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Personally, the new Dr. Dog really has me on edge. Sure, they’re not necessarily indie darlings anymore, but I’m really looking forward to the release of Shame, Shame, which hits stores April 6th. Here’s another new track off their latest effort. You can welcome the boys to Austin in May @ Emos as they come our way to support their new album, that’s if you don’t catch them at SXSW.
Download: Dr. Dog – Stranger [MP3]
Over the last two decades, San Francisco’s Black Rebel Motorcycle Club has found itself in the midst of an ever changing identity crisis. Well, maybe crisis isn’t the right word; uncertainty fits better. After several years of back and forth infighting between original drummer Nick Jago and guitarists Peter Hayes and Robert Levon Been, it seems the strings have at long last been cut; for now at least. Joined now by the Raveonettes’ drummer Leah Shapiro, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club releases their sixth studio album, Beat the Devil’s Tattoo, their first since their 2008 instrumental record The Effects of 333 and 2007’s Baby 81. This is also the first release from the band’s own label Abstract Dragon. The emergence is a return the sound the band enjoyed during the early years with pound-it-out style rock and roll with a healthy mix of folk gospel induced melodies thrown in, akin to 2004’s Howl.
After the first listen of the opening and title track, ‘Beat the Devil’s Tattoo’, it’s the first time I’ve been excited for a BRMC album since Howl. That album carried mixed reviews and from a purely economic standpoint, was a disappointment. However, it marked a turning point in the band and produced some of the best songwriting thus far. That is, until now. The first track is just the tip of the ice-berg followed by the one-two knock out blows of ‘Conscience Killer’ and ‘Bad Blood’ Here, Hayes and Been are relentless in the attempt to regain their momentum. The former, a powerful pounding, psych-rock trip reminiscent of the Stroke’s at their height of popularity, the latter which relies more on the group’s distinctive vocals.
‘War machine’ explodes from the outset exhibiting a White Stripes-esque guitar riff with the kind of authority that makes groupies swoon. This is one track I am looking forward to hearing live next week during SXSW. This power fades into ‘Sweet Feeling’ displaying the group’s versatility drawing from their big bag of influences. This soft emotional side doesn’t last long before the ironically titled ‘Evol’ smacks the listener across the head with traditional BRMC drawl and slow building instrumentation we have become use to over their two-decade career. This release is an ‘evolution’ of the sounds produced throughout their 6 album releases and combines the best of all of them.
We get our first good examination of the addition of Shapiro with her raging, pulse pounding rhythms on ‘River Styx’. It’s at first obvious that she was a good choice to fill the void left by Jago and brings the stability of which Hayes and Been have been searching all along. The hypnotic brogue of Aya, building to a strong raucous ballad and the impressive 10-minute jam session of ‘Half State’ close out the record with a strong note. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club has been waiting their entire careers to construct an album like Beat the Devil’s Tattoo and it’s no surprise that based on where they’ve come from, they have many more to come. I am certainly back on the bandwagon.
Catch their SXSW showcase March 19th at 11:00 at La Zona Rosa and they are also playing the free Filter Day Party the same day at 4:20 pm in the Cedar Street Courtyard.
Rating: 
“Good morning class and welcome to your American Civil War lesson. Today we will be discussing the fledgling US Navy and the Ironclad battle ship, The Monitor. Hey, WHO THREW THAT!? Titus! I know it’s you, damn trouble making teens with your loud rock and or roll music.”
After the roaring and ironically tame named debut, the Airing of Grievances, the New Jersey-based indie punk rockers are back with their sophomore album, The Monitor. With the new release, the band is taking a stab at the Civil War era, with the release serving as a period piece of sorts. The title is in reference to the USS Monitor, which was the first commissioned warship by the US Navy during the Civil War.
That in no way means the group has changed their sound, so that means there’s plenty of low-fi, shoe gaze still involved, with a healthy dose of the ever-present fervent lyrics from front-man Patrick Stickles. The moniker by which the young quintet refers to themselves is obtained from an obscure Shakespearean tragedy, known for it’s over the top drama and violence. Over the top, dramatic, and violent is a good way to describe the group and similarly their amazing live shows, which is providing much buzz for the group across the Country and abroad. In addition to that reputation, it’s obvious that these young men are cultured and know their history and that’s refreshing in itself.
Known for their raucous live shows in small, intimate venues, Titus Andronicus is set to have a very busy Spring Break. The band has positioned itself to be one of the busiest bands around during SXSW which will give us a good great chance to hear the new album where it is best heard, in its face-melting, ear shattering, sweat-inducing live setting. The new release also features appearances by members of Wye Oak, Vivian Girls, and The Hold Steady amongst many others, which according to the record label XL recordings, all play a specific role as Civil War-era personalities.
The opener, ‘A More Perfect Union’, begins with the significant Abraham Lincoln quote, ominously stating “if destruction be our lot we must ourselves be its author, and finisher.” Quickly, the group picked up where they left off in their debut, pounding into a seven minute jam with impressive melodies complimenting Stickle’s ‘agitated Oberst-esque’ lyrical stylings with fantastic results. Its good foot stomping Americana, proudly heralding “Rally around the flag!”, and proclaiming “I will not retreat a single inch, and I will be heard.” Not truer statement can be said about Titus Andronicus.
Throughout the record are more sound-bytes from the Civil War era, which hold much intrigue alone, but are especially portentous when heard alternate Spickle’s vocals and Eric Hold’s percussive fervor. The record is more or less about the conflict and subsequent unresolved misfortune followed by the ideals from the relationships forged nearly 150 years ago continuing today. However these principles have shaped our modern society, “you’ll always be a loser” quips the self-deprecating theme ‘No Future Part 3: Escape From No Future’, “and that’s ok.”
The two-part single, ‘Four Score and Seven’, which is set to be released on a 2-sided LP, is a great meditation on the subject of war and its absurdity. This track marks a turning point in the album, with the entrance of a brass section and beautiful interlude into the second half of the track which less introspective and more irate at the horrors of conflict more often seen.
‘To Old Friends and New’ displays a new side of the band with a touching duet with the Vivian Girl’s Cassie Ramone, which slowly builds to a crescendo proudly proclaiming “It’s alright now”. This touching moment is unexpectedly followed by ‘…And Ever’ which seems out of place at its ninth spot due to the drastic segue from the former’s tenderness and overall tone. Finally, the band finishes off the record with a powerful message of acceptance, liberation, and ultimately death. Per the band, the release is their way of celebrating the 148-year anniversary of the ship and much like the USS Monitor, this lengthy album fights a first-class battle and proves its worth in a great lyrical clash; only to sink quietly into rough waters following the afore-mentioned closing track, ‘The Battle of Hampton Roads’. And as we have all learned today, this battle served as the height of the Monitor’s service career and fittingly is a high water mark for the band. Any questions? Very well, class dismissed.
[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Titus-Andronicus-Four-Score-and-Seven-Part-One.mp3]Download: Titus Andronicus – Four Score and Seven (Part One) [MP3]
[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Titus-Andronicus-Four-Score-and-Seven-Part-Two.mp3]Download: Titus Andronicus – Four Score and Seven (Part Two) [MP3]
A couple years ago, songwriting man David Vandervelde dropped his beautiful album Waiting for the Sunrise on our ears and we’ve been following him ever since. David has been fairly quiet since that release, but just recently dropped some new tracks that will supposedly appear on an upcoming album. Checking out a live set by Vandervelde should be a great time to hear some of this new material before it’s physically released. Vandervelde, always the jokester, answered a few of our SXSW questions to build up some hype before he hits Austin. You can see his brief and to the point responses after the jump.
Chicago band Califone have been around the music game twice as long as most of the young start up bands you’ll be checking out during SXSW. They’ve been touring the world/country, releasing countless albums, and generally working their asses off since around 1997/98. Always adapting and changing their style, Califone have come a long long way since their beginnings over 10 years ago. Don’t even try to label these guys either, as their music changes stylistically so often that you can’t mark them in any specific genre. Needless to say, I’m pumped about waiting in line for these guys. Prior to their arrival in Austin, we had the opportunity to send lead singer Tim Rutili some SXSW questions. Follow the jump for the questions.
If you aren’t indulging yourself in our March music sampler (you better be), NPR music has another worthwhile SXSW music sampler available for download. The 11 song sampler features top notch ATH favorites like Spoon, The Walkmen, Local Natives, and more. You can read more about it on NPR or download the sampler straight from itunes. Until then, check out the standout sampler track “Airplanes” from Local Natives. For those of you who have yet to pick up their new album, we aren’t friends anymore.
Download: Local Natives – Airplanes [MP3]
Bowerbirds are a band we have given tons of love to over here at ATH, so you shouldn’t be surprised to see their name pop up when we talk about bands we want to see during SXSW. These guys have been doing their thing musically now for close to 4 years, all the while touring the country from coast to coast. Their sounds fall into the indie-folk category with plucked acoustic guitars, vocal harmonies, and a less is more approach to music. Also as stated previously, we’ve seen Bowerbirds twice in Austin over the last year or so and we’ll be waiting in line to see them again. Leading up to SXSW, we had the chance to shoot some interview questions over to leading man Phil Moore. Follow the jump for some SXSW oriented questions with Phil.
As we lead up to our showcase during SXSW week, we wanted to give a quick shoutout to Ear Peace who have graciously jumped on board to help sponsor the show. Ear Peace is a new start up company that plans to re-define the way you protect your hearing during live shows. These ear plugs are what we call “top of the line” and actually allow you to hear the music while still protecting your ears. I think we all know that’s important during SXSW. Ear Peace will be around the showcase handing out some free samples along with premium carrying cases to all attendees. You can read more about this new company on their website or follow them on their twitter page. Expect these guys to be a household name after SXSW. Stay tuned, as more free stuff for the showcase is soon to be announced.
Ladies and Gentlemenz, we are again pleased to announce to you the 2010 Austin Town Hall SXSW guide. It’s super fancy and comes with all the bells and whistles you can imagine. Just like last year, you’ll see a day by day breakdown with the best 3-4 parties going on that day. You’ll also find an awesome SXSW food guide and a breakdown of the artists playing our showcase on Thursday. Not enough for ya? Try plugging that page (http://sxsw.austintownhall.com) into your fancy lil’ iphone. Now I know you like that. We’re hoping this site will help you weed through all those parties you’ve been RSVPing to and stick to the ones really worth a damn. Check out the new page now! Please keep in mind that we’re going off the information we have as of right now. More parties are sure to be announced (looking at you Fader Fort) as the week draws closer. Also, don’t forget to RSVP to our showcase and check out the sweet ATH March music sampler.
Fanfarlo have become frequent residents of Austin over the last year having played 2-3 shows during the calendar year. Unfortunately, like an idiot, I have missed these guys the last few times they’ve come to town so I’m putting them down as a band to see during SXSW. Currently touring behind their 2009 debut Reservoir, this London based band has been touring like crazy and building a buzz behind their band. Several of our local amigos have seen them live and tell us that we definitely won’t want to miss out this time around. Prior to their Austin arrival, we had the chance to ask drummer/vocalist Amos Memon a few questions about his band. You’ll notice that we’ve been recycling some questions from our SXSW bands to help you get to know them better and so we can pump out tons of interviews for you fans. Follow the jump for full interview with Amos.
