Author: nathan.lankford

Sonic Avenues – Television Youth

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Rating: ★★★★☆

Over the last decade or so the United States has been flooded by wave after wave of Canadian bands, with a great deal coming from Montreal.  While the majority of Montreal’s exports have predominantly dwelled in the artistic pop spectrum with the likes of Arcade Fire at the helm, it’s not all the city has to offer.  Sonic Avenues are an energetic foursome kicking out power-pop/pop-punk on Television Youth the likes we’ve all been missing.

“Givin’ Up On You” jumps you right into the brash affair with a furious drumming and the ghost of Chuck Berry’s guitar being played at maximum speed. You’ll do more than just stomp your feet or tap your toes with this number; if, like me, you’re versed in the old school, you’ll surely be pogoing around your office cubicle or dorm room. A few minutes away lurks one hell of a single, the one that gives the album its name, “Television Youth.”  There’s not just one thing that makes this track stand out; you can pick between the drumming, the “oohs,” the gang vocals or the guitar playing.  Regardless, songs like this deserve to be played by everyone, loud and in close proximity to your annoying neighbors.

Sure, there’s been a handful of other bands banging away such Exploding Hearts influenced pop, but I don’t really feel as if any one has turned the volume up quite as loud as Sonic Avenues.  “Late Summer Goner” and “Fadin’ Luv” both bear a small resemblance to Gentleman Jesse and His Men, but these Montrealers hit it just a bit harder, giving them a much more punk sounding monstrosity of a record than many of their peers.  Perhaps it’s just a little bit more of an unabashed approach to kicking out the classic sounds; whatever it is, it works throughout Television Youth.

You can’t help but find every little touch on this full-length slightly more than infectious.  Pushing through the album is easy, as its brief, allowing you to put all your energy into ransacking your room in joyous abandon.  Even if you start to think that it all blends together, even a bit, you find exciting tracks like “Back Up Back Down” hiding at the end, assuring listeners that no matter how much you think you love your power-pop, you can never get enough of it when it sounds this good.

Admittedly, Sonic Avenues haven’t broken any brand new ground with their latest effort for Dirtnap Records, but they’re execution of the craft revitalizes the genre just a touch, bringing a faster more ferocious variety than many of their predecessors or peers.  Each time I press play on Television Youth, a smile lights up my face, ready for my body to contort spastically as I flail about.  You can’t ask for much more in a record than that; proof that these dudes are on top of the game.

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

Download:Sonic Avenues – Television Youth [MP3]

New Number from Wild Nothing

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We’d be remiss if we didn’t hit on the big news of the day, the return of Wild Nothing to the music-making fold.  When Pitchfork premeired the track earlier today, they talked of main songwriter, Jack Tatum, working in a professional studio for the first time.  I’m not sure how I feel about that, as I felt like a lot his charm came from the fact that he crafted those sounds in his bedroom.  Still, after listening to this track, so far everything seems well; I’ll be pleased if its half as good as Gemini, their first full-length.  For now, expect this single to come out via Captured Tracks, in order to hold us over while the band is recording.

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

Download: Wild Nothing – Nowhere [MP3]

Old School Rocker Sort from Zeus

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A lot of bands have nostalgically hit back at the 80s, but that’s not the path that Zeus seems to take.  They’ve gone even further, hitting up on the AOR sounds of the 70s, using sharp guitar licks and Rod Stewart-esque vocals to kick out their jams. The group are about to release their new record, Busting Visions, on Arts and Crafts this March, and if you dig you’re rock n’ roll with a bit of old school swagger, then this is definitely the one for you.  I can see you jamming around the house, singing with your friends, just promise me not to spill the beer!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Zeus-Are-You-Gonna-Waste-My-Time.mp3]

Download:Zeus – Are You Gonna Waste My Time [MP3]

Standard Fare – Out of Sight, Out of Town

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Rating: ★★★★☆

Recent years have seen a reemergence of power-pop, which really just adds up to kicking out hard-rocking tunes with a whole lot of sheen.  Sheffield’s Standard Fare definitely have an affinity for the purity of pop, and their newest album Out of Sight, Out of Town, will have you applauding for both its simplicity and quality.

Trickling guitar lines introduce you to Out of Sight, Out of Town by way of “The Look of Lust,” just as you meet the attractive vocals of Emma Cooper.  For a few moments, the band shows some restraint, softly approaching the main part of the song, which features a certain sharpness in song composition.  Little flares, such as changes in the vocal delivery and the addition of strings make this a track you’ll listen to years from now. As they move into “05 11 07” the pace is picked up, but the plot’s still the same, using the charming lyrics of Cooper to unite splendid guitar play.

But, just as you start to fall for the pattern, Standard Fare throw in a little bit more of a jangle your step, and theirs.  Clearly Emma is the star of the show on “Suitcase,” with an underlying bit of sexuality lurking beneath her vocals, reminiscent of Victoria Bergsman in a much more playful manner. However, the band isn’t content to just give you bubblegum pop from the female sort, as Danny How takes over on “Kicking Puddles.” This track has a real familiar feel to it, just with a heavier dose of guitars; it’s like Beach Fossils crashed into the UK pop museum. How also takes a lead role on “Bad Temper,” a song that definitely hits furious and fast.

While there’s a nice straight-forward pop theme on Out of Sight, Out of Town, it’s the band’s playfulness that really gives them the extra step above many of their peers.  The reggae rifts that permeate “Half Sister” demonstrate that the band’s still working on fleshing out their sound as a whole, especially with a small dose of catchy hand-claps.  And while they’re willing to push the envelope a bit with their music, Standard Fare can also kick out traditional ballads like on “Early That Night.” It’s the slowest track on the whole album, but one you all the hip kids should definitely play while their hosting the next hip dance party…you know, just so you can actually get to touch the opposite sex.

One of the best thing about writing record reviews is finding a record you can repeatedly go through from start to finish, wanting to write about every single song, and that’s precisely what Standard Fare have accomplished here. Out of Sight, Out of Town is an effort that’s sharp, clever and ultimately enjoyable for all fans of pop music.  It’s the best type of record there is, so have fun enjoying this wondrous gem for some time to come.

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

Download:Standard Fare – Suitcase [MP3]

New Music from Water Liars

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As soon as this song kicks off, you’re looking at a sludgy rock track, right? Well, push forward a little bit, and you’ll find yourself tapping your feet to this great folk jam.  Water Liars (formerly Phantom Limb) is the name of the group comprised of friends sharing some camaraderie between Missouri and Mississippi, and they’ll be releasing their album, Phantom Limb, on Misra Records on Februrary 28th.  The thing I like about this track is that it goes between this beautiful folk number, and that sludgy riff that kicks off the track.  Ultimately, the love is in the meat of the track, and you’ll definitely find yourself playing this song over and over again today.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/100.mp3]

Download: Water Liars – $100 [MP3]

Warm Pop Number from Princeton

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It’s been quite a bit since I heard anything about Princeton, but I’m glad the group’s back o the up and up.  They’ve got a new record titled Rememberance of Things to Come that is going to hit the streets on February 21st.  This title tracks seems a little bit more structured around a few loops, at least up until the midpoint of the track where strings and percussion pick the song up.  It’s a feathery vocal that soars throughout the song that will really grab the ears of pop music lovers.  Come on in and get taken away by this sweet little jam.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/01-Remembrance-Of-Things-To-Come.mp3]

Download: Princeton – Remembrance Of Things To Come [MP3]

Nice Little Jam from White Fence

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People want to love Tim Presley for his Darker My Love role, but as we’re based in Austin, I’m more a fan of his Strange Boys role.  All that aside, dude’s also got a pretty nice little solo project called White Fence.  This year he’ll be releasing a two volume set of tunes, under the title of Family Perfume.  The first volume is slated to hit stores on April 3rd through Woodsist, and the first single has me pretty excited as it floated about the Interwebs today.  It’s got this little low-key jangle, almost harkening to the classic pop moments of the 60s, especially with Presley’s mellow vocal delivery throughout.   You digs?

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

Download: White Fence – It Will Never Be (Edit) [MP3]

Interesting Lo-Fi Jam from Italian Horn

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Italian Horn is the musical moniker of NYC writer Anthony Pappalardo. Dais Records just announced they’ll be releasing his Red Affair 12″, which is limited to only 300 vinyl copies, so head HERE to pick it up. It’s interesting that Robert Pollard produced the cover art collage for this album, as you can see hints of old GBV in the track that we’re featuring today.  This one’s a little more gritty in terms of the overall production, but you can sense that feeling of just writing a track solely on the evolution of a single melody.  I’ve been digging this today, so I figured I’d share.

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

Download: Italian Horn – Red Affair [MP3]

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]

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