Month: March 2013

SxSW 2013: Movies You Should See

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The Film portion is becoming my favorite part of SxSW. I go on documentary overload, picking obscure topics or things that fit my mood. Sometimes, I even choose whatever is playing at The Ritz so I can grab a beer and a pizza.

This year, I jumped around quite a bit. The first night had polarized moments of horror in a doc about Idonesian “Free Men” and the Raimi/Campbell backed remake of Evil Dead. I also hit docs on Branson, old gay people, Napster and an all brother brass horn group. I took a chance on the black and white low budget Whedon and friends production of Much Ado About Nothing shot in Whedon’s house. Some notes and a few pics from the premiers to follow.

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More New Music From Mikal Cronin

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mikal

Mikal Cronin is an artist who has drawn a lot of attention for the ATH staff, and rightfully so.  Already we’ve shared with you new track “Shout it Out” that showed Cronin had a bit of a softer side when compared to his previous work with Ty Segall.  This new song we’re sharing today called “Weight” also is a taste of something poppier and more mellowed out than previous work in other groups.  I like the direction Cronin is heading in and the new record is sure to be worth your time.

New album MCII is due out May 7th on Merge Records.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/84289495″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Clever Girl Pop from Anna Hillburg

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annaI’m a sucker for a female singer, especially one who can carefully craft a pop ditty with ease.  This is much the case with San Francisco’s Anna Hillburg who just released her self-titled album on California Clap Records.  “Wine In a Tea Cup” is a pretty simple track here, pushed forth by a quiet drum track and some keyboard-ish accompaniment.  She’s joined at times during the chorus by the perfectly placed backing vocal; all of this works together to make a joyous little number that you can definitely spin over and over again.  Girl power!

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/80954051″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Solemn Ballad from Frank Smith

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Frank SmithThe word might be out that there’s a fuller sound, and even a more rocking sound, on the new album from Austin outfit Frank Smith.  For me, none of that matters at all, especially when you listen to the quality of this latest single, “Chewing Glass.”  It’s got the backbone of a piano, with the guitar ringing in the distance; it paints the picture of what I always think of when it comes to Texas defined music, though with a heavier leaning here, slightly.  I’m already calling this one of my favorite tracks of the year.  The band’s new album, Nineties, is out next week!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/10-Chewing-Glass.mp3]

Download: Frank Smith – Chewing Glass [MP3]

Heavy Handed Rocker from Odonis Odonis

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odonisodonisIt’s definitely the year for heavier-handed rock n’ roll to break back through into the mindset of indie fans everywhere.  There’s Milk Music and Metz, but now you can enjoy Odonis Odonis.  The group releases their Better EP on April 16th via Buzz Records, before they blast off on a tour that includes a date at Austin Psych Fest. This song has a swirling guitar part that’s emphasized by some industrial drumming; the lyrics don’t come across as heavy at first, but they’ll blast off to match the pace of the track.  Just another reason to turn up your speakers this year!

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/83813348″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Experimental Track From Junip

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junip_photo

This new track “Your Life, Your Call” from Junip is a bit of a new turn sonically from what you might expect from the band.  Sure it still has the hushed vocals from Jose Gonzalez, but the synth heavy bass is definitely something of a new bit for Junip.  What’s created is a really interesting experimental sort of folk song that manages to make you nod your head along to that nice bass track.

A new self-titled album from the band is out April 23rd on Mute Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/04-Your-Life-Your-Call.mp3]

Download: Junip – Your Life, Your Call [MP3]

Bright Indie Pop from The Felt Tips

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Felt-TipsOne of the acts I discovered this past weekend while doing my own personal music trolling was The Felt Tips.  Everything about their sound immediately caught my ear; I can’t say if it was the way the guitars dueled or the affecting tone of the vocals, but I know that I’ve just been playing this song on repeat for several days.  The group has a new album titled Symbolic Violence ready for your ears this coming Spring via Firestation Records–that label alone had me scrambling for pen and paper to bring you news of great indie pop.  Sometimes I just like simplicity and cleanliness, both which come to mind on this joyous listen.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/75365041″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Matador Signing, Majical Cloudz

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Autosave-File vom d-lab2/3 der AgfaPhoto GmbHMatador Records continues their push to diversify their catalogue by adding Majical Cloudz, the songwriting project of Devon Welsh.  The label will be releasing the Impersonator, the new full length effort, on May 21st.  It takes time for this track to open up to you, much as I expect it will take time to absorb the music within the album…I mean that in a good way.  Electronic flourishes slowly trickle in just before Welsh’s deep voice slowly unfolds.  I like the almost operatic quality of the voice; it’s not too over the top, yet it’s far from ordinary.  I think people are really going to find something to sink their teet into here.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/majical_cloudz_childhoods_end.mp3]

Download: Majical Cloudz – Childhood’s End [MP3]

Catchy New Jam from Kingsley Flood

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20121220-kingsley-flood-600x-1356032432It’s good to diversify your tastes, so I have no qualms with posting this new jam from Kingsley Flood, one of the hottest acts around Boston at the moment.  There sound blends elements of raucous bar tunes with punk rock stomps, touched off nicely with bits of horns/violins/keyboard.  It’s an eclectic sound for sure, but one that’s definitely captured my attention.  You can hear this track, along with other equally mesmerizing tunes (like “The Fire Inside”) on the band’s new album, Battles. If they’re making songs as good as these, it won’t be long before they break out of Boston and move on to greener pastures.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/77863097″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Keeping It Austin: Meet Pharoahs

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1887140403-1Over the last year or so I’ve caught several sets from local boys Pharaohs, and they continue to impress with their enthusiastic indifference.  Their goal you ask? Well, in my eyes the aim of the group is to throw down like nobody’s business while building their sets with rad hooks and jagged guitar lines.  I haven’t caught one set that didn’t make me want to let loose, all the while singing along.  You should care about the group, not only because they’re fast becoming an Austin staple, but because their debut record, Babes Booze Bam Bam Baby, is solid track after solid track.  If you like what you hear, then head HERE to grab the album from the band…and remember to contribute to your favorite artists!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Pharaohs-Babes-Booze-Bam-Bam-Baby-01-Prettiest-Girl.mp3]

Download: Pharaohs – Prettiest Girl [MP3]

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