Author: nathan.lankford

Matt Pryor – May Day

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Rating: ★★★½☆

I’ll admit that there’s definitely a soft spot in my heart for Matt Pryor, though I was less than enthralled with his last effort with former band The Get Up Kids.  Yet, despite that misstep, he’s always had a great ability to craft songs with lyrics that somehow find attachment to my heart. Love him or hate him, you can’t deny that he’s been warming his way into our hearts from the get-go, and May Day is just another example of his perfectly executed work.

“Don’t Let the Bastards Get You Down” opens the record, and the title alone should make it a timeless song, as we’ve all been in those shoes.  But, what really stuck out to me is the rough quality of the recording that’s present.  It sets the tone for May Day, providing listeners with a personal experience that’s both raw and beautiful.  “The Lies Are Keeping Me Here” similarly accomplishes the same note, particularly when Pryor’s vocals strain in the middle track.  You’ve got to appreciate a singer who’s willing to give his all on the microphone and his music.

While Matt Pryor’s work of the last few years has definitely held a hint of melancholy, he’ll craft a nice little ditty to catch you in its hooks.  Such a song is exemplified in “Where Do We Go From Here,” a song that features a playful piano line that works its way behind a nicely strummed guitar.  I think he even makes a nod to “worse for the wear,” which old Pryor fans will surely recognize (I hope!).  For the most part, this is about as bright a moment as you’ll find lurking on the album, as the rest takes on a rather serious tone.

Still, one of the things fans of Matt’s solo work will appreciate is his ability to really step outside our expectations with inclusions of multiple instruments on his solo outings, such as harmonica, banjo and various other nice touches.  “As If I Could Fall In Love Again” might do it’s best to incorporate all these elements into one song–but Matt’s background vocals are probably the best touch to this particular track.  But, just as he’s likely to fill up a song with instruments, he’s also willing to strip everything down to its rawest form on May Day.  “As Lies Go..This Ones Beautiful” is basically a stripped down, personal ballad, with Pryor’s voice taking the lead role here.  He’s always been a little off-pitch, but that’s always been something that made him endearing.  Here, you’ll find him as stark-naked as a musician as you’ve probably seen him, and you’ll be rewarded.

I’m predisposed to love Matt Pryor, but I’ll admit dissatisfaction when it’s warranted.  However, there’s not a bad track on the duration of May Day; each track has its special moments, some more so than others.  I suppose you could complain that there’s no incredible songs blowing you away, but it’s better to look at this record as one full of really good tracks.  Whether you grew up listening to the old emo, of which TGUK and Pryor owned, or you’re just encountering him, one listen here will bring you vast listening pleasure, the likes you won’t really find elsewhere in the current climate.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/09-Your-New-Favorite.mp3]

Download:Matt Pryor – Your New Favorite [MP3]

Nice Bit of Dream Pop from Summer Twins

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When you hear about two sisters singing together, you wanna be sure it doesn’t fall into the kitsch category.  Luckily, for the Brown sisters this is not the case for Summer Twins, who’ve just released their debut self-titled album on Burger Records. Seeing as the group hails from California, you’ll see some obvious sunny influences or likenesses.  Personally, I see the resemblance, but the vocals sound eerily like Zoey D.  It’s beneficial, as it gives the track a bit of clarity and brightness in contrast to the areas where we usually find a bit of hazy atmospherics, or as I like to call it: the indie auto-tune. Give this song a chance.

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

Download:Summer Twins – I Don’t Care [MP3]

Power Pop from I Was a King

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One of the bands that I’ve really enjoyed following over the last several years has been Norway’s I Was a King.  They’ve just issued a really small run of a split 7″ EP on Splendour Records with Half-Handed Cloud, and I’m really enjoyhing their effort here. There’s a great swirling melody that is underscored by the guitar work, one of the prominent instruments in this band’s repertoire. If you haven’t had an opportunity to check out this band, the time is right to do so.  Hopefully this 7″ indicates the band are back on track and set to toss out something new in the near future.

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

Download:I Was a King – Happy [MP3]

New Track from Young Prisms

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Man, it looks like a solid year for Kanine Records, especially as they announce the release of the new album from Young Prisms.  The Cali band’s In Between, their sophomore release, will hit stores on March 27th.  One listen to the first single from this track, you’ll pretty much see where the “Floating in Blue” title comes in to play.  It opens with a nice bit of haze, then enter a light bit of female vocals to hold the song together.  Beneath all that, the guitars tie in a bit of melancholy, offering listeners a superb track they can play over and over again.  Go on, press play. And again.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Floating-in-Blue-1.mp3]

Download:Young Prisms – Floating in Blue [MP3]

Nada Surf – The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy

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Rating: ★★★½☆

When a band releases their seventh album in well over a decade, you have to wonder, what’s left to prove?  Those of you who’ve followed the endearing path of Nada Surf for the duration will find that The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy is indicative of a band still willing to go out and have a blast in the studio; they’re completely willing to play to their strengths and bring you pure pop goodness.

While their last two outings might have come across as a bit subdued, Nada Surf has no intentions of resting on the middling ground of pop, so they bust forth with some of their most powerful tracks in years.  “Clear Eyed Clouded Mind” jumps into your ears, pummeling forward, as much as the band is wont to do.  Still, it’s Mathew Caws’ performance during the chorus that completely wins your heart over, just as he’s always done.  They kick right into “Waiting for Something,” which comes across like a softer, but equally as powerful, Superchunk.  Those guitar lines unleash melody after melody, accentuated by Caws.  Surely, long-time fans, as well as newcomers, will hear the noticeable effort the band has created in putting these tracks together.

The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy might have just the perfect balance in song order, kicking things off energetically, then pulling back just a little bit whilst maintaining a whole lot of fluidity. “Jules and Jim” has a chiming guitar intro before Caws goes off into personal reflection lyrically.  Still, the slightest touches of detailing such as the faintest sound of bells and far off vocal accompaniment prove Nada Surf is still focused on providing listeners with a complete sound in each track.  But for all that, this is very much a guitar-oriented record.

“Teenage Dreams” has a nice bit of guitar choppiness correlating to the stomping drums, before the song searches for steadier pastures.  And then “Looking Through” bursts through with a quick paced bit of the purest pop, the likes that only Nada Surf seem to have mastered.  But, as much the guitars play a starring role throughout, The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy still holds dear to the tried-and-true principals the band has always stuck with: pop goodness. “Let the Fight Do the Fighting” is a return to the solemnity and melody that always drew me to the group. It sounds more polished than a lot of the other tracks, and the accompaniment of strings only serves to emotionally impact the listener.  Pop music’s not supposed to be hard; it’s supposed to be good–this definitely falls into that category.

Whether you’re a long time fan or a newbie, Nada Surf are one of the few bands that have always seemed to offer up perfect albums.  They write pop songs you can sing to; they give you hooks you can sink your teeth into; and their albums will still be enjoyed years after your favorite current fad is gone.  Such is the power of great songwriting, the sort that’s present for the entirety of The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/03-When-I-Was-Young-1.mp3]

Download:Nada Surf – When I Was Young [MP3]

New Tunes from Yellow Ostrich

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One of the records that I thought a lot of people overlooked was The Mistress by Yellow Ostrich, which was later deservedly reissued.  Finally, the band returns with Strange Land, which will hit stores on March 6th via Barsuk.  This first new glimpse finds the band confident as ever, offering up a nice piece of indie rock with crashing cymbals and clever bits of guitar chords swirling about.  It harkens back to a more straight-forward approach to songwriting, free of gimmicks for the most part, instead focusing on lyrical content that requires a great deal of your attention.  It’s always a pleasure to see this sort of music resurface in the greater landscape; don’t you agree?

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/03-Marathon-Runner-1.mp3]

Download:Yellow Ostrich – Marathon Runner [MP3]

Show Preview: The Kills @ Stubbs

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Date Wednesday, Jan 25th
Location Stubbs
Doors 700 pm
Tickets $23 from Frontgate

One of the more enduring and endearing rock acts of the last several years is the Kills, having put out album after album of sludgy guitar rock with the always fierce Alison Mosshart fronting the group.  They’re loud, they’re bratty, and they, dare I say, always “kill” it live.  But, for me, the more intriguing opening act of Jeff the Brotherhood is what’s going to bring me to throw my dollars away.  Last year’s We Are the Champions filled my ears with hit after hit of sharp-edged jams and hooks galore.  And, they won’t be the only opener, as Hunter is set to kick the whole night off.  If you’re looking for an actual rock show featuring pure on rock n’ roll, then meet me at Stubbs on Wednesday night.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/04_Shredder.mp3]

Download:Jeff the Brotherhood – Shredder [MP3]

 

Spritely Pop Tune from Alpaca Sports

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When I found this gem in my inbox, I tried to look up some info, as the hooks made it nearly impossible to ignore this group.  In truth, there is little information on Alpaca Sports at the moment, other than that it’s a solo project of Andreas Jonsson of Sweden, filling out his sound with the help of friends.  One thing is for sure, the Internet seems pleased with this tune, as its popped up in various places aside from ours.  This single is extra playful, reminding me of recent tracks by Hospitality.  If this track doesn’t get your toe tapping or put a smile on your face, please consult your doctor immediately.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Just-for-fun.mp3]

Download:Alpaca Sports – Just for fun [MP3]

Mellow Country-Tinged Track from Lucero

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Those of you who’ve been fortunate enough to follow Lucero over the years surely know how great of a songwriter Ben Nichols can be, and with his group filling in the empty spaces, they always craft great songs. Ben’s voice always provides a bit of scratchiness to your listening experience, giving a nice little twist to typical Americana.  You’ll find just such treasures on the group’s new album Women and Work, which comes out on March 13th via ATO Records.  This new single is about as mellow as the band gets, with bits of twang, horns and slide guitar being utilized to create a strong backbone for another great Lucero track.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/09-Sometimes-1.mp3]

Download:Lucero – Sometimes [MP3]

Cloud Nothings – Attack on Memory

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Rating: ★★★★☆

Dylan Baldi is hot right now, there’s no mistake about it.  Ever since releasing the self-titled Cloud Nothings album, his star has continued to rise, and deservedly so.  Now, his band returns with their latest album, Attack on Memory, determined to shift gears a little bit by going into the studio with the heralded Steve Albini.  The collaboration definitely alters the group’s sound, yet through it all we’re watching the evolution of a talented band.

Immediately upon hearing the first track, “No Future/No Past,” you’ll realize there’s a drastic change in the overall sound.  Where the band was once brash and pummeling, you find them here in a more brooding state, building the listener towards the emotional release of the song.  What’s great about the track is that you can feel it coming, you’re just not sure when that moment will come to fruition.  Rest assured, the time will come.  And from there you blast off into what is probably the most dynamic track on Attack on Memory, “Wasted Days.”  For a brief moment, it seems as if a more hammering approach to the stylings of Cloud Nothings has evolved, but as the song is well over 8 minutes, one can’t hope to hold that ferocious energy for too long.  And they don’t, offering up some jammy post-punk moments that wear a little bit towards the end.

Still, despite the altered sound on the record, there remains that knack for creating a sharp-edged hook that really captures listeners, such as the opening “fall in, fall in” line that comes with “Fall In.”  Okay, so perhaps it’s redundant a bit, but the drumming and Baldi’s voice are sufficient in carrying out the immense pleasure in this number.  “Stay Useless” offers up a more mature sound overall, though it definitely harkens back to the prominently more energetic times of early Cloud Nothings. Again, Dylan’s forte seems to be his ability to craft momentary hooks in the midst of a track that do more than enough, even with just brief lyrics like “I need time to stop moving, I need time to stay useless.”

Although the album seems brief, at least in the number of tracks – eight, there’s definitely more attention to detail in the fleshing out of tracks, giving more depth and vibrance to Attack on Memory.  You’ve also have to love the slight alterations that really craft beautiful moments like the album’s closer,  “Cut You.”  This song definitely lives somewhere in the post-grunge workings of 90s indie rock, and yet the group sounds refreshing, perhaps because of all the work they’ve put in leading up to this track. It might be the unassuming best track on the album.

For all the hubbub surrounding the usage of Albini and crafting a record around the influences on Cloud Nothings, they’ve really crafted a record that makes them seem a bit louder, a bit more thoughtful, and every bit themselves.  It’s difficult to live up the expectations of the masses, especially when you’ve risen to popularity so quickly, but Attack on Memory serves notice that the group is growing in confidence, both in sound and personality; we’re all better off for it.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/01_No_Future_No_Past.mp3]

Download:Cloud Nothings – No Future No Past [MP3]

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