Summer Rock with The Denzels

denzelsI’ve posted on the Denzels, so it only seems fitting that I’m running their new single.  Almost from the get-go you can feel the energy, as they blast off into a quick-paced jam that speeds  through in less than 2.5 minutes.  The vocals have a nice bit of grainy darkness to them, which really shows that you can blend the line between lo-fo garage rock and pop sensibility; this is definitely the rock of the future.  As of now, the band’s working on new material after last years Easy Tiger EP. We’ll keep you posted as more news comes our way.

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Austin Spotlight: Friendly Savages

1016657_480126135399015_1655698993_nWe ran a nice little punk rock jam this morning, so I wanted to bring you all something from the opposite direction, Austin’s Friendly Savages. The group dropped their album, O, Joshua, a few months back, and it’s an album begging for a larger audience.  On this track, I like the way the structure unfolds, opening slowly then moving to a full folk sound, but they have a nice little breakdown near the end of the track that should surprise you.  Those of you looking about for a new folk-rock act might have just found exactly what you were looking for today, and in the very least, you’ve got a great song to enjoy today.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/03-Her-Locket-On-A-Chain.mp3]

Download: Friendly Savages – Her Locket On A Chain

Twin Peaks Offer New Tune

twinpeaksYou’ve got to appreciate a band with youthful exuberance, as that musical naivete allows for them to go their own direction.  Twin Peaks does just that with their latest single, incorporating various influences to create a hazy bit of guitar pop that’s sure to satisfy every listener.  Sure, the vocals could be just a touch cleaner, but I love the way the guitar lines seem to dance around, leading to the song’s abrupt ending.  The group’s album, Sunken, will pop up in stores on July 9th courtesy of Autumn Tone Records.  You’ll be pleased with yourself listening to this track.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/06-Irene.mp3]

 

Quiet Number from Eric & Magill

ericmagillFor an Internet project, trading tracks across continents, the guys in Eric & Magill seem to be working pretty quickly.  Earlier this year they released Two Travelers EP, but they’re already prepping their new record, Night Singers.  Their first single from the release is really a gently unfolding pop tune, using the backbone of carefully picked acoustic guitar.  Vocals are almost whispered, which emphasizes the atmosphere created by the accompanying instruments in the background of the track.  You can pick up their album on July 23rd when it’s released by Perfect From Now On.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/03-Calendars.mp3]

Download: Eric & Magill – Calendars [MP3]

Austin Spotlight: The Nouns Say Goodbye w/ New Album

thenounsIt’s a sad day when good bands have to say goodbye, but at least Austin’s The Nouns are going out with a bang.  They’ve just recently released their self-titled album, which features the gem of a track that we’re featuring below.  Fear not though, you can still get the album from the guys by visiting their Bandcamp page.  We’ve always enjoyed jamming with these guys, so we’re really going to miss them, but we assume they’ll have other projects coming your way in the future.  For now, take a moment of silence as another great local acts decides to call it a day.

Dark Rock from Disappears

disappears_zoranorlicI’m always into the mood to listen to Disappears.  I’ve raved about them at various shows, and now it’s time to get ready for their brand new album to come our way.  Their fourth album, Era, is set to come out on August 27th via Kranky, and it’s shaping up to be something completely different than before.   There’s much more empty space that the band is working with, allowing them to create a different audial vibe than on their previous works.  After three records, they’re ready to mix things up, and I have a feeling that the new direction is definitely going to benefit all listening parties.

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Spectrals – Sob Story

sobstory620Rating: ★★★☆☆

All signs from Spectrals were definitely leading up to this.  Bad Penny and the various EPs from Louis Jones hinted at his influences, but with Sob Story he executes everything perfectly, leaving listeners with classic pop sounds that are fitting for any time of day or year.

There’s a bit of guitar tinkering to open up Sob Story, but the warmth of Jones eventually makes its way through your speakers.  Ringing guitars and a stomping beat provide an energetic touch to Louis’ vocals, which seems to have a bit of a Southern drawl to it.  It builds the listener towards the immediate hit, “Heartbeat Behind. Chugging guitars offer a glimpse at traditional pub rock, yet the chorus pulls back with a softer side of things, rather than ramping up the speed for the expected release of tension.  This tune demonstrates the balance and care put forth in the songwriting, never going too far into one musical realm without venturing into another.

While the majority of the numbers on the latest Spectrals release are short and to the point, we do find Jones experimenting with more expansive songs.  “Sob Story” is his first go at this on the record, sprawling and slide-guitaring all the way beyond the five-minute mark. Vocally, there’s a bit of fragility, leaving Louis exposed.  He doesn’t shy away, however, weaving his words around the twang of the guitar by stretching out syllables in an endearing fashion. The 3 minute mark reveals just how special his writing has become, musically.  But, while this song exceeds expectations, the bread and butter on Sob Story comes from the more compact tunes.

Personally, I like the swagger of a song like “Blue Whatever.”  Guitars ring out in this song, while Jones executes the lyrical delivery perfectly, bringing a smoothness to the track that helps it maintain its balance; the lightest touch of backup vocals doesn’t hurt either.  And, in the best fashion, Spectrals deliver a stomping number with “Keep Your Magic” that shows just how much territory the outfit can cover, while still treading water in the pools of classic pop.  The attitude is the same with the following track, “Gentle,” although the heritage of the American West resonates again with bits of slide guitar thrown in for accent marks.

Throughout the whole of Sob Story you can see that Louis Jones has a story to tell. That story seems far away from his home in Leeds, instead opting for the landscape of American pop songwriting.  He sprinkles bits and pieces throughout, yet he holds it all together fairly well, leaving you with a Spectrals album that sounds varied, yet very much in one place; you’ll have fun letting your ears live in that space.

 

Vacation – Candy Waves

vacationcandywavescoverRating: ★★★☆☆

Don Giovanni Records has had a good go of things lately, especially with the work of Screaming Females on their roster.  But, new boys Vacation aim to make their own mark with Candy Waves.  It provides listeners with sharp guitar lines and catchy hooks, while managing to sound appropriately unpolished.

Feedback opens the doors to Candy Waves with “Pyro Hippies” opening moments before the furiously quick drumming assaults your ears.  Here you’ll find the guitar chords knifing their way through the song, and the vocals border on angst, yet still retain a bit of melody.  Yet moments later, the bubbly bass work on “Make a Mess” is what grabs you by the ears and pulls you within the depths of the record.  This tune has less detail oriented guitar work, but the rhythm section surely offers enough to get your toes tapping and your body jumping about.  I want to attach myself to the vocals on this tune, yet they’re just a bit too far below the mix.

For my two cents, the band excels when they offer their pop affinity in their music.  “SFA” jumps right into your meat and potatoes punk rock, though spun through a sludgy blender.  The vocals offer a glimpse at anthemic moments, while the apparent allegiance to Vacation‘s metal influence is also visible.  It opens the way for the hook-laden “Candy Waves,” which might be the record’s standout tune.  Again, I think the lyrics could break through if they had just a hint more clarity in the mastering, but you can tell that this is a tune built for fans to join in during live performances.  You don’t think the band can share pop sensibility with their metal/punk pedigree? Just start listening at 1.36.  They make it three brilliant songs in a row with “Everyone Loves the Sun,” again establishing a gritty beach party feel.  This song excels due to the fact that every instrument, including voice, seems to be pulling in an opposite direction, while still maintaining a healthy balance that unites the tune.

Concluding Candy Waves is another of the record’s standouts, “Horny Politicians.”  Yes, the killer rhythm section comes through again to give a good push on the final tune, but I think it’s the vocal that allows this number to rise above the rest.  There’s clarity throughout the entirety of the song; this allows listeners to really partake in the joy of the song.  It’s the perfect closing moment, allowing us to glimpse Vacation at their very best, and perhaps a possible look into their future.  And in the end, the record ends with a bang, but you’ll go right back to the beginning to play it all over again.  You’ll get the feeling we all had when bands like Wavves felt dangerous, and you’ll be thankful bands like this are still doing it right.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/11-Horny-Politicians.mp3]

 

Show Review: Mikal Cronin @ Mohawk (6.27)

Sure, we knew it was going to be a sweat night, with temperatures still bordering on 100 when the bands took the stage at The Mohawk, but how hot would it get? Real hot. Sweat from bands, sweat from fans and sweat from our drinks. Regardless, the rock must go on, and rock it did. A Giant Dog, Shannon and the Clams and Mikal Cronin get commendations for valor in the face of hair dryer air.

Read on for our thoughts on all the bands and see B.Gray’s pretty photos.

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