Month: December 2013

Another Soulful Down-Tempo Tune from Running in the Fog

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cover4I wrote about the work of Amanda Harper and her project, Running in the Fog, a month ago, and it’s time we revisit her work, as she’s got another single that went out recently.  This newer track is quite similar to “Desire,” but I think there’s a really interesting shift that occurs around the 2 minute mark.  There’s a really slight shift in the electronic beat, creating more of a shimmering quality to accompany Harper’s voice.  Be sure to check out her Silver EP, which comes out next week courtesy of Father/Daughter Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/01-Sail.mp3]

Download: Running in the Fog – Sail [MP3]

Manatee Put Up All Their Singles for Free – December Only

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manatee_updateAs I’m sure you know, I’m a huge fan of Slumberland Records, but did you know that owner/founder Mike S. has his own band Manatee who put out some rocking tunes?  Well, you’re in luck then, with the band opting to put up all their singles of the last few years for free, or NYP. I’ve previously written about the group before, so I encourage you spend some time grabbing these tunes, or at least previewing; I always encourage you to donate, even a dollar helps a band go forward.  My first preference would probably be for you to hit up Single Payer Class War, which features the jam below.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/01-Mr-Super.mp3]

Download: Manatee – Mr Super [MP3]

New Track From Cosmicide

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artworks-000061460986-u50v1n-t500x500Here’s an interesting new track called “Talos’ Corpse” coming your way from upstarts Cosmicide.  The band, started last year by Secret Machines member Brandon Curtis, have evolved to create this sort of electronica-pop sound with this shade of darkness bubbling up throughout their songs.  It creates some special moments that I hope you’ll enjoy on this teaser song.

No word yet on a full length LP, but the band plan on touring for the first time very soon.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/117793173″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Reverb Laden Rock From Keep on Dancin’

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539949_492165600796040_2128801404_nAs I was trolling through my emails the other day, I came across this intriguing new track called “Grey Ghost” coming our way from Brisbane indie group Keep on Dancin’.  It’s of course a reverb heavy rock tune in the same vein as psych bands like The Black Angels or I could even see them compared to other female fronted bands like My Gold Mask.  Either way, I think the track is pretty rad and definitely worth a few minutes of your time.

The Aussie’s have a new album called Hunter due out early next year.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/115399490″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Top 15 Austin Albums of 2013

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Local Albums 2tMan. Austin had a pretty incredible year; it was a far better year than I’ve encountered recently, making my ears, mind and heart quite proud of our hometown.  While it’s obviously difficult to get in on every single band in Austin, I made a list of the albums that were most impactful throughout the year, 2013.  I purposefully left off EPs and singles, not because I didn’t enjoy those, but because this is a list of top ALBUMS!  I’m sorry to those we left off, and encourage you all to send us your music as we continue our push to be a great voice for Austin music.  Without further ado…this is how we do it.  Read more

More Music from Rodrigo Amarante

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Rodrigo-AmaranteHopefully you recognize the name behind Little Joy, which was noted more for the appearances of Fab (Strokes fame), but which wouldn’t have sounded so perfect if not for Rodrigo Amarante.  Tracks from his album, Cavalo, have been floating around the Internet for a few weeks, and this one is my personal favorite.  It has that tropicalia feel, yet maintains a strangeness that allows me to hold onto the fact that I still think I’m cool (I’m not FYI). If you were a fan of the driftwood pop that his full band created, then you’ll surely love what he’s done on his own (with a little help from Devandra and Fab).

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/02.-Hourglass.mp3]

Download: Rodrigo Amarante – Hourglass [MP3]

Another Tune from Jess Williamson

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jessJess Williamson is fast becoming a big name over here at our homes, warming her way into our hearts with a few beautifully stunning tracks in less than a few weeks.  This latest track premiered just before the break, and it’s got a different bent than the track that we released earlier.  Her vocal performance here is steadier, though there’s a bit of a quiver, keeping the uniqueness of her style alive.  Whereas “Native State” seemed more playful, there’s a somber quality to this track that’s even more emotional than her previous single.  Her album Native State will be out in January, to an excited masses.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/01-Blood-Song.mp3]

Download: Jess Williamson – Blood Song [MP3]

Show Preview: Nightlands @ Mohawk (12.3)

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Nightlands

Date Tuesday, December 3rd
Location Mohawk
Doors 9:00 PM
Tickets $8 from Mohawk


Winter weather unfortunately puts a damper on bands traveling into Austin to put their music on display, but there’s a few great acts coming in, like Nightlands blowing into town on Tuesday night. The group is still pushing the sounds off their most recent release, Oak Island, which was well-received across the board.  I’ve always appreciated the way the project incorporates these organic sounds into these dreamscapes that mesmerize listeners.  And if that wasn’t enough, locals Holy Wave and RF Shannon will be supporting on the night.  It’s cheap, it’ll be good, you’ve got no choice: be there.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/04-God-What-Have-I-1.mp3]

Download: Nightlands – God What Have I  [MP3]

Soft Pop from The High Wire

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highwiresYou’ve got to love when bands stretch out the negative space to allow for their melodies to shine perfectly.  This is precisely what you’ll get when you spin this track from London’s The High Wire.  There’s tons of open space in the track, but the band manage to pace the track perfectly, maximizing their pop strategies to win over the listeners. I love how the song seems to build, yet holds back throughout, pushing your heart’s anticipation to its breaking point.  The trio is finishing up touches on their album, which is slated for release in the middle of 2014.  After this tune, I’m not sure I can wait that long.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/THE-HIGH-WIRE-The-Thames-The-Tide.mp3]

Download: The High Wire – The Thames & The Tide [MP3]

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