Dark Pop-Gaze from Seatraffic

If you’re in the search for some brooding pop music, then you better press play on this new Seatraffic jam as quick as you can.  It takes almost a minute to build into the lyrics, but once the vocals come in, the dark undertones make way for the rest of the song to settle into a nice groove.  The San Francisco-based group will be releasing their latest 7″ on a limited vinyl release come August 1st, and this is the A-side for that release.  Subtle dark undertones always make for great listening, no matter what mood you find yourself in at the moment. Give a listen.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/01-Crimes.mp3]

Download:Seatraffic – Crimes [MP3]

Magic Trick – Ruler of the Night

Rating: ★★★★½

You never really know what you’re going to get with a Tim Cohen listening experience; he’s a man of many faces, wearing various hats in Fresh and Onlys, Tim Cohen and now Magic Trick.  After the first few listens to Ruler of the Night (Hardly Art), you can clearly see that he’s put aside that psych-pop hat, just for a moment, crafting something truly remarkable that won’t leave your record player for days or even weeks.

If “Ruler of the Night” is going to be your starting point, it’s the place that first establishes a different approach for Cohen and Magic Trick, now that the band has been solidified.  You’ll find lightly strummed guitar and an extremely warm backing vocal; the careful construction of the song demonstrates how far Tim is willing to go on this outing.  Immediately following is “Torture,” which just might have the longevity to be one of my tracks of the year.  You can see the lineage of this track, and possible connection, to Fresh and Onlys, but the melodic harmonies backing your frontman here see him pushing that sound; he even takes a stab at a soaring vocal himself, to much success.

Ruler of the Night will probably be remembered most for the variance in songwriting that Magic Trick utilizes on the effort.  “Sunny” sounds like a San Francisco group taking a stab at writing a Magnetic Fields song, but perhaps that’s just the guitar sound, or the backing vocals.  The mood of the song resonates with the title, but it’s juxtaposition to the dark ballad “Next to Nothing” gives you reason to make sure your listening experience revolves around the completed record.  While similarities exist overall, each song creates its own bit of character, all dependent upon the accompaniment of the rest of the group.

“Same People” seemingly has its roots in Tim’s fascination with hip-hop, and it plays like a bit of electronic constructionism. Cohen’s vocals barely seem to rest atop of the beats, but it fits in with the mood of the album, especially when the tone is lightened during the chorus.  It’s a similar track to the appearance of sampled beats early with “Invisible at Midnight.”  The construction of the song definitely revolves around the electronic elements, but like the previously mentioned track, there’s an explosion of brightness that comes with the chorus.  Such delicate touches to the construction of each track demonstrate how careful the group has been in finishing off their compositions.

If anything, Ruler of the Night seems to be a statement for Tim Cohen.  While Magic Trick might be a side-project, it’s definitely one that forces everyone to take notice of the songwriter as more than just a purveyor of psych-pop.  He’s got a solidified group working with him in Magic Trick now, and together they’ve crafted a welcoming album that reveals more to your ear and heart with each careful listen.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/MagicTrick_Torture.mp3]

Download:Magic Trick – Torture [MP3]

The Intelligence – Everybody’s Got It Easy But Me

Rating: ★★★★☆

It’s been almost two years since Males, the last record from the Intelligence came out, so I of course welcomed a return to the fold with Everybody’s Got It Easy But Me (In the Red Records).  It’s all over the place, in the best way possible of course, giving listeners everything you need to enjoy listening to an album from start to finish.

Listening to “I Like LA,” the album’s opener, I feel as if group leader Lars is having a pleasant go with the listener, slowly introducing himself to the world all over again; for the most part, it is an introductory type song, that is until the band joins him in a heavy-handed rocking until the end.  Oddly, it’s the diversity of this track that really sets the scene for the rest of Everybody’s Got It Easy But Me. Just as soon as you think you have the feel for what the group’s doing, you get the jittery “Hippy Provider;” it’s short and jagged, but it’s the sort of song you expect to see hordes of fans pogoing about in their favorite club.

It all seems like fun and games for the Intelligence, until you arrive at “Techno Tuesday,” the group’s latest single.  It’s not your conventional hit, but I feel that it is one of the more accessible tracks the group’s written to date; the heavy strumming with Finberg’s vocals floating over is perfect for fan’s of early Shins–even has a similar bounce.  It’s similar to the garage ballad that comes later via “Little Town Flirt,” which is a Del Shannon cover–it also features Shannon (of Clams and Hunx/Punx fame).  Throwing these sorts of mellower tunes definitely propels the record’s longevity, breaking things up for the audience.

Of course the meat and potatoes of Everybody’s Got It Easy But Me has to be the edgy rock leaning of the band.  You’ll find it lurking in the stylistic approaches of all the songs, but the power lives in songs like “(They Found Me in the Back of) the Galaxy.  While it starts off with a similar riff (one of my few complaints about the record), the guitar work throughout provides a sense of creativity and juxtaposition, all the while sounding as tight as you’ve heard the group.  These are the sort of attributes the Intelligence is known for, and they’re exhibited left and right on this effort.

By the end you’ll find yourself with two long-ish jams, with “Fidelity” remaining my personal favorite. Sure, the lyrics define some of the heartbreak Lars has endured, but the emotional quality of the song supersedes the thematic element.  Eventually, it blasts off into sort of a cacophonous melody, hopefully highlighting a transcendence for Mr. Finberg.  It’s precisely the type of bookend you need for a great record, again recapping the diversity that lives within.  Everybody’s Got It Easy But Me is filled with artful rock n’ roll, but there’s enough of a mixture that moves the group beyond falling into the trap of sounding too redundant.  I’m sure after your first listen, you’ll feel the same.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/08-They-Found-Me-In-The-Back-Of-The-Galaxy.mp3]

Download:The Intelligence – (They Found Me In The Back Of) The Galaxy [MP3]

Also, if you want an excellent read on Lars’ thoughts on the album, had over to Finest Kiss for a great interview/explanation now!

Classic Pop Track from Bart and Friends

Haven’t heard about Bart and Friends yet? Well, if you follow the Australian pop scene, then surely you’re aware of bands like Lucksmiths, Zebras and Black Tambourine…all which have members in this wonderful supergroup of sorts.  Of course, it doesn’t hurt that they’re releasing their There May Come a Time EP on one of our favorite labels, Matinee Recordings. This is precisely the sort of gems the label is known for, featuring some of the best pop you’re going to hear around the globe.  This tune has Pam Berry taking the lead, backed by  a steadied hand of gorgeous pop destined to make you swoon.  Give it a listen, give it some love.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/There_May_Come_A_Time.mp3]

Download:Bart and Friends – There May Come a Time [MP3]

Fun Rocker from Finn Riggins

I first brought you Finn Riggins earlier in the year as the group was preparing to release their Benchwarmers EP, and they’re back again with another single to get you interested.  This tune features gang vocals from the trio, bouncing rhythms and steady drumming.  I don’t know what it is about these guys, they just seem to get under my skin, in an endearing way of course. There’s even a little jam in the middle, followed by more enjoyable rock moments.  If you’re on the West, the group heads out on tour, though they unfortunately won’t be making it into Austin just yet.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/03-Big-News-1.mp3]

Download:Finn Riggins – Big News [MP3]

New Jam (and tape) from Velcro

A few weeks back my friend Guy from Chapter Music turned me on to Velcro, a Melbourne band that I really dug.  They’ve just released a new tape overseas, and the lead track is pretty solid; I’ve been jamming to it all this afternoon.  They’ve also seemingly tossed it up for free on their BANDCAMP page, so you have the right to enjoy it, just in case you’re not into ordering tapes from abroad.  Regardless, these guys are really warming me over with their mellow affected pop tunes, and I have a feeling that it’s only a matter time before the rest of the world gets to see the talent laying in wait.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/07-One-Day-1.mp3]

Download:Velcro – One Day [MP3]

Show Preview: Cave Singers @ Red 7 (6/11)

Date Monday, June 11th
Location Red 7
Doors 900 pm
Tickets $10 at the Door

I was so excited to get the chance to see Crocodiles perform tonight at Stubbs that I completely went unaware of the impending show by Cave Singers tonight.  I aim to rectify my oversight, knowing that Cave Singers always bring their A game to the live setting.  Their last record, No Witch, spent a lot of time on my playlist, and I hope you spent some time with it as well.  If you’ve got the funds, then this is definitely a show you should get out and see.  Smoke and Feathers will probably kick things off around 10 PM.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/02_Swim_Club_1.mp3]

Download:The Cave Singers – Swim Club [MP3]

 

More New Music from Magic Trick

Tim Cohen‘s newest track has been floating around for a few weeks now, but it was just made available to us, so I’ve got to fawn over Magic Trick some more.  His newest LP, Ruler  of the Night will be out on Hardly Art this week, and I suggest you pick it up if you know what’s good for you.  Of course, if you’re familiar with Tim’s work in Fresh and Onlys, the slow progression of the guitar and Cohen’s vocals will certainly be surprising. There’s an abundance of creativity, however, in the song’s final construction, which is one of the things that’s made listening to Magic Trick so enjoyable.  Dig in folks.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Magic_Trick_-_Invisible_at_Midnight.mp3]

Download:Magic Trick – Invisible at Midnight [MP3]

New Jam from Cold Cave

Okay, so it’s not a new jam obviously, as it was recorded awhile ago as a B-Side for the Cold Cave‘s latest effort, Cherish the Light Years. It’s a heavy-handed dance jam, precisely what we’ve come to love from the group in the last few years.  For me, it sounds like a dark-edged Depeche Mode, rooted in the history of 80s, but obviously it’s got that modern twist.  Admittedly, there’s nothing new and sparkling about this song, nor the style, but it’s a jam I felt would kick off your Monday in the right manner.  Hope it does you justice.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Cold_Cave_-_Believe_in_Our_Blood.mp3]

Download:Cold Cave – Believe In Our Blood [MP3]

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