This is fine.
Team ATH has been covering Austin Psych Fest/Levitation since its early inception, probably in the second year at Radio Room (sorry we missed the first year!), so we’ve seen the ups and downs twists and turns. Despite the various venues and changes, Levitation 2019 finally felt like it was home again.
I’ve always admired the work of Sonny Smith, whether he’s playing in the Sunsets, working on solo stuff or writing tunes for theater productions, he’s been great. But, as of late, he’s turned his attention to Rocks in Your Head Records, his new label. Today we’re happy to introduce you to the label’s newest signee, the Gonks! The band’s described as a Shangri Las meets Tronics, though here we’re flirting with more of the Tronics experimental side; the band is led by teenage wiz Ava Lynch. We get a little horn blast working over some heavy percussive moves. But, just as you think the song’s a one-note wonder, it kicks in right at the 30 second mark. You get this jangling bit of guitar, sort of drawing on that sunny California surf vibe; I love how a second guitar comes in and sort of dances atop the first. But don’t you worry, Five Things You Didn’t Know About the Gonks is filled with great lyrics, but we figured this was the best way to introduce you to the band! Look for the LP this Friday!
It’s clear my listening habits have already turned towards colder climes, drawing inspiration from song’s that have this natural warmth, like the below track from Sweden’s Big Fox. This song’s so sparse that you can’t help but fall in love with the little details, even the simplest little syllabic changes. For instance, the rise in emotion after the 1 minute mark that culminates in the soft whisper of the line “it’s true;” those are the sort of moments my ears live for in works such as this. This is a powerful tune, with a moving story behind it; See How the Light Falls will be released by Hybris in March of 2020.
As the year winds to a close, coverage wise, I’m still turning over these tunes I’ve had lurking in my inbox; the tunes I loved but just never quite got to in that moment…such is this track from Chris Rovik. I was drawn to the vocals; they had this vibe that made you feel haunted in the best way, drew you into the song’s cavernous construction. When the voice sort of rises, it’s a freeing moment, allowing the track to venture into this more cathartic territory…tied to the song’s themes of love that got away. Start your day here.
I feel like I always take a good Field Music jam for granted, but I just got hooked on this brand new single shared today. There’s something that sort of sounds like it’s got a Byrne influence, all the way from the jagged guitar riffs to the way the vocals come across in the mix. Plus, one thing we all love about Byrne (and the TH for that matter) is the inevitable hook that comes in the lyrics; here you get the line of “money money money is a memory” to secure that same memorable moment in the tune. Making a New World is out on January 10th via Memphis Industries.
