This is fine.
Just last week I bought a filthy bit of garage pop from The Sweet Ones, but this new track from their album Big Mistakes, which is out now, shows a little bit of a softer side. Well, there’s definitely a bit of sloppiness, but it’s intentional; it gives the power-pop just enough to make you appreciate their grittiness. Surely you’ll find yourselves falling for this band as I have, at least I hope so.
Download: The Sweet Ones – Kids at the Bottom [MP3]
We were fortunate enough to throw some love to Golden Bear on our Summer Mixtape, offering up the new track “Who We Are” for you to enjoy. Still, as the October release date for the band’s new record, Alive, nears, we wanted to throw out another track that’s been floating around. It’s more pop rock goodness from these local boys, indicating that you’re set to have a whole new record worth of tunes for your vast enjoyment. The light keyboard/piano sound in the background really provides some great little details to this number. Hope you enjoy it, and get behind this great local act.
Download: Golden Bear – Prospect Park [MP3]
When we talked about the new album from ARMS a month back, it didn’t seem like the band had fully picked up steam just yet. But, now that the release of Summer Skills is nearing, more people are taking notice, and deservedly so. I love the off the hilt percussion usage in this new track, not to mention the sweeping melody that floats over it all. No need to hype this song, or album, up anymore, as it clearly is speaking for itself. What we might have lost in Harlem Shakes, we’ve definitely gained in ARMS.
Download: ARMS – Fleeced [MP3]
Now that ACL weekend is over, it’s time for us to start picking up the pieces and trying to make sense of what just happened. Before we get too heavy into that, we’ve still got a few more interviews to bring you way that we hope you’ll enjoy. This one comes from UK based outfit Wild Beasts. Lead vocalists and guitar player Hayden Thorpe was kind enough to answer our pressing questions just prior to the festival. After the jump you can read his responses.
This track is one of those numbers that you keep playing over and over again, just checking to make sure it’s as magical as it was the first time you listened; ten times later, you still love it. Little Red hail from Melbourne, but they’ve signed on with True Panther to release their debut, Midnight Remember, on October 25th. Listening below, it sort of begins with that collage work of say Panda Bear, but then it goes off in a completely different direction, spinning your ears in an entirely different direction. There’s just a hypnotic vibe here that encourages repeated listens, and that’s what makes this a good little listen.
Download: Little Red – Get A Life [MP3]
| Date | Wednesday, Sept. 21st |
|---|---|
| Location | The Parish |
| Doors | 800p |
| Tickets | $15 from Frontgate |
Over in the UK, the Horrors have been media darlings, crafting some darkly-tinged songs with Primary Colours, then turning in some brighter numbers on this year’s Skying. They’ve had some success in recent years, and this current release only has their name growing in the media spectrum. Still, don’t take our word for it; you’ve got to get out to hear these guys live! Plus, you get the added bonus of seeing them perform at the Parish, which we all know has some of the absolute best sound (if not the best) in Austin. Sounds like the perfect way to get out of a midweek funk.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/The-Horrors-Still-Life.mp3]Download: The Horrors – Still Life [MP3]
It seems that Australia is intent upon taking back pop music this year, and Chapter Music again is the team behind it all. They’ve teamed up with Peter Walsh and his group the Apartments to release a new 7″. It’s a single titled Black Ribbons, with two distinctly different mixes. The one we have below drifts into the realm of twee-pop, but it does so with such beauty that you can’t help but swoon when you listen to this track. I think we’ll look back on this in time and be thankful that the band took the time to craft such melodiously enchanting tunes.
Download: The Apartments – Black Ribbons (Spring Mix) [MP3]
| Date | Monday, Sept. 19th |
|---|---|
| Location | Mohawk |
| Doors | 900p |
| Tickets | $12 @ the Door |
It’s slightly unfortunate that this show follows the hangover from ACL, as Two Gallants are definitely a great live act, worthy of a measley $12. But, on the plus side, if you’re looking for some Americana-influenced post-rock, then you might be able to witness a great act without the usual hordes that the band usually gets when they’re in town. Opening the show will be The Mumlers, so if you didn’t get your fill of rock n’ roll this weekend, then headed over to the Mohawk this evening to make sure you’ve met your quota.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/despitewhatyouvebeentold.mp3]Download: Two Gallants – Despite What You’ve Been Told [MP3]
Honestly, I can see why there are some people that haven’t completely gotten into The Beets, but that’s such a shame. Perhaps the vocals aren’t as pristine as similarly-minded bands, but that doesn’t apply for the great melodies the band has crafted over the last several years. They’ve just signed on with the increasingly superb Hardly Art, who will be releasing their new LP, Let the Poison Out, on October 24th. On their last run through, I fell absolutely in love, and you should spend a bit of time with their last record, Stay Home, and it will only get you more excited for this much anticipated release.
Download: The Beets – Doing as I Do [MP3]
| Date | Saturday, Sept 17th |
|---|---|
| Location | Mohawk |
| Doors | 800p |
| Tickets | $10 at the Door |
You looking for a show that might not be full of ACL festival goers? Okay, so I can’t promise that, but one of the best shows on Saturday night actually has nothing to do with ACL; it just has to do with good old classic garage rock. I’ve raved about Ty Segall, and I’ve even posted on the excellent Mikal Cronin, both of whom will be playing at the Mohawk on Saturday night. If you’re needing your fix of great rock n’ roll, then you need to meet me here for this killer show. And, you can catch OBN IIIs, the great Austin act while you’re at it.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Ty-Segall-You-Make-the-Sun-Fry.mp3]Download: Ty Segall – You Make the Sun Fry [MP3]
