Really Love This Sam Valdez

Leave a comment

This new track from Sam Valdez just dropped, and it’s quite an enchanting number, particularly considering all the buzz new Mazzy Star got this week. Valdez shares some similarities with Hope Sandoval, especially in the way her voice seems to have this timeless pop sensibility that’s warm around the edges. Musically, she seems to have dialed into the vast expanse of her home state of Nevada, where at times the desert can seem endless; it leaves her music open and striking. She’s just signed on with Nevado Music to release a new EP, featuring this track, later in the Summer.

Show Preview: Loma @ The North Door (4/21)

Leave a comment

If you haven’t been listening to Loma and their killer self titled LP, then you’ve been missing out on one of the latest and greatest new bands to surface out of Austin(ish) in the past year. Now, the members of Loma aren’t strangers to the Austin scene, as the band is comprised of 2/3 parts Cross Record and 1/3 parts Shearwater, but it’s time for us to witness this combination of Austin scenesters in this unique form for once and for all. Loma will be playing in their hometown this Saturday, April 21 at The North Door, and it’s in your best interest to go ahead and buy yourself a ticket for the very low price of 12$ while they’re still available. To top it all off, the lovely Jess Williamson will be doing the opening honors. You’re going to be out this Saturday anyways, why not enjoy some beautiful folk driven indie rock while you’re at it? Doors are at 9, get there early for a full night of tunes.

Watch the New Big Bill Video

Leave a comment

ATH Records alumni Big Bill dropped their excellent Stand By Your Bill late last year, and they’re still churning out videos for all the hits. If you had asked me “What Do You Want on Your Salad” was already a huge hit, and this video only reaffirms the joy and weird that is Big Bill. Personally, I’m most excited about Eric Bill’s salad angels, and I have no idea how Alan plays the drums with those baguettes; who knows what you’ll enjoy when you watch this video. One thing’s for sure, those of you who like your punk left of the dial will run to this jam. Grab the LP over HERE.

New RF Shannon Tune

Leave a comment

While our early insight into RF Shannon‘s Trickster Blues has offered glimpses of smoky Texas folk, the songwriter clearly is making a bold statement with his latest single. Driven by a powerful piano backbone, guitar chords shoot off into the distance while Shannon croons with his baritone touch, all the while sucking listeners into this broad expanse. Sure, those little psychedelic flourishes pop up, even in just momentary guitar blips, but this is possibly the most pronounced pop version of the project we’ll get; it’s like someone from Texas decided to take a crack at topping Grizzly Bear…and it’s pretty damn near close. Look for the new LP on May 4th via Cosmic Dreamer.

Premiere: DA Stern Releases Video for Isnt It Obvious

Leave a comment

Having just reissued Aloha Hola via Slumberland Records, D.A. Stern is ready to take on all pop-comers with his new Isn’t It Obvious EP. Below, we’ve got the infectious title track, drawing on nostalgic vibes from Costello and Nilsson. But, Stern very much has his foot in the present, taking the classic sound, and giving it a bit more shine…think of the recent work of Nada Surf. You’ll tap your toes throughout (maybe even get overjoyed with a bit of a stomp), and you’ll swoon when the natural harmonies wash across your speakers; then you’ll rush to Slumberland to find out how you can get your hand’s on his records. It’s easy, just take a jump HERE;the EP drops Friday!

Rachel Angel Signs to GFP Label Human Noise Records

Leave a comment

It seems like everyone’s getting in on the record label via blog scene, with Gold Flake Paint the latest to create Human Noise Records. The site’s been rather kind to us and our label, so it only seems fair we shine a little light their way…we’re all friends here. Plus, this Rachel Angel single is pretty special, resting in the realm that was dominated by Jenny Lewis for so long. Initially the vocals drew me in, but the slide guitar and pronounced production that courses through the track really leaves you breathless. Her new Not Enough EP will drop next Friday, and you can grab it HERE. Congrats Tom!

The Finks Announce Rolly Nice

Leave a comment

My undying infatuation with the sounds of Australia led me to the Finks back in 2016 with the Middling LP, so I’ve been biding my time waiting for the group to return with something new. Today’s that day, and what a cracker of a track they’ve got to offer up to us all. Primarily the project of Oliver Mestitz, it makes sense that his voice is the shining beacon in this new single; I really love the way he turns some of the syllables with his delivery…always charming. Beneath the mix is a layer of electronic atmosphere and a low guitar casually jangling, all resting atop of percussive elements that help keep the pace. Milk Records will drop Rolly Nice on May 25th.

Show Pics: Front 242 @ The Mohawk (4/17)

One comment

We have a little bonus show coverage today…

Wanting to run light, I grabbed the camera and mounted the smallest and lightest lens I have to go be amongst the EBM family the filled The Mohawk on a Tuesday night. That crowd was there to see Front 242, legends in the dark electro game, credited among the founders of the EBM scene. If you do not know of Front 242, shame on you.

I’ve had a good run of nostalgia lately. Perhaps I could keep the streak alive? Maybe not, but it wasn’t the band’s fault. Click through for a couple comments about the openers and the legends with pics from the crowd.

Read more

That New Omni Jam Though

Leave a comment

Perennial ATH favorites Omni are setting up for a new 7″ to drop this weekend, honoring 420, surely. With that, we now get to hear the B-Side of that release, offering up more of the progressive post-punk workings of the band. It’s precisely what we’ve come to appreciate, with jagged guitar lines working lock-step with the ridiculous rhythm section. Vocals are always delivered in the coolest fashion; I’m pretty sure this is one of the best bands out there (and they’ll be back in Austin next week). That new 7″ drops Friday via Chunklet, and you better believe Imma get my hands on it!

Welcome Back Lazyeyes

Leave a comment

Man it’s been a bit since we’ve heard anything from the Brooklyn based, ATH favorite band Lazyeyes. As usual, I say things like that to explain my excitement for the band when I’m sent some new music after a small hiatus. So join in my excitement will you and check out this sweet new song “Echoes” from our old friends in Lazyeyes. The song blends a really great shoegaze/dream pop sound with a very nice dose of new wave to keep things interesting. This is one of the better songs I’ve heard this month. No doubt.

Lazyeyes will release Echoes on June 15th via Egghunt Records.

1 2 3 … 1,321