Month: March 2015

The Return of the Splits

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splitterI always thought I was in the know for the Finnish rock n’ roll scene, though it’s clear I’ve still got some things to learn, as I haven’t been too acquainted with the Splits, though they’re set to release their second album via Dirtnap Records.  There’s a vicious opening, that some might even call brash.  But, don’t let that set you off, as there’s multiple vocal parts, balancing out the angst-ridden punk growl with a solid pop croon.  It’s an energetic tune, filled with fun times and attitude; look for II on April 21st.

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SxSW 2015: A Day With The Twilight Sad

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The Twilight SadIt isn’t a new idea, plenty of people have followed a band for a day, but it is something I have wanted to do for a while now. The last time The Twilight Sad was in town in support of We Were Promised Jetpacks, I had some time to chat with James, lead vocals, and Chris Patin, the tour manager, about following the band for a day during SxSW. You see, Chris is a friend of the program; he is in The Calm Blue Sea. James and I oddly ended up standing next to each other at several day parties in previous SxSW’s and we have had friendly conversations about tea, food, travel, normal human stuff. Seemed like a good fit. What follows is an account of the day, followed by a ton of pics. As a bonus, I got to see several other bands, some pretty damn good ones, including Torres and Ringo Deathstarr (more on them later).

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Have You Been Listening to Hard Left

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wahlIs your answer no? Then maybe you should rethink your listening habits.  Hard Left is a supergroup of sorts, though perhaps one most known to that too often mentioned underground world.  For my ears, there’s two things going on here that I really like: the band are carrying on the political rabble (some members may have been the first to bring that sound to your ears!) and there’s this guttural punk noise that could incite a circle-pit with your best friends…maybe even a riot. The band’s album We Are Hard Left will be released on May 12th via Future Perfect Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Hard-Left-Red-Flag.mp3]

Download: Hard Left – Red Flag [MP3]

Listen to This Dark Opus from Girls Names

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girlsgirlsgirlsI’ve been way into Girls Names since they first hit the shores via Slumberland Records, and while they’ve changed their sound, their music has still been relatively compelling.  Enter the new chapter for the band, the result being an 11 minute exploration into the space where bands may soon take their post-rock approach.  The track opens with digitalized foreboding before the settles into it’s circular guitar work, pushed forward by the drum work.  Don’t be worried, as the band have disguised their pop-centric leanings beneath carefully crafted swells of guitar. Look for this new Zero Triptych 12″ via Tough Love Records on May 11th.

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Why Not Post This Torres Song?

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So those of us fortunate to have encountered the delightful Torres sometime over the past week at SXSW know, but for the rest of you who weren’t so lucky, I’m here to let you in on the gospel. Torres is what’s up, and this new song “Sprinter” which is also the title of her upcoming album, should make Mackenzie Scott a name on your radar. This song has a very Sharon Van Etten force to it; the power vocals are at the centerfold, but it’s impossible not to pick up on the nuanced instrumentation that is also at play here. Go on, get on this party bus of darkness with me and Torres… there’s plenty of simmering sadness to go around and look out for the album Sprinter that’s coming May 5th.

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New Post Rock from Loose Tooth

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loosetoofSometimes you find a band hitting their stride, and it ends up being the perfect sound to your day.  This was much the case when I first tossed on this new song from Loose Tooth; the band are readying the release of their debut Easy Easy East.  While the song opens with an alternative rock bend, they turn things on its side, switching the timing of the track, filling it with discordant guitars and emphatic vocals that blast through your speakers…and then they slow it down.  It’s an approach that makes the band sound as if they’re going all over the place, but they do it in their own organized fashion…making it a success.  Look for their album on April 21st via Fleeting Youth Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/A1_Pickwick-Average.mp3]

Download: Loose Tooth – Pickwick Average [MP3]

ATX Spotlight: Introducing Lunar Gold

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moJason Morris has spent the last several years plying his trade in The Clouds are Ghosts, but he felt the calling to complete something entirely on his own, taking a softer and more broad approach to his songwriting.  There’s layers upon layers added to his work as Lunar Gold, crafting a denser sound that broods and flows forth…similar to artists like Other Lives or Efterklang.  For now, just revel in a new project on the scene; enjoy his first single with this project, and catch him live on April 4th at Mohawk.

SXSW Superlatives: Nicole.Baumann

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Upload SxSW 15 01This year SXSW got the best of me, and since I’m still living with the aftermath of the fest in terms of a nasty cold I figure I’d share my own superlatives of SX. I had a very different festival than the dudes of this site, which I’m referring to as SXSWJR: hitting up the low key events and only ever standing in one line for the whole fest, which I daresay is some kind of feat. Read on for my distribution of praise and a few super special secret awards that Nathan and RayRay didn’t include.

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I Detest The Name of This Band, But Damn

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nakeyI don’t really know why, but I’m uncomfortable with the word ‘Nakey,’ so when I came across this track “No Job” from a band with that unmentionable word as their name I was naturally a little repulsed. Repulsed, that is, until I pressed play and warm vocals and angular electric guitars welcomed me. Instantly, this song had my heart, and as it progressed, I got more and more engrossed. These indie-rockers from Christchurch, New Zealand have got a real winner of a track for you, and you’d be an idiot to pass it up. Take a listen and go check them out.

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More Toro Y Moi? Yes, Please

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28388_422877407501_1855604_nBack in January (Wow…is it really almost April?) I shared with you “Empty Nesters” from Toro Y Moi, and told you about his forthcoming album What For? that’s due out April 7th. Now that we’re a whole lot closer to that release, I’m delighted to share with you another single from Chaz Bundick called “Run Baby Run,” which is a slow, albeit still mad groovy tune that showcases the easy psychedelic and jangly rock that we’ve come to love from Toro Y Moi. I’m pretty stoked to hear the rest of the new album from Carpark Records, what about you?

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