Last Week’s Jams (1.23 – 1.27)

We’d like to formally apologize for some outages last week. One was our old server, the other was the process of switching 15 years (!) of writing and such over to a new server. But, we definitely still ran a ton of tunes, you just might not have been able to hear them all! So, let’s rectify that with our weekly playlist. Ran a premiere for a fresh track from Animal Scream off their new LP, plus we were excited by another new Whitney’s Playground track. Personally, I liked the babybaby_explores single a ton, despite that name driving me nuts. RayRay ran a Bratty tune to get you excited for the return of Austin Psych Fest. Plus, I had to throw in a Tom Verlaine track, as it just feels right; RIP sir.

The Parlor Share Ecstasy You Single

We’ve been promised a brand new long player from the Parlor later this Spring, so while we sit in anticipation, let us enjoy a sprinkle of what’s to come from the group. You get a clear two minutes to immerse yourself slowly in the tune, with psychedelic meanderings lurking behind the vocals of Jen O’Connor in this dreamy fashion. Then the tune lights up, as if a match has lit the fuse with a bit more empathic elements lifting the song and stretching O’ Connor’s voice to its limits. Little excursive notes sparkle and fade in the song’s distance as the group flirt tease you from the haunting corners of the tune. We’ll keep you updated when news comes our way of the long player.

Another New Tune from The Parlor

Not too long ago I shared a new track from The Parlor, while also encouraging you to revisit Kiku…but now here we are with another new-ish tune from the band. This tune, along with the recent release of “Dream” were both written during the Kiku cycle, though they didn’t quite fit into that album’s narrative. Here, “Dive” has this instinctive heartbeat, this pulse that really propels the song forward. That pulse gets accented by these careful guitar lines dancing about, encircling the vocal melody from Jen O’Connor; it allows for the natural build towards a swelling pop sound that’s sure to delight your ears. Both of these b-side tunes are now available from the band!

The Parlor Share Dream

I’m really captivated by the Parlor, especially having spent some time listening through to their latest single. Upon first listen, it felt delicate, but also teasingly simple. I knew, knowing a little bit about the band, that there had to be more to things, so I pressed repeat and sat in with an attentive ear. In doing so, the beats became the central heartbeat of the song; the guitar work began to emerge like little electric pulses in the brain, shooting off this way and that, all the while building this careful backdrop for Eric and Jen’s vocal performances. This track appears on a two-track single from Five Kill Records, but the duo have a lot going on behind the scenes; I suggest also revisiting 2018’s Kiku.

Spend Friday With The Parlor

the-parlor-promo-2015-650x400Altamont, NY based The Parlor has been the recipient of some major praise from online music critics recently.  Their style is this sort of breezy, while quirky bit of pop music genius.  Below is a sample of their sound with new track “Wishes in the Sheets”.  Hopefully you’ll find something to enjoy here as we ease into the weekend.

Wahzu Wahzu is due out September 18th via B3nson.

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Harlem @ The Parlor (8/25)

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Date 8/25/09
Location The Parlor
Doors 7pm
Tickets Free

Local boys Harlem have been rising to fame after their recent signing to Matador Records and we always try to make it to their shows around town.  You can catch one of these shows Tuesday night at The Parlor and you won’t pay a dime!  Oakland band The Bare Wires and fellow locals Koreans will also be performing at the free event.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/harlembeautifulandverysmart.mp3]

Download: Harlem – Beautiful and Very Smart [MP3]