Month: March 2024

Blushing Share Seafoam Video

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We’re really excited for Blushing and their new album, Sugarcoat, as we’ve long been in the band’s corner cheering their successes. They’ve got a brand new video out today, and it’s one that shows the group flirting with a little bit of the band’s range, sonically speaking. Sure, you can hear the guitars encircling overhead, building on their classic dreamy textural repertoire, yet as that washes through, I was drawn to the vocal work on this chorus; it even encourages the guitars to stretch a hint too, taking on almost more of a darkened pop goth feel. That vibe gets furthered around the 2 minute mark with an almost spoken monologue whispering through. Sugarcoat is going to rule, and it’s out on May 3rd via Kanine.

Squirrel Shares Crayons EP

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I’ve been checking in on New Jersey’s Squirrel since the project landed on my radar last year, and I’m definitely enjoying the Crayons EP that just dropped this week. The opener has a whole lot of spirit, sort of bouncing and jangling along, which according to the accompanying PR was written during a great moment of hope. “Teas” also teases some of the ways Squirrel takes risks within the confines of indie sounds, and that willingness is part of the songwriting charms I implore you sample here. Kind of feels like the songs are being written by the lost son of Wayne Coyne, so give it a go.

BODEGA Shares Consume Culture III

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Though that little festival thing we just had in Austin is now over, some of the bands who stopped into town are using their performance momentum to get some new songs out and into the world. New York based BODEGA are one such group as they just tore through Austin and released this new track “Cultural Consumer III” shortly after departing. Simply put, I love the energy behind this track and am using it as a wake up call both to myself and as a reminder that this band is a force to be reckoned with. Check it out below.

This track is part of a new album from BODEGA entitled Our Brand Could be YR Life which is due out April 12th via Chrysalis Records. Pre-orders are live now.

Spencer Hoffman Announces Roses Fly

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I really enjoyed Spencer Hoffman‘s 2002 LP, Apple Core, so it’s exciting to hear that there’s a new EP on the way this May. Our first listen has a bit of a ghostly western vibe to it, offering up a slight twist on modern cosmic country. In a sense, it’s almost as if the tune’s struggling on the turntable, warped through the years of being played; you can hear that sparkling twang, but as it fills the air, it seems to sort of hang eternally. Ultimately, it allows for Hoffman’s voice to hang in there and almost whisper its melody into your ear, which worked to great effect. Looking forward to the release of the Roses Fly EP; it’s out on May 10th via Anxiety Blanket Records.

Rural France Share Tag Along Single

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Having fallen in love with the first track from Exactamondo, it only makes sense that we reinforce our love for Rural France by covering their new single today. While “Packhorse” felt clean and brimming with pop sensibility, “Tag Along” seems to be a little bit of a sonic shift, playing with noise in the background, layered to juxtapose the sugary center. Don’t get me wrong, the vocals are still offering up their usual sweetness, so you can still be enchanted, but the edges feel rougher and maybe, dare I say, “lo-fi.” I like that we’re getting a peek at the variation we can expect when the LP finally hits; it’s scheduled for an April 26th release courtesy of Meritorio Records.

Eastside Suicides Reissue Debut LP on 20th Anniversary

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There’ve been a lot of punk acts in the Austin area over the years, but one that I always had a particular fondness for was Eastside Suicides; they only had one proper release, but owned nights over at Beerland for sometime. Today, word comes our way that Desolate Sounds Records will be reissuing their debut on its 20th anniversary, adding in some remastering and a few bonus tracks. While a lot of the punk scene here is written with “weirdness,” I liked how the the group just encompassed a classic rock n’ roll sound; the tunes have the same bravado as the Dolls as the Stooges, with their performances matching that enthusiasm too. So, if you’ve got an itch for old school, let’s celebrate! The newly retitled Streets Got Yo Baby will drop on May 10th.

The Reds Pinks and Purples Share Fresh Track

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As avowed fans of The Reds, Pinks and Purples, it’s our joy to encourage you to listen to the opening track from the new LP, Unwishing Well. When I first listened to this one, I was really impressed with Glenn’s vocal work; it still has that softness that makes his craft so charming, but there’s a bit of rawness here too. In a sense, the vocals almost feel pained, like he’s struggling as he narrates a story of humanity’s decline. Don’t get me wrong, you still get those sharp guitar lines throughout, with a bit of oceanic fuzz built into the back half. Offers a different glimpse into what we can expect when Unwishing Well drops on April 12th via Slumberland/Tough Love.

SXSW Friday & Saturday in Photos

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Forgive the version fail. My bad.

Team ATH went out and about to catch a few more bands at the end of last week. Friday in particular had some heavy targets. Among them were to evaluate some buzz bands, visit old friends, make some new ones and take in some comfort food of ripping classics. Along the way, we took a few photos and gathered a few thoughts. We came to some universal conclusions, divided and conquered only to get back together. Thanks SXSW.

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Docks and My Imaginary Loves Announce Split

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Hidden Bay Records is one of my favorite French labels, turning me onto some great stuff, so when the owner, Manon reached out to me about a new split featuring his own band, I, of course, rushed to jam it out. He’s playing in Docks, who’ve announced a split EP with My Imaginary Loves, which will come out at the end of March (not on Hidden Bay btw). Both available singles are instrumental pieces, with the Docks taking a lighter approach, at least in the overall emotional appeal of the craft; there’s more natural movement, and brighter guitar sounds. My Imaginary Loves start their tune off with a bit of an ominous atmosphere, so it builds this wall of tension that eventually gets released. Both CD and Cassette versions will be available next week!

R.E. Seraphin Shares Expendable Man

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Our old pal R.E. Seraphin released this great track from his latest LP, but, as I was fairly busy, I had to be sure I celebrated its release one week later…so here we are. For me, this song’s all about the sort of rolling pop, be it the drums or the whispering fashion of Ray’s vocals this go round, there’s something in it that just seems like a roller coaster of gliding pop. You’ll also find some quick little spurts of snappy rhythm and emphatic vocals in the chorus, giving off just a wee bit of attitude to keep it in the realms of rock n’ roll. If you’re digging it, Fool’s Mate is out this Friday via Safe Suburban Home and Take a Turn Records!

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