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This is one of those weird weeks in Austin when it seems like everyone we love decided to drop some musical knowledge on us today. We’ve got some standard players like Stiletto Feels and the Zoltars dropping brand new records, plus a return to the fray for JP Pfertner, formerly of Built by Snow, and his new project Velcrowolf. Click on down to hear some fresh new tunes!
Our friends over in Stiletto Feels are ramping up the push towards their sophomore LP, Push Back, the follow-up to 2015’s The Big Fist. Predominantly the project of Geoff Earle, he’s surrounded himself with some local heavy-hitters to build up the band’s sound, featuring members of Ume, Octopus Project, the Sword (and Skate or Die). This song trickled out earlier this summer, but now there’s a video treatment to the track to further entice you, filmed solo by Earle so as to follow social distancing guidelines. I love Geoff’s enthusiasm, moving between punching the air and playing some air piano as the film moves about downtown Austin. Musically, I love the contrast between some of the percussive elements hard-hitting and Earle’s drawn out croon of the chorus; it builds in that natural hook that keeps listeners interested. The band drop Push Back on October 2nd.
What do you get when you take former and current members of Octopus Project, The Sword, Ume, Skate or Die, Midnight Masses and Stiletto Feels all into one? You get a supergroup, of sorts; you get All Eyes crafting a brand of music you’re not likely to hear anywhere else in the Austin landscape. This tune opens with a bit of doom and gloom (perhaps the Sword influence), but the string samples hint at pop sensationalism. You don’t have to wait long to hear Jordan from MM spin her vocals atop the chorus. It circles back for the crashing rock moment, surrounded by swirling bits of noise, and then back again. You’ll never be able to pigeonhole these guys, and thank goodness for that. The band will have their live debut over at The Electric Church this Saturday night, with Teevee, Fire Walk with Me and This Cold Night. Go meet this great new Austin act!
I still love Free Week. Went out and about again and saw a whole different set of random people. I learned a friend’s girlfriend’s dad goes by the name Bush Pounder. I learned a kind soul was leaving us for Puerto Rico, but would be returning for fests and touring gigs. Little known fact, flights to cities in the US from Austin are about the same as flights from Puerto Rico.
It was a whole different set of bands and a different chunk of venues. Here is the rundown: Empire to see out friends in Bali Yaaah and Hours Quiet, Barracuda for Midriff, ATH Records’ Pollen RX, Stiletto Feels, Otis The Destroyer and Flesh Lights with a quick jaunt to Swan Dive to see what Casey Beans was all about as a solo thing.
Click through for all the pics.
Well, looks like our dear friend Free Week has extended into the second week of January, and we’ve got a banger of a show for you to hit up this evening over at Barracuda. We’re sponsoring it with our good friend over at GTZ Records. Midriff will kick things off, followed by ATH Records act Pollen Rx, then Stiletto Feels, Otis the Destroyer and closing the night with the always phenomenal Flesh Lights. All these bands are really great, and they’re playing for you for free, so why not enjoy a Thursday properly and come on out. Show starts just after 9, so get there early, as there’s sure to be a good crowd.
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We’ve gotten the word out, but we want to cordially invite you, both in and out of Austin, to join us tomorrow night at Cheer Up Charlies. We’re hosting a show with our good friends over at GTZ Records, bringing you a pretty diverse line-up of great music. The line-up includes UVH (), Midriff, Gloves INTL, Charlie Bell, Stiletto Feels and Troller. I love that we managed to get bands that all tie into one another, musically, yet none of them sound quite like the other. OH! Perhaps the best part? You can attend for the cost of FREE! A free show on a Friday at our favorite place! Read more about set times HERE, and let us known you’re coming out. Stream some jams below to get you in the mood.
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A week ago we dropped our Top Austin Albums, and one of the surprises was the debut from Stiletto Feels, The Big Fist. We had high expectations for Geoff Earle’s new project, but I honestly didn’t expect such a finished project. It’s a listen filled with all sorts of touches, be they electronic or indie rock…or even just great riffs. This week the band have unleashed their video for the super-hit, “Steel Your Guitar,” which is like a smoothed out R&B rock n’ roll jam. Check out the video below and grab the LP from GTZ Records.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/d4qUVvBCWh0[/youtube]
It’s that time of year when we all throw arbitrary numbers at you, trying to convince you that our tastes are the best. But, I’m going to try taking a slightly different approach this year, giving you just a list of great Austin records that came out this year, but with no numbers or anything. These are just the LPs that connected with me in some way or another throughout 2015. There’s no particular order, just a bunch of records you should probably own. Also, I added some helpful BUY links for you to take you right to where you can get the goods. Just take my word for it and go buy those things.
Sweet Talk – Double Perfect
Stephen Svacina takes on our mundane world, turns it into catchy pop punk, and leaves it memorable. Recommended for those who like high energy tunes that you’ll remember for the rest of your times. BUY
Reservations – Taking Time
‘To be honest.’ some records hit all the right notes, and hit home. The full length debut by Jana Horn and Reservations is just that. Well-crafted, sincere. A joy of orchestrated indie folk. BUY
Lochness Mobsters – War Tuna
Immediate disclaimer. I helped put this record out. These boys take on the modern Austin cliche of garage-psych and turn it into a sweaty party that’s been proven to rile up audiences, then flip the world upside down by breaking into Beastie Boys. Too good. BUY
Video – The Entertainers
Snarling rock n’ roll, no holds barred. I mean come on, you can’t discard the fact that Third Man Records had a hand in getting these tracks out. People are taking notice. BUY
The Zoltars – s/t
Jared is another of Austin’s artists that probably doesn’t get nearly the amount of credit that he deserves, crafting some of the best guitar pop. Pop songs like the one’s on this album aren’t written every day, and when they are, they last in your memory forever. BUY
Stiletto Feels – The Big Fist
Geoff Earle makes good on his promise to get everyone grooving, while still supplying enough grit to make it important. One of the most diverse in sound to come out of the city; you’re bouncing to electronic elements before guitars jump in to guarantee that this is more than just a programmed, laptop affair. BUY
Grape St. – Wallpaper
Another batch of hooks. Another batch of songs from Curtis O’Mara. If you know me, you know I’ll never get tired of listening to his work. Some guys just get you. BUY
Spray Paint – Dopers
I have to apologize to Spray Paint, as this is the only record of theirs that’s going to make it onto my list this year. Maybe people are tired of these guys, but how can you look away when they’re just continuing to release solid album after solid album. It should say a lot that even when they’re so prolific, they never seem to leave you with a track that you can throwaway. BUY
Single Lash – s/t
Lurking beneath the belly of Austin’s rock n’ roll scene is a slowly blossoming shoegaze/indiepop scene. There’s this dense coat of atmosphere coating the album, making it perfect for those who seek darkness reinforced by standard pop structures. BUY
BOAN – Mentiras
If I were still into making mixed CDs for people, “Babylon” would be one of the opening moments; it’s perfect in both it’s simplicity and its construction. One of the few electronic Austin acts that really matter. BUY
Xetas – The Redeemer
How do you take the tenacity and fuel of a great live band, then capture it on tape? Well, Xetas did it, and you’ll be remiss for skipping over the record. BUY
Institute – Catharsis
A few years ago everyone was raging about The Men. That was fair, but if you’re looking for solid rock n’ roll, I hate to tell you that Institute does it better. Catharsis is one of those albums that seems timeless from the moment you press play; it sounds familiar, yet the songs brim with attitude and execution that you’re not going to find in many scenes. BUY
Good Field – Future Me
Indie rock is only sustainable when it’s executed perfectly. These guys nailed it on this go round, giving us the “Business.” Smells like Spoon, sounds like awesome. BUY
Abram Shook – Landscape Dream
Guys. Abram Shook. How many times do we have to tell you. ABRAM SHOOK! Another perfect collection of songs. BUY
When I heard Geoff Earle was working on a new project, I immediately had high expectations, knowing his capabilities from year’s of playing in the Austin scene. I didn’t expect the work to be so impressive so soon. They just released Big Fist, and it’s filled with danceable grooves and hits that should definitely put the rest of the music world on notice. “Steal Your Guitar” is definitely a standout track, but I’ve taken a liking to the softer track, “The Difference,” which shows the group isn’t just a one-trick pony. Whether you’re an Austinite or a someone who checks our site from time to time, I think you’ll be equally impressed with Stiletto Feels new album; it’s available now via GTZ Records!
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We here at ATH have long been fans of the craftsmanship of Geoff Earle, formerly of Freshmillions, who now has a brand new project we’d like to introduce you to (and a new record label-GTZ): Stiletto Feels. I’ve been listening to this track quite a bit since Geoff passed it our way; it’s like a blend of Ratatat and MSTRKFT, but with a really smooth soul vocal added to it. You can groove or you can dance, but you’re going to fall in love. It’s going to be the first release for Earle’s new label, GTZ Records, who will be celebrating with a nice Single Release Party on Saturday night over at Empire Control Room. Get into the song below.
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