Stream The Year That Felt Like Two

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We’ve been releasing records for some time here in Austin, and through that time I’ve longed to work with David Israel. Last week we were fortunate enough release David’s new album, The Year That Felt Like Two. In my ears, it sounds like a pop version of anything penned by David Berman, employing a similar sense of wit, while crafting an undercurrent of pop sensibility. There’s not a bad song on this record, but of course, I’m probably slightly biased…so you should see for yourself by streaming below. And if you’re in Austin on July 29th, come out to the release show at Electric Church, with proceeds of the release going to RAICES. Grab it HERE!

Delightful New Frokedal Tune

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Frokedal has a new album coming out in a little over a month, and I’ve been spending a lot of time on the side listening to the various singles. The latest is an assured charmer begging for you to indulge your pop fantasies. There’s definitely a nod to various indiepop genres in the opening moments with the way the keyboard and guitars intermingle, opening the curtain for Frokedal’s voice. She operates somewhere between smoky chanteuse and angelic pop star; it’s the perfect balance needed for this song. If your nostalgic for classic pop songs, then you need look no further; How We Made It will be out on August 31st via Propeller Recordings.

Fresh Tune from the Orchids

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We’re just a year or so removed from The Orchids 30 Year Retrospective, and it’s great to see the band have new music on the very near horizon. In fact, they’ve recently released the first single from their forthcoming 7″ for WIAIWYA. It’s a mild-mannered pop song, mostly sitting back and allowing the harmonies to do the work over soft percussive elements. The vocal display, of course, has that luxurious contrast between male and female bits…James’ voice always sounds so friendly and familiar, like all those times my father sang with his guitar around the house. Anyways, another great Sarah Records survivor with new music for us; they’re new 7″ drops on August 7th.

Gritty Pop From Vacation

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Summer presses along this week with no more soccer to watch but plenty of rocking tunes to add to your playlist. On this lovely Monday morning we have this new track called “Deflector Head” from Cincinnati based rock group Vacation. The song has a very nice, gritty, driving pop/rock sound to it perfect for your next pool party or adventure.

Vacation will release new album Mouth Sounds #2699 on July 27th via Let’s Pretend Records.

Dreamy New Parrot Dream

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You might remember Parrot Dream from our brief SXSW Interview with the band, but if not, let’s refresh a bit. The group began in Chile before relocating to Brooklyn where they fleshed out their band with various friends. They’ve finally gotten all the pieces together, amassed a decent following and now have their debut full length ready for you. Our first listen has this excellent blend between shoegaze and dream pop, which I suppose always combine to make the perfect mix. The guitar has this refreshing glisten with atmospherics lurking from behind from layered electronics. Christina soon enters the fray, letting her voice hang above it all, almost casually in fashion. Light Goes will be out on August 24th via Good Eye Records.

Another Charmer from The Smittens

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I seem to be continuously charmed by the Smittens, and here we are again with another brilliant pop song to adore. It’s got a steady cadence, filled in with wonderful harmonies between various members of the group; the group stretch out the song in the latter half, allowing for a more thought provoking element to the tune. That makes sense, as Dana says he penned the number as ‘a coming out/transition anthem,’ encouraging us to all ‘find the spaces in which we belong.’ City Rock Dove will be out via Fika Recordings on August 3rd.

Pleased to Meet You: Andy Burns

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When Andy Burns reached out to me, I wasn’t familiar with his work, but I’ve been delving deep into the music he’s sent me. He’s putting finishing touches on his latest album, which will be out in the Fall; it was completed while the Australian songwriter has been living in Tokyo. I’m a sucker for string arrangements, especially when they accompany light little pop songs, such as this one. Plus, Andy carries deep vocal tones, though there’s a slight hint of operatic tendencies lurking deep in there. A mellow number that’s perfect to start out your Friday goings-on.

The Black Watch Release Legerdemain

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  • Having spent a great deal of my time over the last fifteen LPs of the Black Watch, the thing that still strikes me is how willing John is to continuously attempt new things. He’s claimed that the entirety of Witches was conceived as a dance album…yet songs like the track below might lead you astray. In this number, he seems isolated, standing alone at the front of the mix while everything goes on behind him; you’ll hear the strum of acoustic guitars, matched by cascading lines, there’s faint hints of tambourines in the far off, bass just barely bubbles up from below. Then there’s John, bare before you with his poetry and voice. Witches drops on July 25th via Atom Records.

Slow Jam from Harmless

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Nacho Cano has had a hard time of late, spending the better part of a year recovering from an accident where he was hit by a drunk driver. In that, he’s changed the direction of his work as Harmless, focusing on how isolated he’s been, both personally and culturally in the United States. Seems fairly grim, and understandably, but this video still brings a smile to my face every time I play it; I especially love the smooth moves of the man in the beige suit. Musically, it’s definitely an understated slow jam, one that’s perfect for late summer night’s of slow dancing. His latest EP, A Donde Te Vas, will drop later this Fall.

Premiere: Powerful Single From Quiet Hollers

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After many years of solid singles and releases, Louisville based band Quiet Hollers has become a true favorite of the ATH team. A quick search of the band on our site will lend at least 5 or more posts of great songs. Even after all those great tunes, I’m not sure the band has ever released a track as powerful as this new one called “Addicted”. It is of course about addiction, but more specifically opiate addiction, which is as most know, a major problem in our country at the moment. The incredibly intimate and personal lyrics play nicely with that familiar Quiet Hollers Americana, folk sound to create something truly special.

Check out some current tour dates for Quiet Hollers over on Facebook.

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