Last Week’s Jams (12.5 – 12.9)

If your one of the seven people that hit up our site regularly (thanks mom!), then you might notice a title change. Nothing big, but just dropped a word because I was tired of pretending to be too clever. I’m not. Alas, we are still out here covering as much music as we have time for, and still trying to figure out how to incorporate the TMZ style drama that makes the cool sites so popular. So, for me, last week had some highlights I was pretty stoked upon; I got to hear solid returns from Lust for Youth and Jackie Mendoza, not to mention another brilliant electropop goodie from Das Kope. We got the announcement of new Julian Never, Galore and Blue Lawyer LPs, which should make everyone in the Bay Area proud. Plus there’s a great show preview/review from J.Wags on Golden Dawn Arkestra, so be sure to check out his work!

The Sour Notes Release Middle Distance

Sour Notes are one of those Austin bands we all seem to take for granted. They work at their own pace, take some musical risks and for some reason, seem to constantly fly under the radar of what’s deemed “cool” in this silly town. On this excursion, the band completely shy away from vocals, instead building this heavy wall of indie rock sound, filling your cup with textural notes that overflow with nods to all the band’s various influences. Guitars toy with classic guitar pop from the 80s, though there’s an underlying bit of melody and synth washes spilling onto the floor. Always appreciate the band keeping it real real DIY.

Top Austin Hits from 2020

Seeing as we’re based in Austin, born and raise and what not, we feel a special affinity for our music scene, which has been hit really hard this year. But, let’s celebrate the music that came out, despite the difficulties we all faced. So, here’s our Top Releases from the ATX scene. And still staying away from numbering things, as this feels like telling one friend you like them more than your other friend…and I’m just excited all these great artists live nearby and were able to put their art into the world in this shit year.

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The Sour Notes Release More is the Pity

Over the last year or so, the Sour Notes have toyed with what I can only describe as genius marketing! They’ve carefully curated an entire album, releasing it a 7″ at a time on limited pressings; we’ve covered many of those singles here on the site. But, but, but! Today you can actually grab all the songs united in their intended format on the brand new More is the Pity LP! I think of my favorite tunes, “Enough” is definitely one of the immediate go-to tracks on the album, though, the Felt fan in me also views “Blank” in a very nice light. There’s a little something for everybody, particularly for those with a penchant for guitar pop, so give a listen below!

Memory Keepers Share Forskalii Video

The Sour Notes are one of my favorite local Austin acts, particularly as they’ve really come into their own over the last few years. But, this is about two of their songwriters using a more electronic approach to exercise their musical muscles as Memory Keepers. Last week they dropped the Forskalii 7″, which features a nice Primal Scream cover (rumored to be praised by the band!). In this video for the A-side, the pulsating synths get mixed with live footage from the band’s last show, courtesy of photographs from Vineet Gordhandas; you’ll also find some great texture work, layering guitar lines and synth lines just beneath the wash of Jared’s vocoder-modified voice. It’s always fun when you try to tie the two bands together, trying to see where their pop sensibilities united in their different approaches to craft. Plus, if you enjoy it and grab the 7″, the band are donating all those funds to the NAACP-LDF…so everyone wins.

The Sour Notes Share Dandy Video

It’s been a rough week for Austin music fans, with the shuttering of several venues along the Red River Cultural District; Barracuda hit the hardest for us, personally. Our various channels have been flooded by friends and fans saying goodbye, but what better way than with a fresh video from our friends The Sour Notes, who present you their latest video…shot at Barracuda. It’s classic guitar pop, with the bands nod to Galaxie 500’s fuzzy approach definitely apparent to my ears. It’s nostalgic too, especially if you’ve been at Barracuda and recognize the wooden panelling on the wall…so you get a great track and a nice nod to what’s now in the past. This tune appeared on a recent 7″, but will also featured on the group’s forthcoming More is the Pity LP. Hats off to Vineet Gordhandas for the footage itself! RIP Barry.

Also, if you hit up the group’s BANDCAMP…all sales going to 400+1 Bail Funds.

The Sour Notes Share B-Side from New 7″

All year long, the Sour Notes have slowly been releasing 7″ after 7″, and we’re really excited to share with you the B-Side from the latest Shoulda/Enough 7″. This song gives a glimpse into the band’s process, and their desire to do multiple 7″s in a year. it came to be after the band switched gears and changed directions on another B-Side, ultimately sticking with this track as it touches on the concept of pursuing your art despite the uncontrollable factors that sit in your way. Musically, I feel like the band are in a great place, especially when lining things up with my tastes; Jared’s voice sounds really solid hanging in the midst of those huge guitar sounds. This is guitar pop at its finest!

The band celebrate the release of this new 7″ with Thelma & the Sleaze, Royal Forest, The Black Drumsetand Fanclub on Friday over at Cheer Up Charlies. Event info HERE.

Thursday Night ATX Shows

It’s just one of those nights where you could practically walk downtown, fall over and land at a really incredible show. I’ve got my own eyes set on bouncing around to a few, but let’s see if we can’t point you in the proper direction…I gave you some hints, but you can also catch Hootie and the Blowfish if that’s your prerogative.

 

 

Darkbird, Daphne Tunes, The Lovely Sparrows, Royal Forest @ Cheer Up Charlies – 9 PM

Culture Abuse, Single Drop, Tony Molina @ Empire – 8 PM

Ryley Walker + Charles Rumback, The Hatch @ Beerland – 8 PM

Vundabar + Together Pangea, Dehd @ Barracuda – 8 PM

Caleb de Casper, CHEAP WAVE, MeanGirls, HiFi Kids @ Dozen Street – 8:30 PM

Sour Notes (7″ Release), Magic Rockers of Texas, Black Basements @ Hotel Vegas – 9 PM

Chill Russell, Dayeaeter, Arch Set Empire @ Swan Dive – 9:30 PM



The Sour Notes Share New Single

The Sour Notes, always adventurous, have decided they’re going to release their new album one 7″ at a time, and today we’ve got the latest single from the series for you to enjoy. This one should come as no surprise if you listened to their ambitious collection This Is Not Our Music; I mean, if you don’t hear Galaxie 500 in here, I don’t know what you’re thinking. I love the softness of Jared’s voice on this, matched up against the heavy riffs that sort of billow in and out of the mix. It’s the sort of slow churning pop music you wish they had at your middle school dance, so you could fall in love and feel totally cool while doing it. Austin folks can get their hand on the new 7″ on June 13th at Hotel Vegas for the release show!

Austin Stories: Sour Times by Jared Boulanger

Jared Boulanger has been a long-time friend of the site, and so it seems fitting we start off our 2019 with another Austin Story, this one from the leader of Sour Notes/Memory Keepers, wherein he talks about hardships and being grateful. And, if you’re interested in hearing Jared’s work live, he has two shows for our infamous Free Week: January 1st at Volstead and January 5th at Barracuda! Read on to hear Jared’s story. Read more

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