Month: November 2021

Levitation Reviews: Boy Harsher @ Empire (10/28)

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I like guitars.

Because of the introduction of technology, synthesizers, and electronic music, the 80s became the decade of exploration in music less organic. A paradigm shift happened on a grand scale in the art of music sometimes for the better, and at times for the worst. The better of that shift has quietly existed, bubbling beneath the surface while electronic music has permeated the industry on a global scale, diehard fans of the true pioneers, at the time considered underground, find themselves embedded in a resurgence of sorts. Whether intentional or not, the three artists on the bill for the first full night of Levitation Fest 21 at Empire Control Room, embody the essence and pay homage to some of the key players in that pivotal movement of music that ushered in a global shift from our analog lives into the digital world. Hit the jump for more and fancy photos.

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Alcopops Release Devil EP

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I’ve been spending quite a bit of our time covering Portland’s Alcopops, who’ve crafted this perfectly delicious little fuzz pop Devil EP; it’s out in the world now, so I wanted to revisit some of the various reasons I love it. From the first track “Sins,” you get these huge chugging riffs, though I’ll be honest, you can hear some of the indie rock history of the Pacific NW in the band’s arrangements. ‘”Seventy Two” plays a little bit softer, hanging on the band’s more melodic tendencies; I’m a big fan of the warmth of the chorus on that jam. “Try Not to Laugh” takes on a more exploratory fashion, spreading its wings and exploring the noise the band have created, with a nice little curtain of heavy vocals draped atop. Then, just like that the EP closes with “True Bugs,” featuring this huge squalling guitar that crashes into the listener in the best way possible; it’s like getting hit by a storm only you get back up and run right into it. My only complaint? There’s only 4 songs, so lets hope the group get right back to writing more jams.

Seablite Share Breadcrumbs

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We’ve been big Seablite stans since the release of Grass Stains and Novocaine, and with that, it’s been really nice seeing the growth, in both their popularity and the quality of their songwriting; the band also features Andy of Chime School, so extra bonus points on all fronts. News just hit that they’ve got a remarkable new 7″ coming out via Emotional Response, and well, this first single doesn’t let us down one bit. I love how the pounding drums open up the track, setting this furious pace behind the cascading wall of guitars; it’s creating this contrasting tension that really drives home the melodic draw. And, while they’re nice and quiet, I think the setting and tones of the vocals are spot on perfect for the band; they seem to crest in just the right spots, so hats off to the final mix master on this jam. This 7″ will be available on January 1st.

Papercuts Return with Try Baxter’s Bliss

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I can’t tell you how long I’ve loved Jason Quever and Papercuts…probably a few years before we got this whole little site going. Sometimes Jason will lay dormant, working on perfecting other people’s tunes. But, whenever he pops up out of his musical burrow, I just get these little tingles under my skin. Today we get news that there’s a brand new digital EP on the horizon, and I’m already sitting here raving about the first single. His vocal performance alone this round was enough to get me, especially the way Quever’s voice rises in the chorus, stretching his notes, almost to Thom Yorke territory. Fortunately, he’s got this solemn pop that serves as the vessel for his striking voice, creating this otherworldly drift that seems like the perfect escape from everything troubling you. The Baxter’s Bliss EP is out on November 19th, and includes a few covers (Leonard Cohen and Galaxie 500).

Weakened Friends Share Tunnels Lyric Video

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With Weakened Friends new record Quitter on the horizon in a few weeks, I just can’t get enough of the band’s new single; I’m pretty sure I’m responsible for half the plays today alone. I hate to use the cliche language of timelessness, but everything about this track is just the perfect dose of pop rock, seeming like it might just be one of the best jams to come out this year. There’s something about Sonia’s delivery of her vocals that’s effortlessly distinctive; it seems biting yet somehow punches you with this melodic hook. I mean, I dare you turn away from this chorus and not fall absolutely in love. This is how all pop rock should be written. Definitely ready to be the old guy at the show full of youngsters screaming along at the top of their lungs to this jam! Quitter is out November 19th via Don Giovanni/Big Scary Monsters.

Courtesy Release Video for Spots

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I’m going to be real honest here. Until they reached out, Courtesy was not an act on my radar, but fuck I’m glad they did. They’re an outfit that just feels like a collective of musical adventurers, twisting and turning knobs, layering textures, adding loops and dropping in vocals where fitting; its like they’re out to pick up a sample here, mix in a new sound there, and all of it working perfectly. On this striking video, the accompanying track has this high pitch vocal in the middle that reminds me of Liars; it seems like they approach things in the same manner, and dare I say, seem even more willing to stretch the boundaries. And speaking of the video, can we praise Essian enough? I think not; this video gets knocked out of the park. If, like me, Courtesy are new to you, prepare yourself for one helluva ride when the band drop Check the Milk on November 19th!

Silver Tapes Announces Forever Home EP

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The year 2021 seems like the year music really feels like it started to reawaken in Austin, which is where we get to meet Silver Tapes and their new Forever Home EP. The band is the project of former Shy Beast Drummer, Drew Silverman, producing his own mixture of heavy textures and hard snapping beats. In this tune, the track carefully begins to unfold, working in the opening minute as this sort of textured pop opus, working over synth stabs and careful melodies. For me, I got hooked when the song drops in with this heavy riff that just sort of explodes the foreground and then shimmers all over the place, clouding the speakers with melodic fuzz. Silverman bounces all over the place on this EP, searching for the sounds that match up with the EP’s themes of loss, nostalgia and security. The full EP is out November 5th, so be on the lookout to double down here.

Last Week’s Jams, Today (10.25 – 10.29)

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Hopefully you’re all waking up a little groggy from celebrating Halloween with your neighbors and friends…or your kid. So we’re here to ease you into the week by offering up a quick little playlist to recap what came our way last week, in case you missed it. Be sure to give a listen to new music from Rachel Love (Dolly Mixture) and Lewsberg, both who released great albums last week. We start off with the recent banger from Clear History, so make sure your speakers are adjusted appropriately. Happy Monday!

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