This is fine.
An evening with The Thermals is never a bad way to spend any evening, let alone a cool Saturday night, so we headed out to Red 7 to grab a few drinks while watching one of our favorite bands. We were also really excited to be able to catch Cymbals Eat Guitars, another one of the bands out there trying to bring back a bit of rock into our roll.
Yellow Ostrich is primarily the work of Alex Schaaf, but he’s just trying to get by with a little help from his friends, and a little bit of help from you. If you’re into low-end bedroom recordings, in the manner of folk music, you’re going to have to take a listen to his stuff over on his BANDCAMP page, where you can download lots of his tracks for a price of your choosing. He’s just put up The Mistress, and there are some great finds all over the place there, including the below track, which I hope you enjoy.
Download: Yellow Ostrich – Hold On [MP3]
In a conversation with one of our local blogger friend’s, Sonic Itch Mike, I decided that I really needed to take a close look at which spots on any given album are the killer spots to put your hits. Some people think that the immediacy really makes Track 1 the best, but I’m going to look a little closer at this idea. I mean, there are hundreds of classic albums out there, and surely they ascribe to this great song placement formula.
| Date | 10/24/10 |
|---|---|
| Location | Mohawk |
| Doors | 8pm |
| Tickets | FREE with RSVP |
We’ve got a little info here about a sweet event going down at Mohawk on Sunday night to celebrate the Austin premiere of new Austin made documentary film Echotone. The incredible and heart felt film focuses on the Austin music scene, the artists within it, how they can make a living, and what their role is in this ever changing city. Those interested in seeing the film have a chance Saturday at 1pm @ The Alamo Ritz downtown or Tuesday at 10pm @ The Bob Bullock History Museum. Your party Sunday night at the Mohawk features music by Sunset, Dana Falconberry, The White White Lights, Machine, and DJ Hobo D. More information on this film, screenings and the premiere party can be seen on the Echotone website or on that fancy poster.
Rating: 
Frank Smith comes off as a culmination of several genres. You have the bluesy guitar and the classic bass lines that make up an alternative country group, yet the raspy and distinct vocals that correspond with a more rock or pop genre. At first listen to this group my mind immediately thought of Ben Kweller, whom shares a similar sound. This country/indie sound comes across as incredibly enticing at first, but as with Mr. Kweller, it can get a tad flat and colorless after a while.
The album begins with “Nineteen,” a slow burner at first, carried by the methodical drum beat for about a minute and a half of the song. Aaron Sinclair provides the hazy tune with his unique voice, which has a clear, yet somehow gritty quality about it that instantly draws you in. When the song picks up at just the right time, an enticing sound of the blues guitar is added to the sped up pace and prevents the song from turning into a dud. It instead leads listeners to the next song, “5, 10, 15…” which continues the mellow tone of the first track. The waves of echoed twangy guitars together with the soft vocals and the “oohs,” give it crisp and pure indie/country song feel, making this a stand out track for Nineteen.
Perhaps it is just my general dislike for country music, but the rest of the album sort of blends together after this for me. The overall slow tempo and the super distinctive sound of Frank Smith grows a little dull after the first few tracks and loses my interest. There isn’t enough variation between slow song and fast song, or rather any different aspects to help discern song from song. The whole feeling with the album is too mellow; it becomes boring too quickly and stays that way for too long.
But through the monotonous and flat line “chillness” of this album, a slow, yet interesting track floats its way to the surface in “Swollen Tongue.” The bass and drums start the song, sounding the same as the others, but then the band moves to the bridge, where all the members chime in with their respective instrument, providing the edge you’ve been waiting for this whole album. On this song, they put together their cool, and mellow sound with instrumentation that makes the song interesting and new.
This is an album that is fairly simple, yet offers a few great tracks that really show the potential of Frank Smith as a band. Nineteen isn’t a standout album at all, but it still has some good qualities about it.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/01-Nineteen.mp3]Download: Frank Smith – Nineteen [MP3]
I first got into Drag the River through a bunch of friends who were all about ALL. You really can’t go wrong with a bunch of pop-punk heroes going country singing about whiskey, Jesus and such. Luckily, the band, rumored to not be working anymore, just went up on Daytrotter. It’s got all tracks from an up-and-coming session called 2010 Demons, which are supposedly demos of work that has yet to be finished. Regardless, one listen to this track below and you’ll see why I love these guys.
Download: Drag the River – Other Side Of OK [Mp3]
Seems like forever since we’ve run a proper From the Closet, so what better way to start things back up than with a little coverage of one of our favorites, T. Rex. You can get a piece of the band’s collection brand new starting October 26th, as Fat Possum is re-issuing the catalogue, one LP at a time, beginning with The Slider.
| Date | 10/22/10 & 10/23/10 |
|---|---|
| Location | Emos |
| Doors | 9pm |
| Tickets | Friday – $18 & Saturday – $18 |
Those two nights we’ve all been eagerly awaiting in Austin have finally arrived this Friday and Saturday night at Emo’s. On both nights, you can catch a set by highly acclaimed veterans of the scene Built to Spill. Friday night your support is provided by Revolt Revolt and The Beautiful Supermachines. Saturday night you’ll get Revolt Revolt and Paper Mache. Tickets are still available so follow those links above and get this party started right.
[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Built-to-Spill-Hindsight.mp3]Download: Built to Spill – Hindsight [MP3]
We talked about how much we loved Danish band Northern Portrait just after the release of their latest full-length, Criminal Art Lovers. The group is back now with an amazing new 7″, which features album track “Life Returns to Normal” and B-Side “Some People.” Sure, there’s a bit of a Morrissey sound in the lead single, but you’ll find that the vocal delivery is actually more fulfilling. I know, bold statement, but you’ll have to see for yourself. The swirling jangle of the guitars on “Some People” creates an effecting mood, sure to be loved by all modern pop fans. You can get your hands on the new 7″ by heading over to the Matinee order page.
Download: Northern Portrait – Life Returns To Normal [MP3]
| Date | 10/23/10 |
|---|---|
| Location | Red 7 |
| Doors | 9pm |
| Tickets | $12 @ Frontgate |
Everyone’s favorite indie punk kids The Thermals are making a stop in Austin at Red 7 on Saturday night. Cymbals Eat Guitars will also be on hand to play some jams which makes the show that much more enticing to a blogging nerd like me. The Coathangers will be providing your opening support for the night.
[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/The-Thermals-I-Dont-Believe-You.mp3]Download: The Thermals – I Don’t Believe You [MP3]
