Folk Tune from Dim Peaks

dimpeaksI’ve been in this huge folk/americana stretch lately, with smaller doses of the punk rock.  One of the newest tunes to catch my ear is from Dim Peaks, which has a nice dosage of the folk sound, while not going too far into the genre. I’m not sure whether the instrumentation or the vocals got to me, but regardless, I got sucked into the band.  You should check out their Time of Joy album, which just came out via Gold Robot Records; you’ll find that it fits in perfect to your cozy summertime playlists.  Have no fear, the hits are right here.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/08-Reason.mp3]

Download: Dim Peaks – Reason [MP3]

Seabirds Sign with Matinee Recordings

seabirdsSorry folks, but Matinee Recordings is on a huge role at the moment, releasing their 4th great single to the masses in a little over a week.  This time around, the label has picked up Seabirds to release the Real Tears 7″ this coming August.  On the title track, the tune opens with just vocals and strumming, but soon opens up to a more full band sound with a female vocal accompaniment and drums.  While that quick change-up is pretty special, I’m pretty stuck on the tone of the vocal itself; it’s gentle and familiar, fitting perfectly into the spectrum of great indiepop singing. Cheers to this.

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Have Fun with Paper Lions

paperlionsIt’s one thing to write an artistic statement, it’s another thing entirely to just sit down and write a great pop song.  Personally, I think the latter is probably much more difficult, making the latest single from Paper Lions even more remarkable.  There’s a driving pulse to the song, aided by the rhythm section and electronics, with the lyrics bursting through the pop sensibility.  It’s hard to not just twist and turn with this tune blasting on high; it’s just a gem of a pop track.  The band will release their new album, My Friends, on August 20th via Fountain Pop Records.

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Gambles – Far From Your Arms

Gambles-Far From Your Arms-EP-COVER-highresRating: ★★★★☆

For the last year or so, the name of Matthew Siskin, and his Gambles project, has been on many a writer’s lips, or pens, or keyboards.  After spending several days holed up with his short Far From Your Arms EP, it’s clear to me that all his accolades and interest are warranted.  His EP is intimately moving, touching every corner of my oft darkened soul, awakening the spirit and faith in music/art once again.

“Trust” begins with a slow strumming, with Siskin’s voice wavering just atop.  At points, he seems to struggle, though not in a manner that turns people away.  Rather, I’ve been drawn closer into his sound, listening for every slight crack or every tarnished note, all reverberating a purity in songwriting that I’ve missed a lot lately.  While the pacing of the strumming provides a sensation of solemnity, he picks things up slightly moving forward.

His strumming of his acoustic takes a heavier-handed turn on “Safe Side,” though he alternates between that punchier strumming technique to quieted careful note picking.  But, when it’s loud, the sound is emphatic, yet his vocals turn intimate when he brings things to a hush.  He’s speaking to someone, or a character he knows, switching from a personal perspective to more of an omniscient thinker.  The closing whistle is an added touch of beauty.

Skipping ahead to the EP’s title track you’ll find what I consider one of the best two songs written this year.  “Far From Your Arms” is the perfect bit of modern folk music, both in its sonic approach and its emotional pull. As Matthew’s voice rises, ever so slightly, one can picture himself listening carefully in a smoke-filled pint-size room, holding your breath as every note is played.  Perhaps the song’s about a journey home, or the distance that divides us all, but regardless, it encapsulates everything I’ve ever dreamed of hearing. I imagine this song will play in my head and heart for some time.

What amazes me about listening to Far From Your Arms is how much I feel the impact and weight of the songs within.  Admittedly, I consume a lot of music, and it takes a lot for something to really really hit home.  But, in five short songs, Gambles has achieved that feat, with both the poetry in his lyrical content and the emotional pull of every chord.  This is a must listen for anyone.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/04-Far-From-Your-Arms.mp3]

 

More Great Folk from Joseph Childress

Joseph_alternateBW.130436A few weeks back I hope I got you interested in Joseph Childress, as he’s a musician getting a lot of rotation on my stereo lately. His songs are often little more than voice and guitar, but that voice, man will it haunt you.  On this new track, pay attention to the 2 minute mark, where it sort of warbles off key, but in a manner that draws you into his world.  Such moments build devoted fans, and many will be established when The Rebirths, his new album, is released by Empty Cellar Records on August 20th.  This is your new Tallest Man. 

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/10-Dance-with-Me.mp3]

 

Rocking Jam from Smartboys

smartboys-promo-retouched-squareFeel like I’ve posted a few slower pop tunes today, so I had to pick up the pace a little bit with this tune from Smartboys.  The group is comprised of members of other acts such as US Girls and Fucked Up, so the band has a definite established pedigree.  But, unlike those other acts, this single has a little bit more focus on the pop side of garage rock, with an innate hook built in, allowing listeners to immediately attach themselves to the tune.  The Receiving the Bribe 7″ is out now on White Iris Records, so get your hands on it while its hot.

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Austin Spotlight: Southern Boutique

southernboutiqueWell, color me mystified.  Late last night I received an email with little more than a link to a song; I’m not even sure if the name is for real, but I’m digging this mysterious entity.  Whoever it is, definitely has their ear to the pop writing wheel.  It reminds me of what the older version of the Shins might have sounded like if they had gone on exploring the world.  It’s careful in construction, yet beneath lays a monster of pop ready for rebirth.  All I can say at this point is that Southern Boutique are exciting, and they’re from Austin.  Here’s a great song for you to check out (with another at their SOUNDCLOUD). If any one knows more about this band, please let us know; we want the inside scoop.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Rabbit-Trails.mp3]

Download: Souther Boutique – Rabbit Trails [MP3]

New Music from Richard Youngs

wh8e_RichardYoungsI’ve got a slight obsession with Richard Youngs.  He’s one of those musicians where you never know exactly what you’ll get from listening to a new LP, especially as he battles Bob Pollard for one of the most prolific people out there.  He’s just announced a new album, Summer Through My Mind, which should be out on September 3rd via Ba Da Bing Records.  This track’s pretty simple, and if it weren’t for the odd little touches coursing through the track, it might be fairly redundant.  But, like Richard always does, his voice warms you over, and you’re drawn in from there.  Take a listen to the album’s title track.

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Austin Spotlight: Genuine Leather

The_Viper_600pxIt’s always nice to start off the week with something catchy and fresh, so I figured this new hit from Austin’s Genuine Leather is the perfect way to get thing started.  The band is currently in the studio working on their upcoming LP, and this is our first taste.  It’s got crunchy guitar work to get things moving in the right direction, and the delivery of the vocals have this innate hook that encourages you to get down with the band. This track is perfect for wrapping up your summer with fun times, so make sure you include it in your next hit list.

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New Weirdo-Pop from Alligator Indian

Alligator-Indian-press-photoOccasionally, you’ve just got to mix things up to get yourself outside the confines of mainstream.  I think that’s precisely what the duo of Alligator Indian have accomplished with their blissful, yet oddball, songwriting.  The vocals are carefully draped over electronic beats that seem safer in a haunted house than anywhere else.  There are a few vocal bursts that provide an extra sensation of haunting as they soar high in the mix.  It might be a touch odd, but it’s definitely enjoyable.  You can find more such tracks on the group’s upcoming More Songs About Animals and TV EP, which comes out September 17th via Bleeding Gold Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/02-Corpsing.mp3]

Download: Alligator Indian – Corpsing [MP3]

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