2014 (so far) and I’ll pick a winner that most closely aligns with our tastes.  Contest ends Thursday at Noon.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Scum-Rise.mp3]

Download: Protomartyr – Scum, Rise! [MP3]

Super Rad Thursday in Austin: Tons of Shows


Happy-Thursday-DudeMany of us might have bundled up for the last few days, which means we’re aching to get out on the town and enjoy libations and music.  Lucky for us, the weather is clearing up, and there’s tons of shows on Thursday, including a few important releases we whole-heartedly back.  Check below for your interests and best bets on a great night.

 

 

Wildfires, Simple Circuit, Colleens, David and the Israelites @ Beerland – 9 PM

Jess Williamson LP Release, RF Shannon, David Longoria @ Hotel Vegas – 9 PM

Grape St., Captive, Party Girl @ Mohawk – 9 PM

Orthy EP Release, Letting Up Despite Great Faults, Technicolor Hearts @ Holy Mountain – 9 PM

Dam Funk, White Walls, Electric Attitude @ Red 7 – 9 PM

That’s five incredible shows, all reasonably priced, all over town.  You’ll hate yourself if you don’t attend at least one of these. Here’s some jams from Simple Circuit, Jess Williamson and Grape St., respectively.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Simple-Circuit-S-T-02-Sattrash.mp3][audio:

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/02-Native-State.mp3] [audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/10-Track-10.mp3]

Austin Spotlight: Simple Circuit Release New Album

simplecircutiThose following the undercurrent of the Austin scene have surely heard of Simple Circuit; they’ve released a few 7 inches to rave reviews.  Good news comes today that the band has released their debut, self-titled, LP…and after listening to it all day long, it’s exactly what I expected.  The whole record is brimming with energetic songs with excellent guitar work and steady drumming; you’ll want to have your speakers up  loud for the duration.  There’s even a few mellower tracks to keep the LP catchy for everyday listening.  Right now the band is offering it up for the NYP, but I highly suggest you donate, as these guys (and this record) deserve it!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Simple-Circuit-S-T-02-Sattrash.mp3]

Download: Simple Circuit – Sattrash [MP3]

Austin Free Week: Friday Night Highlights

Man, this next week and a half is shaping up to be a blast for everyone in Austin, and Friday is really starting to turn things up a notch.  I’ve already caught great sets by Endless Thoughts, Politics and Parquet Courts, so I’m really looking forward to the rest of what’s in-store. If you can’t make it out this weekend, don’t forget that Free Week now goes on into next week too! Here’s my suggestions for Friday.  Read more

Show Preview: Mark Sultan @ the Mohawk (11/15)

Date Tuesday, November 15th
Location Mohawk
Doors 900p
Tickets $8 from Frontgate

Alright folks, you’ve got to get on this show!  The rock n’ roll season, at least for traveling bands, is winding down quickly.  In a week full of great shows, this is definitely one that requires your attendance.  A lot of you might know Mark Sultan as BBQ, who used to play with King Khan, but he’s just put out his own sweet little record, Whatever/Whenever, which actually came in a lot of great formats. It’s classic garage rock; it’s the sort that kicked off the whole revisiting of the genre, filled with hooks and dirty guitar playing.  Also, you’ll get a chance to see a lot of great local acts like A Giant Dog and Simple Circuit. It’s definitely a better choice than Morrissey.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/08-Song-In-Grey.mp3]

Download: Mark Sultan – Song In Grey [MP3]


Show Preview: A Giant Dog @ Beerland

Date Friday, May 20th
Location Beerland
Doors 900p
Tickets Cheap

Want to enjoy some of the best bands Austin has on hand right  now?  Then you’ll need to make your way over to Beerland this evening, and be sure to get there early, as you’ll want to catch our favorite, John Wesley Coleman, the “trashcan troubadour.”  But, more importantly, you’ll get to fill the evening with Simple Circuit and A Giant Dog, two of the harder working bands in town, delving out their own blend of rock n’ roll.  I have nothing to say other than these are some of the bands that I could easily watch every weekend, and you should come join me in the fun.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/01-John-Wesley-Coleman-Track01.mp3]

Download: John Wesley Coleman – Bad Lady Goes to Jail [MP3]

Show Preview: Nobunny @ Emos (2/15)

Date Tuesday, Feb 15th
Location Emos
Doors 900p
Tickets $8 from Ticketweb

So your Valentines Day might be kind of a bummer, but if you can hold out until Tuesday, we’ve got something that’s just going to blow you away, forcing you smile. That’s right, a man in a bunny mask!  Emos is hosting the return of Nobunny, touring in support of his recent release, First Blood.  You’re guaranteed to get drenched in sweat, pogo about, and leave feeling great about yourself after the set.  And, you can get a glimpse of some of the great rocking bands from Austin, as opening acts Hex Dispensers and Simple Circuit are two bands that really deserve a whole lot more love than they seem to have gotten here in town.  So go out, support your local bands, and just have an all-around good time.  Oh, and if you have an extra bunny mask, you might want to offer it up, as Nobunny was looking a little ratty last time around.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/03-Blow-Dumb.mp3]

Download: Nobunny – Blow Dumb [MP3]