This is fine.
Every year we get super-excited about SXSW, and it’s hard to cover everything we want. So, we’ve come up with our annual SXSW questionnaire, and each year we change the questions just a bit, then throw ’em out to everyone we know. Today, we’re happy to share the responses from Whitney Ballen, who released her latest with Father/Daughter Records last year. Read more
Indigo Bunting sprang onto the Austin music scene, destined to work on their own terms; they released the ATH approved Clip Show. Now, without a care in the world, they’re back sharing new music, which, for all we know, could mean that there’s another album lurking right around the corner. While they obviously have musical notes they hit upon, they seem to occupy a space entirely on their own; you’ll likely hear things that musically reference Beach Boys, or more recently Panda Bear, though it’s all spun in this grandiose collage work of pop. No one’s writing pop songs like these at the moment…in Austin or anywhere else.
AllegrA should already be on your radar, and if you haven’t listened then perhaps go spend some time on their bandcamp page, browsing everything you’ve been missing. There’s now news of the Yet, Not Enough EP, which will be released by Citrus City on March 12th. My favorite thing is how the track slowly builds; it opens softly, mostly working muted guitar riffs behind the vocals. The chords begin to expand from there, drums and keys join in, adding depth to the track that certainly elevates the band’s brand of basement pop. I’m really stuck on this song today, so if you’re looking for the feels, look no further.
While it may seem like NOV3L are a few years behind the rehash of post-punk angular antics, it’s fair to say at least they do it right…all the way down to the ethos of the genre. They operate as a collective, crafting music crafting clothes crafting art on their own terms from within the confines of a singular house. That all makes sense when you listen to their new single, which is a foot-stomping nostaglic punk nod with social awareness; they seem to be taking on the corporate structures that make us all wage-slaves. They release their new EP this Friday via Flemish Eye Records.
We alluded yesterday to new music from Monnone Alone, the latest project of Mark Monnone of Lucksmiths fame; today we have one of those new tracks to share with you. Surprisingly, it’s a pretty rocking number, almost like a barroom brawl with fuzzy guitar chords. But, it is Mark Monnone, so he’s going to spin everything he does with the best pop sensibility around. Just listen to the breakdown around 1:22 mark, building this swelling roll of poppy guitars that bring the song right back home to a sense of exuberance that seeps through your speakers. This track appears on the very limited lathe-cut 7″ being released by Emotional Response/Lost and Lonesome/Meritorio on February 22nd.
Julia Rakel is fairly new on our radar, but we’re huge fans of what’s going on over at Rama Lama Records, so we’re paying close attention as her debut EP nears. The outskirts of the song definitely meet at the apex of ethereal and dreamy, but it’s the core that really drives home Rakel’s songwriting. The first 2 minutes have her working with this minimal beat, synths hanging in the shadows while her production prowess allows her to work another vocal line atop her own voice; guitar lines dance loosely, but ever so briefly. Then at the 3 minute mark Rakel takes the song on her own, speaking in step with each line, floating the listener into outer space. Look for the indie fEElz EP on March 15th via Rama Lama Records.
After a brief period of radio silence, Boyracer is going to return this year with a brand new LP; the band admit to recording over 20 brand new ditties to better your life…and today they’ve shared one of these tracks. It’s a short fuzzed out ripper that begs the question, why haven’t more people fallen in love with the group over the year? It’s catchy, making it memorable; it’s upbeat, thus perfect for jamming in the morning, on the drive down the sunny highway, or just when you want to rock out with your friends. This song will be on a hyper-limited 7′ lathe cut, with word that there’s a similar Monnone Alone you can read about right HERE. All these great things courtesy of Emotional Response.
I’ve spent a lot of time going back and listening to this new track from Okay Embrace, the latest tune from David Schaefer’s newest project. It’s catchy in the long run, but what I think will really draw folks into the fold is the faintest warble in his voice as he stretches his vocal chords beyond their range; I’m sure he’ll hate it, but it sounds an awful like a very young Conor Oberst. Still, the way he delivers his lines, as well as the song’s opening also recall Death Cab when they were still important. There’s a new album titled Moving/Improving on the very near horizon, so we’ll keep you posted on that front.
As I peruse some emails and the internet for new tunes to share, I came across this unique piece from Brooklyn based artist Bellows. It’s a bedroom pop piece blended well with songwriter elements similar to Sufjan or my old pal John Lamonica. You’ll even find some electronic elements along with some crazy wind instrumentation. This one really manages to blend a ton of genres to create a truly special pop sound.
Bellows will release new album The Rose Gardener on February 22nd via Topshelf Records.
A few months after the release of Witches!, John Andrew Fredrick and the Black Watch return, ready to make you swoon in an entirely different fashion. Up until now, 16 albums have been filled with Fredrick’s voice, but he’s released control, instead offering the opportunity for Julie Schulte to make her musical debut. While it’s the slightest change, it completely transforms things, moving the group into the realms of wondrous chamber pop; there’s this undeniable charm that will sway any listener. Not sure what it means for the next album from the group, which I’m hoping is just around the corner, but I don’t think anyone can turn away from this stunner. The band will also be attending this year’s SXSW festival!
