Show Preview: Mike Krol @ Mohawk — Tonight

mikeI get it. We all wanna watch Thee Oh Sees for the 407th time at Hotel Vegas, but you can catch them tomorrow, so pick the smarter option and head to Mohawk tonight to see Mike Krol. He’s gotten some great press for his rock n’ roll stylings, and his recent release via Merge, Turkey. But, like all good shows, you’ve got to have great openers, and this bill has two of my favorite Austin acts. Opening is Shivery Shakes around 10, so be there to support our boys. Also, Sweet Talk grabbed the middle slot, and trust me when I tell you that their new LP will definitely be in our Top Ten of Austin LPs to come out in 2015. Bet on it. The show’s $10, doors are at 9 PM.

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ATX Spotlight: New Sweet Talk

ST_25_copyDisclosure: I’m friends with Stephen from Sweet Talk. That fact, however, has no bearing on the fact that the group have just completed what I hope is one of the surprise breakout records of Austin this year, Double Perfect. I’m not saying that from the friend side, but the music side; the guitar driven pop rock he’s kicking out on this record, particularly this song, should be enough to garner recognition as one of the city’s great talents.  Personally, I love the varying vocal inflections he throws out on this track, especially when he’s driving home the message of the track around the 2.11 mark of the song.  You can grab the LP on October 16th via 12XU, and if you don’t, I’ll be rather sad…for you.

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Grab a Free WFMU Set from Connections

connectionsConnections have been one of my favorite discoveries of the last few years; I owe a huge thanks to Steven from Sweet Talk for that one.  Following the band, I was alerted to a set they did for WFMU, which features a couple of new songs that the band hasn’t released.  It’s ten songs recorded live in studio, which makes me hanker to catch the act live in Austin (come down here please!). You’ll also get to hear several versions of previously released tracks, which you owe to yourself to pick up if you haven’t done so already. You can hear this song, “Cruise Control,” off their Into Sixes LP…a must have in any good rock n’ roll collection.  Grab the free session HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/03-Cruise-Control.mp3]

Download: Connections – Cruise Control [MP3]

Free Week Show @ Holy Mountain (1.5) – Slow

FREEWEEK2015_JAN05_HOLYMOUNTAINFree Week is just about here, and that means I should prepare you for the great show we’re putting on at Holy Mountain on Monday, January 5th. We’ve got Slow, Jonly Bonly, Shivery Shakes, Grape St. and also Young Girls. I’m going to toss out a little love to each band every day before the show, in hopes you’ll come join us. Also, don’t forget that our show is also a celebration bash for Pooneh Ghana, local photographer extraordinaire. So, here’s a bit on Slow. Read more

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 Spotlight: Jonly Bonly Unleash New Single

jbIf you did what was right last week, you picked up the excellent Put Together LP from Austin’s Jonly Bonly.  The band, if you haven’t caught wind,  is the project of Jason Smith (formerly of OBN IIIs) and his buddy Stephen Svacina (Sweet Talk).  As always, Jason just kills the guitar licks on this tune; they’ve got an old school rock n’ roll feel while drawing some similarities to modern acts such as Parquet Courts.  This album’s filled with really sharp guitar playing, energy and a cock-sure attitude; you should head over to 12XU Records and pick it up now!

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New Music from Connections

Sixes_Promo2I’ve been hooked on the Connections ever since my friend Stephen of Sweet Talk turned me on to their first two LPs.  I snatched them up, and I’ve been thirsting for more, which is lucky as the band are about to release their new record, Into Sixes, next week. The latest track to surface is a perfect piece of power pop, the like I haven’t heard since the last Gentleman Jesse record.  The guitars are crisp, the cymbals shake in all the right places, and the vocals are extremely infectious; I don’t think fans of this genre will find a better LP than what these guys have to offer. They’ve also just put up a video for the single you should watch HERE.  Look for the LP next week via Anyway Records at your local store, or pre-order it HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/03-Cruise-Control.mp3]

 

Austin Weekend Show Suggestions

AustinMusiFlowsaThis weekend, above most normal weekends, is a pretty good reason to go out.  There’s a benefit being put on by sxswcares, raising money for victims of the SXSW tragedy.  A lot of these venues are saving up for donations, are hosting events, as well as directing folks to various on-line auctions to raise money, so be sure to help support the worty cause; remind people what a great community we are. So, with that in mind, here are my suggestions for great shows to hit up this weekend. Read more

ATH Interview: Sweet Talk

sweet talk bannerThe Austin Music Blogger Awards is less than a week away, so we’ve got a few more interviews to help you get to know your local artists.  This time I caught up with my friend Stephen Svacina from Sweet Talk; his band is nominated for Best EP with their Flash of Light EP (12XU).  Stephen’s a good dude, and in one of Austin’s great pop-punk bands (just don’t tell him that or he’ll threaten you with pyrotechnic violence). Don’t forget to pick up one of the few tickets remaining HERE, and join us February 27th for the festivities.

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