ACL Spotlight: The Moondoggies
As the date continues to draw closer, we’re still going strong, bringing you another band we think you should take notice of during Austin City Limits. Read on for our thoughts on The Moondoggies. Read more
Author: nathan.lankford
Show Preview: The Men @ Emos (9/1)
| Date | Thursday, Sept. 1st |
|---|---|
| Location | Emos |
| Doors | 900p |
| Tickets | $8 from Ticketweb |
This year I seem to be in the mood to really rock, or at least to mildly rock, in so much as I just can’t go full-on metal. That being said, one of the band’s I’ve really enjoyed is NY’s The Men (not to be confused with the Le Tigre side-project). They’ll be bringing their bit of raucous noise our way in support of their latest album Leave Home, which came out earlier this year on Sacred Bones. Also, another excellent band on the bill is Grave Babies, who have just put out a nice little 7″ by our dear friends over at Hardly Art. As the season begins to really pick up steam for rock n’ roll, this is just as good a place as any to get your rocks on.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/themen-bataille.mp3]Download: The Men – Bataille [MP3]
Total Babes – Swimming Through Sunlight
Rating: 
When press first came out for Total Babes, a lot of attention was given to the fact that it featured a member of Cloud Nothings, and to a certain extent, that’s a fair association, as the similarities are definitely visible. However, Swimming Through Sunlight, the band’s debut on Old Flame Records isn’t just a re-imagining; it stand up on its own merit.
If you’re looking for a catchy lo-fi hook, you won’t have to look beyond the first song, as “Like They Always Do” features a chorus that grabs you while the noise distortion swells in the background. It’s a quick hammering, not staying around too long for fear of giving you a little bit too much sugar. But, while this shares that affinity for noisy-garage pop a la the aforementioned association, the next track, “Be So Sure” shows resemblance to another lo-fi pop band, The Thermals (it’s not just me is it?). Perhaps the vocals could be cleaned up a bit more on the recording, but it definitely has that sweetness mixed nicely with a bit of excessive noise, just like Hutch would want it.
One of the best things about listening to Swimming Through Sunlight is that you can see various touches of the modern musical landscape, but the inherent melodies and songwriting enable to group to move beyond pure mockery. “Someone to Blame” sounds an awful like Wavves at their best, even featuring a similar lyrical style, using simple words to convey a message. I suppose that various sources can knock the group for a lack of originality, but you can easily look beyond that once you get to the core of the songs. They’re not too long, giving you just a taste of their glory, then moving on, asking you to revisit at a later point.
Personally, I would like to see Total Babes revisit the studio with a bit more of a polish and sheen. For instance, there’s a brightness to the opening guitar line in “Without Your Heart,” but that clarity eventually parts for a grittier sound. This isn’t entirely a bad thing, as it serves its purpose in a great deal of the tracks featured on the record, but a certain sharpness could really propel these songs to the next level. Even in the closer, “Tip of My Tongue,” there’s this incredible element of pop, but it’s buried so far beneath the mix that it comes off sounding more like a demo than a final product. It’s the slightest difference between an incredible song and just a really good one.
All in all, Swimming Through Sunlight is full of bright spots, and its clear that the songwriting is far more than just your moderate fare, but Total Babes still have a bit of work to do in the finished product. Clear vocals here, bit of distortion removed there, and you’ve got a wonderful record full of memorable hooks, sing-a-long moments, and enough power to kick the rest of the genre in the face; looking forward to that day!
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/02-be-so-true.mp3]Download: Total Babes – Be So True [MP3]
Show Preview: Olivia Tremor Control @ the Mohawk (8/31)
| Date | Wednesday, August 31st |
|---|---|
| Location | Mohawk |
| Doors | 630PM |
| Tickets | $10 from Frontgate |
If you’ve been listening to indie rock for the last two decades or so, you’ve probably heard of Olivia Tremor Control. They’re part of the Elephant 6, the collective that spawned Neutral Milk Hotel and Of Montreal. They’ll even have Music Tapes opening the show, another band associated with NMH. Now, Jeff Mangum probably won’t be there, but you’ll still get to see a bit of history, not to mention some great music.
If you’re not into the band’s sound, you can also catch local acts such as Grape St. or Leatherbag rocking across town as well.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/otc1997-03-19t13.aiwa_.flac16.mp3]Download: Oliva Tremor Control – Holiday Surprise 1 [MP3]
More New Music from Light for Fire
Last month I brought you an incredible track from Light for Fire, and they’ve just pushed out another little single for the masses. This time around, they give you a bit more of a folk-troubadour sound, but you know that’s never a bad thing in our book. It seems that every track this band puts out just begs to be played over and over again, regardless of where you are. Their self-titled album is out now, and available for your pleasure, so take my advice, as this is a collection of songs that won’t leave your record player for some time.
Download: Light for Fire – The Huckster [MP3]
Show Preview: Mister Heavenly @ the Mohawk (8/30)
| Date | Tuesday, August 30th |
|---|---|
| Location | Mohawk |
| Doors | 6:30 PM |
| Tickets | $11 from Frontgate |
It seems like it wasn’t too long ago that the boys in Mister Heavenly were here, mostly because I saw them several times, each time hoping the girls would stop taking photos of one Mr. Cera. The group just released their album Out of Love a few weeks back, and it seems like the press in general have appreciated the combination of Honus Honus and Nic Diamonds. Both guys can rock a crowd like few others, so forget about Michael Cera, and just go to the show because it’s got great indie rock from established vets. Waters will open up the evening, so we expect to see you there.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Pineapple-Girl.mp3]Download: Mister Heavenly – Pineapple Girl [MP3]
New Song from Elba
There seems to be a small amount of buzz growing behind Seattle group Elba, and I’m here to further their endeavor. In September, the group will be releasing their self-titled album, which will hopefully put the band’s name out there. On this track, the ringing guitar floating is mesmerizing, while the quieted backing vocals provide a new level of depth to the song’s sound. Like me, you’ll scour the Internet for more tracks; you can find one on their BANDCAMP, and another HERE. All signs point to a great release to further our already busy listening schedule in the fall.
Download: Elba – From A Sinking Ship [MP3]
New Jam from Wavves
Finally! I’ve got something on Nathan Williams! I’ve actually met Dave Grohl. Twice. Why does this matter you ask? Well, Nathan, and his band, Wavves, just released a new track tonight, “I Wanna Meet Dave Grohl,” which will appear on the band’s Life Sux EP, which hits the stores on September 20th. Honestly, I wasn’t entirely convinced of Williams’ talent until the last year and a half or so, but he’s cleaned up the production, and included great hooks, like those you’ll find here. His star was rising long ago, but I feel as if this will only continue if he progresses the way he’s been heading. I mean, come on, just look at that face. Put that with a track like this and you’re bound to be a huge success. Now, if only I can get that girl from Best Coast to be my girlfriend.
Download: Wavves – I Wanna Meet Dave Grohl [MP3]
Devon Williams – Euphoria
Rating:
Devon Williams has gone seemingly unnoticed, or he’s lived just below the lines of indie success. Now, however, he seems poised for a breakthrough; Euphoria just might be that perfect blend between bedroom sensitivity and blissful pop. If not, then perhaps things weren’t meant to be, but you can tell that Williams has perfect control over his craft with his latest release for Slumberland Records.
As if the cover art wasn’t enough, “Revelations” willingly sets the mood, bringing about the central theme of euphoria, musically speaking. There’s a cleverness to the song’s construction, that’s both playful and, dare I say, pretty. “Your Sympathy” continues along the note, but the guitar sounds definitely will find a home with fans of the bedroom-pop of today. That guitar will ring throughout the song, but it’s the “ooohs” of Devon Williams, not to mention solid drumming that move it beyond the recordings of your average boy and his four-track.
While “Dreaming” furthers that bedroom pastiche, “Sufferer” takes it even further. There’s fantastical elements all throughout, with various effects on the guitar crafting the soundtrack one would find in a land such as that on the cover. It’s bright, yet there are dark hues and hidden patches only close listeners might fine. For the most part, Euphoria really sticks in this musical vein, not straying too far off. That is until you get to “Right Direction.”
In this tune, you’ll find an entirely different guitar sound, one that’s much warmer in tones, rather than slightly angular. It’s sort of the middle ground between Euphoria and his Williams’ last record, Carefree. There’s a more moving pace, but there’s definitely that affectation for sweeping sounds. It comes at the perfect time, breaking up the possibility of monotony that stems from too many like-minded tracks. Which is precisely what this track seems to do, as the rest of the album is more of a mix of sounds and styles, making it the more exciting half of the album.
“How Is There Always Room” seems intent upon reliving various soundtrack moments from 80s movies, yet Williams has a different vocal approach, allowing the song to evolve beyond cliche. “Tired of Mulling” is more of a casual ballad, accompanied by lush string arrangements. It’s a track that stands out on its own, in so far as it doesn’t sound remarkably like anything here, though it easily fits into the collection. And as Euphoria draws to a close, everything seems to have fit, falling nicely into the theme defined in the very title of the album.
Devon Williams didn’t always sound like this, but he always possessed the talent and the songwriting to make such huge leaps and bounds. It’s an album that refines the bedroom-pop of today, adding forceful percussion, lush arrangements and, honestly, solid production. While at times it may blend together too nicely, it’s an excellent effort, making Euphoria worthy of accolades from this writer, and surely many more.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/Your-Sympathy.mp3]Download: Devon Williams – Your Sympathy [MP3]
More New Music from Gross Magic
A few weeks ago I brought you a jam from UK up-and-comer Gross Magic. I’m going to go ahead and take credit for pushing this band on the masses, as they seem to be exploding on the Interwebs at this moment. As we get closer to the American release date of the Teen Jamz EP on October 11th via Fat Possum, more music is floating out. One listen to this beat-laden track, and you’ll begin to realize precisely why I find GM so interesting, making the sound more than just your average pop collage piece. This is definitely one of my favorite short EPs of the year.
Download: Gross Magic – Sweetest Touch [MP3]