This is fine.
When Grandaddy broke up, we all thought we’d never hear from Jason Lytle ever again, but lucky for us, he moved off to Montana to sit back down with his guitar. This new track is set to come out on his forthcoming album from Anti Records. Welcome back old friend.
Download: Jason Lytle – Brand New Sun [MP3]
Rating: 
Balmorhea, pronounced Bal-moor-ay, is a band from here in Austin, Tx. consisting of principle songcrafters Rob Lowe and Michael Muller. Their sophmore effort entitled All Is Wild, All Is Silent is a beautiful album that touches upon influences from Ludovico Einaudi, Six Parts Seven, Claude Debussy, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Gillian Welch, Max Richter, Arvo Part, and John Cage. The music is mostly instrumental except for wordless singing in peak areas of a song and sometimes in soft, delicate areas almost like that of gospel. Grazing with post-rock, classical, and folk music, Balmorhea reek of romantic music that can take you away to landscapes of the cold arctic to the lush forests of northern america. With this impressive imagery exhibited, it’s only a matter of time before soundtracking films is next on their resume.
Kicking off the album with “Settler,” one can see that this band will be welcomed with open arms to theaters and concert halls across the country in no time. The opening piano line repeats and nestles itself into your head, then with the cello soon chiming in, the drums begin with a nice riding tap of the cymbals and lift-off…
Though I love the arrangements of the longer epics, the shorter songs like “March 4, 1831” and “Elegy” really show off the acoustic guitar playing that digs under my skin and finds a home. These noteworthy melodies give goose-bumps and make me want to jump in the car and take Ranch Road 12 to Wimberly. Spring is on it’s way, and I’ve found my hill country, road- tripping soundtrack.
“Remembrance” is another stand-out with the haunting opening of a finger-picked guitar. A banjo lends a nice descending run which is soon accompanied by a wordless gospel-like chant and again the tension/release formula opens up when the drums begin. There’s never a dull moment, which can be found often in long instrumentals for me, but they keep it concise and to the point with evolving sections.
Balmorhea have a handful of shows for SXSW and then are off to Europe for April and May. Be sure to check-in here or their website for updates on their inevitable North American tour.
In celebration of their new LP, All is Wild, All is Silent, local boys Balmorhea are throwing a release party at Ballet Austin (map) on Friday night. The Wooden Birds will provide your opening band entertainment during the nights events. Doors open up at 9:30 and entrance will cost you only $8. Free loaders take note, New Belgium Brewery & Progress Coffee are sponsoring and will provide complimentary beverages while supplies last! Single track “Harm & Boon” from the band’s debut LP (out now on Western Vinyl) is below.
Download: Balmorhea – Harm & Boon [MP3]
Remember way back when we told you about that horrible new Chris Cornell record with Timbaland? Apparently Trent Reznor isn’t a big fan either. He even goes as far as saying it makes him feel uncomfortable. Read what Trent has to say on his Twitter.
So we’re fairly certain that this track is soon to be on every blog in the country by the end of the day. Regardless, this killer new tune comes your way from Jack White’s latest supergroup going by the name The Dead Weather. The group features of course Jack White on vocals & drums, Raconteur Jack Lawrence on bass, Queens of the Stone Age guitarist Dean Fertita and best of all, The Kills‘ Allison Mosshart on lead vocals. Sounds like a match made in heaven right? Apparently the band played their first gig at Jack White’s Third Man Studios in Nashville last night and gave out a limited 7″ vinyl of new single “Hang You Up From the Heavens”. You probably don’t live in Tennessee so we’ve got the track for you below. The debut full length from the group, Horehound, is due out in early June.
Download: The Dead Weather – Hang You From The Heavens [MP3]
The last album Alight of Night from Crystal Stilts was one of those magnificently beautiful records that sort of crept around your brain for a period of time during 2008. The band are set to release a new single this Spring on Slumberland Records, and we’ve opted to throw a sample of the track your way. Listen closely as the lyrics swirl around the dense fog of energy.
Download: Crystal Stilts – Love is a Wave [MP3]
Fresh from the hills of California comes more gentle pop tunes. People have referenced Elliott Smith when discussing Willoughby, but this song shows that there’s more to the songs than simple reference points. Sit back at your desk and just let the soothing voice in the song take you away.
Download: Willoughby – Story [MP3]
Elvis Perkins has persevered through a lot of adversity in his lifetime. His father, famous actor Anthony Perkins, passed away while Elvis was still in high school and his mother perished on famous American Airlines Flight 11 during the tragic September 11th attacks. Most individuals would succumb to such tragic losses, but Elvis Perkins pressed on to create a beautiful piece of music in his debut album Ash Wednesday out in 2007. That album masterfully captured a lot of the feelings towards those events and the aftermath in our country. Fast forward to this year and Elvis has moved on to release new album Elvis Perkins in Deerland which came out this week. His music falls in well with some of the best singer-songwriter material coming out today and should find a place in a quiet corner of your home. Let’s hope Elvis keeps making his beautiful music.
You can catch Elvis Perkins with his band Deerland on these dates during SXSW:
Thursday March 19th – Auditorium Shores Stage 6pm
Wednesday March 18th – Austinist Party @ Mohawk 12 – 6pm
[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/elvis_whileyouweresleeping.mp3]Download: Elvis Perkins – While You Were Sleeping [MP3]
To celebrate the release of their new Side A Ep, Austin band The Georgian Company are throwing a release party at Mohawk on Thursday night. The alt-country band will be joined by local heavy hitters Loxsly and opening act Leatherbag. Music starts on the inside stage at 10pm.
Download: Georgian Company – Apology [MP3]
Recipients of a spot in our top albums of 2008 post, The Dodos, just recorded a session for the NPR World Cafe. The set features 4 songs that you can stream from the comfort of your own home. Check it out now.
Download: The Dodos – Winter [MP3]
