Author: nathan.lankford

Experimental Pop from Kiki Pau

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kikipau_webresYou know about my adoration for all things Finnish right? Well, Kiki Pau win right off the bat, but also because they’re associated with both Dungen and Beyond Beyond is Beyond Records. If you’ve got five minutes, and I know that you do, you need to sit down, preferably somewhere quiet.  There’s multiple movements within this song, and there’s no way you can really put some generic label upon the track–that’s probably a good thing.  I like the light-hearted vibe entering in around the 3 minute mark.  This tune and others appears on the group’s Pines LP, which was just released today!

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/75194076″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Mikal Cronin Goes Soft

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homepage_large.974d39feOkay, so Mikal Cronin doesn’t go entirely soft, but in comparison to his work with Ty Segall, the only thing you’ll really find comparable here is the wall of guitar distortion that bursts into the background during the chorus.  For the most part, the various verses carry a more general pop element, which should surprise people in the long run; you’re still going to find it appealing. The song has a central hook, and the combination of the soft and loud element will make your day.  You can get his new album, MCII, from Merge Records on May 7th.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/77810900″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Lo-Fi Pop from Jackson Scott

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tumblr_inline_mhpmrvFGQc1qz4rgpDon’t you love it when there’s a shroud of mystery swirling around a musician and his work? Sure, it adds intrigue, but it also seems like the artists is making a statement like “hey, you don’t need to know me, just listen to my music.”  In the case of Jackson Scott I’m completely okay with that attitude, especially considering the songs are so ridiculously good.  There’s definitely a creepy vibe going on in these lo-fi pop jams, but I can’t help but find myself completely sucked in to the songwriting. He’s currently giving away his album, Melbourne, right now, so go HERE and get lost in his world.

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

Download:Jackson Scott – Evie [MP3]

Rocking with Growl

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1847203292-1Austin upstarts Growl just released their new EP, Gallery this past weekend, at what I heard was a riotous good time over at Hotel Vegas.  We might have missed the show, but we’re not going to let you miss out on one of the city’s best kept secrets.  Just because you feel like the band’s going in one direction, just wait a second, as they’re likely to switch it up to you.  The songwriting reminds me of a more energetic version of Hollywood Gossip, one of Austin’s most missed acts (in my mind anyways).  I’ve chosen this track to get you into the group, but I encourage you to travel HERE to pick it up!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/02-Abbreviations.estuary.02_22.mp3]

 

Dreamy Track from Psychic Twin

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1750This new jam from Psychic Twin, a recent signee to Polyvinyl Records, is something that seems straight out of the bedroom pop of the 80s.  It opens with this trickling it of synth work, but then the entrance of the vocals switch it up, giving it a more enchanting feeling. Personally, the fact that it doesn’t really stay in one place for too long is quite intriguing, listening to the song move back and forth between tropical and bedroom pop.  If you’re into what the group is doing, and you should be, then find yourself picking up their Strangers 7″ on March 5th.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/74934072″ params=”show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Old Tune from La Luz

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3063780113-1Why post a new old tune from La Luz you say? Well, for starters, this is a solid jam.  But, it’s also to celebrate the cassette release of Damp Face via Burger Records today!  I first caught wind of the group via Finest Kiss, where the good people go, so I’m glad to share this opening tune with you today.  There’s a dream quality to it, with a surf-pop underbelly.  But, if you’re asking for my two cents, which you may not be, there’s a sultry side that wears more of a reflective R&B tone.  Make sure to check in with Burger, as they’ve got tons of hits coming your way this February.

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

Download:La Luz – Call Me In The Day [MP3]

Check Out Pond (w/ members of Tame Impala)

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pond620I know everyone out there is all about the hype associated with Tame Impala, and it’s much deserved, for the most part.  What I like is the brother band, Pond, who seem a bit more experimental sonically, shooting all over the place musically.  I guess it’s sort of the same landscape where Tame began, shifting between genres left and right, often in the middle of a track.  We’ve really been digging this tune over at ATH, and if you’re into it, you can find their new album Hobo Rocket at your record store this Spring via the folks over at Modular.  All good thigns come to those who wait, and this will surely be a good thing.

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

Download: Pond – Giant Tortoise [MP3]

New Jam from Grape Street + Album News

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grape_st._cover12inchThe time is nigh for the second release from Austin Town Hall Records; I’m thrilled to officially announce that we’ll be releasing the debut album from Austin’s Grape St., A Date With You.  We’ll be doing a limited run, which will be released on March 12th, and I assure you, you’re going to want to get your hands on this, as their likely to go quick.  For those of you not in the know, Grape St. features members of Harlem, Frank Smith and Hello Caller, so you know you’ve got some heavy hitters writing songs.  I chose this jam to share with you (along with another single) because in my eyes it demonstrates more than one direction the band is going.  It’s not all clever hooks and bouncing beats…I particularly dig the horns.  Pre-orders for the album will be up in a few weeks.

Don’t forget Austinites! They’ll also be playing with Residual Kid and Calm Blue Sea this Friday!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/10-Track-10.mp3] [audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/A-Date-With-You.mp3]

Download: Grape Street – A Date With You [MP3]

Fuzzy Rock from Dune Rats

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365771269-1I figured there’s not a better way to kick off your week than by throwing some upbeat jams your way.  I just got this tune from Australia’s Dune Rats, which accompanied their NSFT video for another track they’ve recently put out titled “Red Light Green Light,” which you can find on YouTube.  But, this track is probably my favorite of the two, and I think it’s going to get you excited to catch the act when they make it to the states for SXSW.  It’s got hooks that are undeniable, plus there’s a garage quality that you know we all find endearing.  If they’ve got hits like this up their sleeve, then we’re in for something grand from these Aussies.

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

Download: Dune Rats – Pogo [MP3]

Rose Melberg Wears Imaginary Pants

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3132283664-1I wanted to bringing you something special on a Friday, something I thought you could really sink your teeth into before you hit the weekend. This little jam comes from Rose Melberg and her new project Imaginary Pants.  The duo has a collection of demos, but they sounds pretty incredible if you ask me. I like the opening jam, and I can see how the sound fits into the modern music industry, with vocal harmonies and a little bit of twang. They’re going to toss out this wonderful collection on Lost Sound Tapes sometime in the near future, so keep a look out. You can grab all the demos HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Imaginary-Pants-Imaginary-Pants-01-Cave-to-Cave.mp3]

Download: Imaginary Pants – Cave to Cave [MP3]

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