Blasting Rock from Frail

12472803_1674740646109481_2095567835399816333_nTell your ears to hold on, the distortion level runs high with Frail. But, that being said you’re likely to fall in love with the band’s blend of melody and heavy riffs. There’s some resemblance to Teenage Fanclub (or Growl if you’re in Austin), though these guys play a bit louder, and perhaps a bit more youthful. Sounds like they just want to turn their guitars up as loud as possible and invite you have a bit of fun with them. This tune appears on the band’s forthcoming debut EP, which will be released on May 13th via Fleeting Youth Records.

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New Music from Warm Brains

1421044_585658611487612_1302266135_oIt’s great watching little labels grow and blossom, and I’m continually impressed by the work of the guys over at Art Is Hard Records.  They up-the-ante on their subscription every year, and with that hard work, have afforded more time and finances to put out other works, such as this new piece from Warm Brains.  I can’t help but to hear little bits of Brit Pop lurking within the track, though it seems much more modern than that.  I guess you can say it’s a more angular version of what I hear when I listen to Teenage Fanclub.  The EP is titled Happy Accidents, and they’ll be releasing it on December 16th to wrap up a great year.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Warm-Brains-Happy-Accidents.mp3]

Download: Warm Brains – Happy Accidents [MP3]

New Music from Lightships

It’s been a solid year so far for Gerrad Love, having released his latest Lighsthips album, Electric Cables, earlier this year to great fan fare.  But, that’s what you’d expect from a member of Teenage Fanclub, at least what I expect.  He’s back already with some brand new tunes featured on the Fear and Doubt EP, which includes three tracks that didn’t make it on the album, including this new gem. Love just floats in with his vocals here, letting them playfully rest atop the track, while the instrumentation is steady, yet chilled out.  Can’t say enough good things about this dude and the tunes he’s writing in 2012.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/01-Fear-and-Doubt.mp3]

New Pop Number from Pale Sunday

It’s already been a great year for our friends over at Matinee Recordings, having released the new Cats on Fire and several great EPs.  And they’re at it again with a new EP from Brazil’s Pale Sunday.  The title for the release is The Fake Stories About You and Me, and you can grab it from the label right now.  Gentle pop music seems to be the group’s specialty, and you can see similarities to the great Teenage Fanclub, but personally I think that things on this listen are a lot softer–in an endearing way of course.  Find yourself falling in love with this new track…it’s easy to do.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Happy.mp3]

Download:Pale Sunday – Happy (When You Lived Here)  [MP3]

Beautiful Pop from Lightships (Gerard of Teenage Fanclub)

If you’re a fan of 90s indie pop/rock, what have you, then you’re surely geeking out already about Lightships, the new project from Gerard Love of Teenage Fanclub.  The line-up includes members from TF (past and present) as well as Belle and Sebastian and the Pastels; that alone is enough to make anyone swoon.  Lightships will be releasing Electric Cables on April 2nd, but they just dropped off this wonderful new single this week. It’s exactly what I expected it to sound like: beautiful.  I cannot wait to get my hands on this one.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/03-Sweetness-In-Her-Spark_Sweetness-In-Her-Spank.mp3]

 

Big Troubles – Romantic Comedy

Rating: ★★★☆☆

What happens if you remove a bit of fuzz in the production process?  You get a breezy pop gem like Romantic Comedy.  It’s the second record from Big Troubles, and their first from Slumberland Records.  All those looking for a brighter vocal sound, but with the same general feel as the group’s first outing, will certainly be pleased.

You can definitely hear the polish in opening track, “She Smiles for Pictures,” as the guitars have sort of an angular bounce. Vocally, there’s a nice bit of soft comfort in the delivery, sort of like what you’d expect an American Teenage Fanclub to sound like.  But, it’s the next track that will force you to stand on one side of the track or the other.

“Misery,” for all intents and purposes is Pains of Being Pure Heart lite.  Get rid of the scuzz from the aforementioned band’s debut, and you’ve got little gem.  However, I like the fact that the vocals are so clean and clear; it’s something you don’t normally associate with a PoBPaH record, so for me it wins.  Yet, I can see it being derivative, but weren’t the Pains originally the same thing? Perhaps some people grow up faster.  “Sad Girls” is similar here, providing a hint of soft-bit swagger, but the vocals during the chorus are what allow the band to differentiate themselves, sounding much different than the nearest comparison.

Personally, I really like the straight pop gems, such as “Softer Than Science,” which has a bit of the Lucksmiths sense of melody.  There’s a pounding bit of drum work, and the guitars are definitely sharpened.  But, there’s a nice bit of restraint in this number, letting the band focus on their harmonies.  It’s a song that contradicts its successor, “Time Bomb,” the closest track you could call a straight ahead rocker.  The noisy solo in the end definitely reminds you of those 90s guitar moments we’ve all come to treasure.

Yet, Big Troubles faces sort of a problem in the long run.  Romantic Comedy, while definitely enjoyable, wears down listeners quiet quickly.  You’ll likely go from really enjoying the whole record, then the magic begins to fade a bit.  It’s not entirely their fault, as we’ve just been bogged down with so many like-minded records in the last few years.  In order for you to be the best, you’ve got to rise above the rest, and I’m just not entirely convinced the band accomplished that feat.  Still, a good listen from start to finish.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Big-Troubles-Misery.mp3]

Download: Big Troubles – Misery [MP3]

Yuck – s/t

Rating: ★★★★☆

Listening to Yuck time and time again makes it one of the easiest albums to review.  The band hs influences all across the alternative rock spectrum, and while the majority of those are from bands of yesteryear, their spin provides some refreshing energy into a sound we’re all familiar with at this point.

Everyone should immediately recognize that there is one drawback, and only one to the first album from Yuck: it’s got really obvious influences.  This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, however, as the band never go too far into mimicking their heroes, usually using various methods to further their own sonic pallate, which should be acceptable considering the band’s young age. Put that thought aside though from the get go because despite a perceived lack in originality, you’ll find everything you need in a great record: melodies, guitar hooks, edginess and anthem-like lyrics.

“Get Away” begins this self-titled affair with a bit of distorted guitar a la Dinosaur Jr., with a hint of Kim Deal playing bass beneath it.  It’s a reminder of innocence that we often associate with early purveyors of indie rock, doing what they can just to show off their musicianship and guarantee us a good time.  It’s been awhile since I’ve enjoyed listening to this sort of chugging, jagged guitar riffage.

Three tracks into Yuck and the band offers up a different spin with their tribute to the past.  This time around, they bring in the melodic moments of Teenage Fanclub, and they’re successful in precisely the same way the TF is; they bring a warm breeze into the guitar playing, which is odd considering the rain and fog associated with Great Britain.  But, the band also uses a nice little jaunt into a guitar solo to take the song to a different level, giving it more power than your normal tribute-style track.  You’ll find a similar stylistic presence on “Sunday,” as well, which is one of my faves here.

There are some different spins on this record though, one’s that show Yuck finding their own ground.  “Sucidie Policeman” comes off as a nice little ditty, but having a female foil to challenge the male vocals gives this song more depth overall.  It doesn’t read as just a stopping point in mid-album, rather it’s a place for the band to hang their own hat as they continue to flesh out their very own distinctive sound in the near future.  That also comes into play with the album’s original single, “Georgia.”  Perhaps it does fall into an more distorted version of C86 bands, but the important thing is that combining male/female vocals demonstrates the band’s willingness to mess with their own formula…and with tracks like all the ones on here, Yuck are sure to come across a horizon filled with gems for our ears.

The bottom line of it all is that Yuck is a band you should really pay close attention to for the time being.  Sure, songs like “Operation” definitely have a nod to Pavement, but who really cares?  I mean, are you going to tell me if you heard a record full of solid new tracks from your favorite nostalgic act that you’d be upset?  The bottom line is that despite all its nods to the past, Yuck is a record full of amazing songs that never bore you, that never seem dated.  It’s just a sign of great things to come, as there doesn’t seem to be many ways this band can go wrong.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Georgia-wavv-1.mp3]

Download: Yuck – Georgia [MP3]

I Was A King – Old Friends

Rating: ★★★☆☆

A few years back I Was a King burst into my life, and I couldn’t have been happier.  They recalled bits of my favorite under-appreciated band, The Comas, as well as hints of Teenage Fanclub.  On their latest outing, Old Friends, the group adds a few little twists to the foray, though nothing that ultimately changes the established sound of the group.

From the minute you get into opening track “The Wylde Boys,” you can tell that Old Friends will definitely have a bit of a facelift.  There’s this distortion/horn jam opening the track, and in fact, it probably detracts from the band’s meat and potatoes.  But, once the killer drumming jumps in appropriately and those warm hypnotic guitar lines clean things out, you’re in heaven.

Once you get into the nitty-gritty of the album, fans of amazing power-pop will definitely find themselves enjoying repeated listens.  “Echoes” has a great little stomping beat that supplies perfect opportunities for the guitar to wrap itself around your eardrums. These are the type of tracks fan of I Was a King were probably expecting from this record.  But, as much as these moments clearly leave you in love with the band, there are some disarming elements, at least as far as construction of the songs go.

Take the single, “Daybreak,” which would be one of my favorite songs, period, if you could only remove some odd things that just don’t belong.  First, you have that thirty second intro, seemingly belonging to a Beirut demo that made the trash.  Second, that damn horn! Why on Earth does a splendid band with incredible hooks add the usage of a horn to flesh out their sound?  It’s reminiscent of the time Cursive included horns to their post-punk sound; it doesn’t work. Some things are better left untouched.  Perhaps the band found themselves stuck in a rut, battling to push themselves in a new direction, but this might not have been the best direction one could go.

Excitingly, there are some new touches here that excite me, as a long time fan. “Snow Song” begins with some acoustic strumming, and Frode’s voice sounding as pristine as it does in the live setting.  It’s not straight-ahead power-pop, and it doesn’t have to be in order for I Was a King to pull it off.  This is something I probably wish the band realized more.  “Old Friends,” similarly has this great little bit of swing to it, and this cool, breeze-like vocal that accompanies the entire track.  It’s a great closer, and a great piece of songwriting.

Oddly, Old Friends is still a winning record.  There are a few miscues here and there, but even those odd spots don’t do enough to make you forget that the combination of melody and shredding guitars never sounded as perfectly as it does here.  And the drumming, the drumming is phenomenal.  I Was a King might have pushed themselves for this new record, and while I may not whole-heartedly agree with every step, I can appreciate spreading out into new territory.  As long as they can still write those power-pop hooks that win any reasonable listener over, they’ll continue to progress, and continue to make me a fan, day after day.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/I-Was-A-King-Daybreak.mp3]

Download: I Was A King – Daybreak [MP3]

Smith Westerns – Dye It Blonde

Rating: ★★★★☆

When the Smith Westerns first came about, I showed them a bit of indifference, and I think that was justified.  Vocals on their last album were really muddy, and almost hurt to listen to at point.  But dammit if the band just didn’t up and turn it around for their latest, Dye It Blonde.  Not only do the vocals feel vastly improved, but the music itself appears pristine at points, allowing the band’s talents to be presented to you in all their sonic glory.

“Weekend” really kicks things off on the right foot, and it even shines through with a bit of the musical nods to bands of the past.  That opening guitar squall, as well as many that appear throughout the record, definitely give me the feeling of “The Concept” by Teenage Fanclub.  Such a gentle vocal approach really sets the audience up for a warmer listening experience in comparison to the aforementioned early works; if you’re not hooked right away, just hold on a second. They give off a bit of an off-kilter vibe in “Still New,” using a steady drum beat to accompany the feedback of the guitar as it maneuvers sharply through your ear canals.  Personally, this is the song that grabbed me, but admittedly, I’m  a dork for classic power-pop, even if you can see Bowie/Bolan prancing around in the background.

You’ll find the band’s glam influences evolved, and they no longer feel as if that’s the sole inspiration for the writing on Dye It Blonde.  Sure, you can hear it in a track like “All Die Young,” especially with that high-pitch vocal touch, yet the band seems really bent on creating the perfect hodgepodge of all things pop.  If you can combine glam and Britpop, turn it on its head to make it sound modern, you’re bound to find winning tracks left and right; that’s just where Smith Westerns have gone beyond our expectations.  Besides, the fuzzed bass on “Fallen in Love” melded with some jangling guitar and cymbal work really provide you with everything you need in a solid pop album.

The thing I’ve noticed about Dye It Blonde is that its appeal is so large that everyone is going to discover their own personal gem, and I think that really defines this record in the long-run.  Personally, the whisper of the vocals on “Only One” grabbed at me right away, pulling me in as a listener.  It went on to move a bit away from the glam influence, almost reverting back to the days of pop that served as a precursor to the likes of T. Rex. There’s even a bit of a jammy breakdown near the end, so you know it’s going to be a rocking number live too!

You couldn’t have asked a band to do more in a short period of time than what Smith Westerns have accomplished.  They pieced together an album that utilizes their various influences, given those touches some nice fresh tweaks, and everything else dazzlingly fell into place. If you’re going to search for a record you can share with you and your friends, all of whom love different things from the rock n’ roll musical canon, then Dye It Blonde is assuredly the one for you.

New Music (Free EP) From Jonny

Admittedly, I’m a huge Teenage Fanclub fan, so much so, that I freaked out when I bought the recently re-issued Bandwagonesque a few weeks back.  Now, frontman Norman Blake has joined with Euros Childs (of Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci) to create Jonny, and they’ll be releasing a self-titled album on Merge Records, which is out digitally Feb. 1st, and in stores on April 12th.  They’ve also put up a free EP, which you can get over at Merge by clicking HERE.  If you go with this small sample, its going to be a splendidly soft-spoken pop affair–just the kind of I love to rave about.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/01-Jonny-Free-EP-Gloria.mp3]

Download: Jonny – Gloria [MP3]

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