This is fine.
This week’s PYAITK smooth jam is from Drop Electric. It is called “Waking Up to the Fire”. It is the title track and an absolute beauty. Austere synth waves lead you in to more layers of layers and simple builds as the vocals interleave and let the super hooks that are strong, yet melancholy, yet empowering. Smoothly woven trumpet track.
The band, out of DC, is on Lefse Records, a label that currently is nurturing some great artists.
It seems like it has been rather quiet on the PUJOL front lately, as I expected more people to be fawning over the musician’s new work. His past work was well received, and I think this new single demonstrates the dynamic approach he’s taken with his writing on the new album, Kludge. Rather than just push forward with pace, he slows things down, building the song around a nice melody. He does go off into the noisy guitar solo near the end, but don’t let that detract from how great of a ballad this tune is. You can pick up the new LP from Saddle Creek on May 19th.
Feel like I should devote more time today to the work of Bleeding Gold Records, so I’ll post their other song from their announcements this week, too! This number comes from Furrow, and it’s a little bit grittier, at least in regards to production. The vocals/lyrics don’t offer much, as they seem more like distant chants, or shouting, but the way the guitar sounds really hooked me on this track. The group is working on their new release, West Felton, and in the meantime they’ve offered up this great single, which I think a lot of people will really enjoy. Give it a go.
If you haven’t heard this song already, then you’re going to immediately enjoy your Friday. The duo known as the Skygreen Leopards are setting up to release their newest album, Family Crime. It’s a light bit of pop, recalling much more of an indiepop feel than one would expect for a group on Woodsist. These are the sorts of tracks that make your day livable, giving you immense pleasure from the moment that you press play. The album is slated for a July 8th release, meaning you’ll have yet another record to sit with around the pool or fire.
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While I am adamant that the current Austin scene is pretty rad, I also like to check in with other parts of the world to see what’s coming out of those regions, which is how I discovered this new song from Sutja Gutierrez. He’s an artist from Spain who’s currently promoting Cult and Truth, his latest album. This song is a well-produced piece of pop, relying upon electronic sounds to build a lasting melody. The good news for you is that you don’t have to pay insane postal costs, as Bleeding Gold Records has decided to offer 100 copies of the LP, featuring really detailed cover work.
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I know I’m only writing about indie and rock, but I love this folk tune from Houston’s B.E. Godfrey. The song immediately takes on a melancholy tone, reinforced by Godfrey’s voice, while slide guitar/strings add to the sadness from the background. It makes for a pretty emotional listen, which you can expect more from when you pick up his Wild Desperation EP. He’ll be in Austin on Monday to release that EP over at the Mohawk, so if this style suits you, be sure to head out and pick up the EP.
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Have you not heard enough of my adoration for Beaty Heart? Well, if you have, I’m ignoring you and posting yet another enjoyable track. While the band’s used some odder time structures and rhythms in their past singles, this is perhaps the most up-front approach to the band’s songwriting. Those of you who miss the innocence and joy of early Animal Collective will definitely find this track right up your alley. It’s got the same sense of playfulness, giving the song a certain flavor that will enable you to bob up and down for the rest of the afternoon. Their debut album, Mixed Blessings, will be out on June 2nd.
Download: Beaty Heart – Seafood [MP3]
Congratulations! You just got over the hump of this work week! But, you’ve got to keep that energy going, so why not push forward with a nice bit of alternative rock from Herzog? Every time I put on one of their songs, which I’ve done quite a bit lately, they seem to resemble a heavier-handed version of Grandaddy. They employ great distorted power chords, but they hold onto a quirky sense of pop that recalls the nostalgic days of guitar rock. You can grab their latest release, Boys, on May 20th via Exit Stencil Recordings, and you’ll be glad you did.
Bonus coverage!
We have a little guest photo action for you today. Friend of the program, David Hall, was on the list for the random Spoon show at Hotel Vegas the other night. Just so happens, he needed an assist due to scheduling issues, so my camera was able to attend as his +1.
Allegedly, it was an hour of the hits and no new stuff. Sounds like a good way to knock the rust off the band. Comedians get to work over new material in clubs, so should bands. Head past the break to see a few sweet photos by D. Hall.
This song probably no longer needs an introduction from us. If you’ve been reading our site you know we’ve got nothing but praise for local act, OBN IIIs. Long has the band blown us away with their live shows, but the work on their newest album, Third Time to Harm, should illustrate to everyone that the group is more than just a hot live act; they’ve got killer songs to boot (we’ve known that for a long time). I think this song captures the rock appeal while still showing a penchant for lyrics that you’ll want to scream while you’re jumping up and down at their shows. Pick up their new record on May 27th via Tic Tac Totally.
