The Shivas Share Doom Revolver

I’m a big Shivas stan over here, though admittedly I’m still waiting for them to recreate the joy of “You Make Me Wanna Die.” Today, the band drop a fresh new burner for Suicide Squeeze‘s Single Series, Pinks and Purples. Slow and jammy, the song evolves into this psychedelic stomp of cool. The maniacal guitars set you up, but eventually fade into this mellower groove where the band’s pop sensibility unfolds with vocal harmonies. But, stick around long enough and they turn the slow burn into a riotous affair around the 1:40 mark; this is just many of the twist and turns the band are taking you on in these four minutes.

Speedy Wunderground Announce Jane Weaver Single

If you’re not hip to what’s going on at Speedy Wunderground, can you count yourself among the hip? They just announced a new single from their series with Jane Weaver, the sound-shifting songwriter, toying with pop fans by mixing all the elements that make her utterly fascinating. It all begins with a very pop croon, steadied and seductive. Moving forward, the pulse of this tune takes on a mixture of sounds, kind of like an amalgam I’ve dubbed post-proto-punk. But, as the guitars add texture, the song moves into a purely electronic affair of sorts, reveling in its own majesty and dizzying listeners. Plus, it comes with this really great visualizer that’ll only add to that effect. Grab the 7″ HERE, but be warned, they always sell out rather quick!

Lewsberg Join Speedy Wunderground Single Series

Lewsberg have been on our radar pretty consistently since we were first introduced to the group by their work with 12XU. But, they just announced they’re joining on with Speedy Wunderground to be part of the label’s marvelous Single Series, which are always super limited. After last year’s sneakily strong In Your Hands, the group return with a bit more pace, pushing the rhythmic pulse that provides a backbone for everything in between. I love the way the vocals change between a sort of spoken call-and-response and overlapping commentary. Plus, the band are never afraid to ride that train and let the sonic exploration lead the way. The new single drops on Friday digitally, so hear the A-side now!

Bright Pop from Pynch

London outfit Pynch just popped up on my radar, thanks to Speedy Wunderground; the popular label will be releasing the band’s newest single as part of their on-going Single Series in December. I immediately loved the way the guitar sort of jittered its way right into the tune, dancing atop the steady rhythm section. Then the vocals entered the picture, sort of carrying this natural sense of wonderment; the voice just seems to sort of evaporate into the ether as each line’s delivered, matched by some spacey keyboard notes. It’s just one of those pop tunes that ultimately leaves you begging to hear it again and again. Float off into the world with this tune, and grab it HERE.

Beautiful New Tune from Seatraffic

seatrafficHey. You. What are you doing? Nothing? I’ve got something for you to do, and it’s important.  Our current favorite duo Seatraffic has just released yet another single from their single series, and it’s possibly their best to date, in my opinion.  You need to do yourself a favor and go grab the tune from their page, not to mention all the other singles.  In this tune, the trickling bit of electronics floats effortlessly throughout the tune, atop careful percussion and a gentle melody.  I’m pretty sure I’ll be listening to this track another one-hundred times today, especially considering the beautiful closing moments of the tune.  Be sure to donate to the band via their page so they know you love them like we do.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Seatraffic-Conscious-Awake-01-Conscious-Awake.mp3]

Download: Seatraffic – Conscious Awake [MP3]

Killer Rocker from Wax Idols

I’ve raved to everyone about Wax Idols; their album No Future was one of my favorite records of the last year. Now, while the group is working on their new album (rumored to be on Slumberland) they’ve got a awesome stop-gap 7″ for you on Suicide Squeeze.  The title track, “Schadenfreude” is a jagged guitar rocker, with singer Heather spinning the pop goodness just as you would expect.  There’s a little bit of that brattiness that makes her such a furious frontwoman, but the chorus alone is worth the cost of the 7 inch.  You should definitely pay attention to this too underrated group.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Schadenfreude.mp3]

Download: Wax Idols – Schadenfreude [MP3]