Do You Know Catalina La O? She’s on Slack Capital 2

Slack Capital 2 is a compilation of music by 27 of the greatest bands in Austin. All proceeds from the comp go to SafePlace, which provides support for victims of domestic and sexual violence. We’re unveiling one song per day until the the release party on April 14.

Song of the day: Catalina La O — “Se Nos Rompio El Amor”

And now for something completely different. Catalina La O is the new project of Khattie Q, formerly of the politi-punk band BLXPLTN. If you got to see Catalina La O at Bill Ball 2 last fall, you were treated to something completely unexpected — a bracing display of powerhouse vocals, belted out over a paired-down rock band arrangement totally designed to spotlight the emotion of the song and the singer. Like wandering into David Lynch’s night club Silencio, it was at once beguiling and captivating.

“Se Nos Rompio El Amor” is an epic ballad first made famous by Spanish singer Rocio Jurado, and the band is fully dedicated to it. After a long instrumental intro, Khattie’s first whisper draws you into the emotional turmoil of the song. Soon she and the band reach great heights, draw things back down again, then explode into a finale that will leave you spent (the title of the song means “We broke love”). A truly powerful performance by a talent we’ll be keeping an eye on for a long time. — Eric Braden

PreOrder Slack Capital 2 HERE.

Release Show on April 14th at Barracuda!

Fresh Music from Jasmine Minks

Those of you who’ve followed the history, not just the hype, of Creation Records will surely find new music from The Jasmine Minks exciting. There’s a classic nod in the songwriting, letting melody slowly float from the microphone as guitars drift upwards and other musical accompaniment fills in the space. But, more important is the fact that the money raised from this new 7″ all goes to Motor Neuron Disease research, which has affected the band personally (guitarist Wattie’s brother suffers from MND). It’s a good cause, and a great song, so order the new 7″ HERE. They’ll also be playing some shows to benefit the cause if you’re over on that side of the pond…check their Facebook.

PLAZA Unveil New Single

While the following PLAZA tune is just over three minutes, I feel like it covers a lot of territory; there’s a lot of movement within the confines of the song. The band pulls back, lets guitars ring out and vocals soar, only to return to a semi-stationary spot. There’s this light-hearted quality that’s central to the song too, allowing for the band’s focus on melody to enter playfully before guitars screech and squall to match the distant shouted vocal. It all ends with a huge crash to close the tune out, showing us all that the band aims to create a huge sound with the release of their debut EP on April 14th via Behind the Wall Records.

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Brand New Summer Salt

The weather’s slightly warmer here in Austin, and with the onset of Spring, we all welcome the breezy pop of Summer Salt. They’ve been quietly working on finishing up their debut LP, but in the meantime have completed a beautiful new So Polite EP that we’ll help get out into the world in the Summer. As much as I love these guys, I’m continually impressed by M. Terry’s voice; I love his control as they switch from the verse to the gentle calm into the chorus. While you enjoy the smile creeping on your face as you listen, look for the band to hit the road with The Walters next week. Dates are below this sweet song.

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4/16 – Kansas City, MO – Tank Room
4/17 – Denver, CO – Hi-Dive
4/18 – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court
4/19 – Spokane, WA – The Bartlett
4/20 – Seattle, WA – Sunset Tavern
4/21 – Olympia, WA – The StudioK
4/22 – Portland, OR – Bunk Bar
4/24- Santa Cruz, CA – The Crepe Place
4/26 – San Francisco, CA – Bottom of the Hill
4/27- Los Angeles, CA – The Hi Hat (SOLD OUT)
4/29 – Santa Ana, CA – Constellation Room
4/30 – San Diego, CA – Che Cafe
5/1- Phoenix, AZ – The Trunk Space
5/4 – Houston, TX – Walter’s Downtown
5/5- Austin, TX – Sidewinders
5/6- Denton, TX – Andy’s Bar

 

New Video and Song from The New Year

In just a few weeks we can all celebrate the glorious return of The New Year. This brand new track perfectly illustrates what’s made me fawn over the band for quite some time; it begins slowly, almost ominously. However, just beneath the front of the mix is this softer guitar tapestry, building slowly as percussion grows into the track. Vocals won’t even come in until the last minute or so of the tune, but the execution of the song and its accompanying video are sure to grab your attention. There’s such care placed on this song, that’s its no wonder everyone is anxiously awaiting the release of Snow; look for it on April 28th via Undertow Music.

Another Hit from Nana Grizol

I’m in love with Nana Grizol‘s latest album; there’s an underlying earnestness that carries the album on, joined by clever lyricism that might go overlooked by the masses. But, those of you longing for the purity of indie rock that gave birth to blogs in the early 00s will surely find the band’s work, such as this number, intoxicating. There’s no bells and whistles (though there are some horns), but rather a simplistic approach built around songwriting and innate accessibility for every listener. I’m already saving a spot for Ursa Minor in my year end list, and you’ll do the same if you’re looking to get carried away in music once again; album out now via Orange Twin.

Fresh Music from Romantic States

Romantic States caught my attention with their self-titled debut for DZ Tapes, and followed it up with an incredible 7″. Now, looks like we’re finally getting another full-length from the band. The band’s approach on their first singer seems to be that summery jangling indiepop, featuring a steady melodic croon operating during the various verses. But, when the chorus slides in there’s a nice jangle, and the tune later breaks down with a little bit of distortion to add some punch. Gentle Reminder Records will be releasing the group’s Corduroy in Italy on May 12th, hopefully bring a fresh batch of endearing tunes.

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More Music from So Many Wizards

So Many Wizards are one of those bands that you should love, but you might accidentally skip, so I’m beggin you not to do that. They’re brandishing spirited pop music, fueled by infectious harmonizing and driving rhythms; it sounds like a the sort of stuff you’d hear off of Slumberland Records. Try to not tap your toes as the drums bounce and the delivery of vocals comes quick through your speakers…so quick in fact that it almost loses control. Their latest effort, Heavy Vision, is set to be released by Lolipop Records on April 14th.

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James Leonard Hewitson Eschews Cool

There’s something in this new single from James Leonard Hewitson that recalls the sultry stylings of Jeremy Jay. It’s pop music, but not the overproduced sort, settling into a consistent bit of dreamy pop…fitting as this new single is titled “Dream Person.” A slightly heavier/darker tone crashes into the song’s middle, but fades away back into the soothing core of the song that revolves around Hewitson’s voice…though joined by a female counterpart on the track’s latter half. I love the way he’s just casually bringing out songs slowly, testing the waters of his craft. Cheers to you sir.

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New White Bronco Tune on Slack Capital 2

Slack Capital 2 is a compilation of music by 27 of the greatest bands in Austin. All proceeds from the comp go to SafePlace, which provides support for victims of domestic and sexual violence. We’re unveiling one song per day until the the release party on April 14.

Song of the day: White Bronco — “Soul Stroll”

Although they’ve sadly been defunct for a little while now, White Bronco have pulled out an unreleased gem for Slack Capital 2. Featuring a Beatles-evoking and very hummable chord structure over a driving snare and pealing guitars, “Soul Stroll” pays tribute to the rebellious power of taking a walk, of getting far from the madding crowd. The opening lyrics, “Outside/ With my spaceship,” set the tone of a person apart, a weirdo looking in. Like a punk Bruce Springsteen, complete with plenty of yelps, power is asserted through the fine art of breaking free and getting loose. A chaotic ending puts you in the middle of a boisterous happy crowd in a sweaty room, and you can’t help but think “Come back, White Bronco!” — Eric Braden

Pre-Order Slack Capital 2 HERE.

Join us at Barracuda on April 14th for the Release Show!

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