Author: nathan.lankford

Austin A2W: Hollywood Gossip

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What?! New tunes?  And a new record?!  We’re really excited to bring you an update on one of Austin’s greatest little indie darlings, Hollywood Gossip.  Having been away from the scene for a short bit, the band are now returning with their debut full-length, Dear as Diamonds.  Using clever lyrics and catchy hooks, the band has won over many fans in our city, continuing to churn out pop gem after pop gem.  Their last EP, You’re So Quiet, featured sunny guitars with a touch of twang, along with steady drumming and distinct vocals from Tyler Womack (“Bicycle” was one of my favorite jams for months, and tonight).  One of our favorite things about the group is that they’re likely to always look on the brighter side of things, never getting too deep into subject matter; this all leads to great fun for the audience time and time again.  Speaking of audience, the band will be playing their CD release on June 19th at the Ghost Room.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/05-Narcissus-In-A-Window.mp3]

Download: Hollywood Gossip – Narcissus in a Window [MP3]

Math and Physics Club – I Shouldn’t Look as Good as I Do

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Rating: ★★★★☆

Seattle group Math and Physics Club have one full-length and a few EPs under their belt, but after a short break it seems that they’re ready to continue their foray into the world of perfect pop tunes.  I Shouldn’t Look as Good as I Do is not power-pop, nor is it twee, instead its just crafty pop rock of the best sort.  It’s straightforward, and in being so, you find you’ve enjoyed the entire album without even being aware of why it sounds so good.  There’s no hype, there’s just great songs.

“Jimmy Had a Polaroid” opens with a swirling guitar line, but in a few short seconds the band bounces off on the backbone of great drumming.  Guitar chords battle between sharpness and gentle strumming, all the while commenting on the good times shared in relationship.   The idea of relationships is quite often a theme on this record, especially when you step into songs like “Trying to Say I Love You.”  Singer Charles is doing his best to prove a point, trying to win back the one he loves.  His efforts don’t seem to be effective, but the understated song just wins your heart time and time again, as often the simplest lyrics are often the ones that we connect with the most.

From here, Math and Physics Club take a bit of a divergence from their clever pop, going in the direction of The Decemberists.  In fact, its exactly what you wish The Decemberists sounded like, as banjo and horns are accompanied by well-crafted words, but of the overly verbose sort.  The only other song that slightly shifts away from the group’s sound on I Shouldn’t Look as Good as I Do is “I’ve Been That Boy,” which is just vocals and quiet guitar strumming (a touch of tambourine).  Oddly, such basic songs are often the hardest to write, and pull off successfully, yet I keep coming back to this tune time and time again.

Including upbeat numbers on this record really has paid off for the band.  “Will You Still Love Me,” which features guest vocals from Jen Garrett, pushes the pace, while still retaining the infectious pop sound of the group.  Adding a female vocal to balance the male counterpart pays off huge dividends, making the song one that lasts in your memory.  Even the inside joke of “We’re so DIY” has a faster pace, all the while carefully mocking the present state of indie rock music.  If it weren’t for an amazing melody, and the hint at putting fun (created by the “oh yea” chorus)  into the song, people might take offense; it’s hard to dislike a song so enjoyable.

In the end, I Shouldn’t Look as Good as I Do draws to a close before you even know it.  Ten songs in under thirty minutes, and yet you’ll turn right back to your stereo and press play.  While some may seek some sort of artistic virtuosity, it is often the band’s like Math and Physics Club that make the most delicious records.  They’re not trying to win any awards, they just want you to enjoy great pop tunes, and on that basis alone, this record is a huge success.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/mapc07.mp3]

Download: Math and Physics Club – Jimmy Had a Poloaroid [MP3]

New Tunes from Bubblegum Lemonade

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It seems like everyone in Scotland has a band that writes great tunes; Bubblegum Lemonade is just another one of those stunning groups fronted by Laz McClukskey.  The group specializes in combining everyone’s favorite jangling guitar with pure bubblegum pop, creating a nice milkshake of delicious melodies sprinkled with tasty goodness.  They’ve got a new 3 song 7″ coming your way titled Caroline’s Radio, and we’ve got the lead track headed your way now.  You can find your way to the 7″ at Matinee Recordings.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/bubble08.mp3]

Download: Bubblegum Lemonade – Caroline’s Radio [MP3]

Here We Go Magic – Pigeons

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Rating: ★★★½☆

When we first heard from Here We Go Magic on their self-titled album, the work was largely the product of Luke Temple.  On Pigeons, we find Luke extending the olive branch to his bandmates, collaborating on the collection of tunes, which leads to a more complete sound for the group, and one that shows a great deal of cohesiveness.

A crazy little bass line opens up the album, coated by the usual layering of the rest of the group on “Hibernation.”  More construction seems to be the biggest difference here, as details are fleshed out in every bit of space.  Temple’s vocals are really soothing, almost warm, which makes the vocal more of just another way to fill out the sound.  It all leads into one of the band’s best songs to date, “Collector.”  Temple’s vocal delivery when he says “I got a mild fascination” just gets me every time, and its not even the best vocal performance of his on the song.  Furious pacing by guitars and drums alike barely give you time to breathe, and before you know it you’re blasting on towards the end.

Some weird moments pop up throughout Pigeons, and perhaps this is just a personal thing.  By weird I mean there are some odd influences, that may not be conscious ones at all.  “Casual” really has a Stereolab feel to it, using electronic beats to build gentle melodies, with very soft vocals barely sitting atop the mix. “Bottom Feeder” is one of those sneaky tracks that doesn’t seem to fit quite into the entire album, although the Nada Surf feel might not be too far fetched for these NYC kids.  It’s a gem of a pop song, though it doesn’t fit the mold of the rest of the songs, but just focus on the fact that its a killer track.  Let’s not forget the quirky “Old World United,” which just feels good to listen to it.  It’s got a throbbing bass line and key use of electronic touches allows for maximum amounts of listening pleasure.

While the latter half of the record seems to largely be constructed of more jamming pieces, such as the fast paced “Moon,” the variance softer numbers are some of the more rewarding upon repeated listens. “F.F.A.P.” moves really slowly, and its one of the few songs of the set where Here We Go Magic seems to let Temple’s voice shine through, which it should do more often.  His voice holds this track in place while the music is secondary, used more as filler.   But, while those bright moments have all shown greatly during Pigeons, the album end sort of anticlimactically.  Two of the shortest songs close it out, and they seem more likely to be moments of tinkering and studio downtime than well thought out tracks one would include on a record.  It’s the one disappointing thing about the entire group of songs because up until this point in the album, it appeared that the group was really hitting their stride.  Alas, those weak moments aside, you’ll find growth and depth in the sound of Here We Go Magic, and no one can complain with artistic progress.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/02-Collector-1.mp3]

Download: Here We Go Magic – Collector [MP3]

New Tunes from Chief

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The way Domino Records describes Chief is with the word timeless, which is really what most artists aspire to be, or at least they should.  In this case, it might just prove true with the latest 10″ from the band, titled Night and Day.  Right now, it seems like a perfectly apt song for those warm summer evenings waiting for a breeze to blow in along with the melody, but I can picture myself getting my jam on to this track as we turn to Autumn.  Regardless, it’s a solid track, and just a hint at what will come your way when the band release their new album in August. (via MBV)

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Night_Day.mp3]

Download: Chief – Night and Day [MP3]

Ty Segall – Melted

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Rating: ★★★★☆

Garage rock has made quite a resurgence in the last several years, and it’s been enforced, or heralded, by one torch bearer or another.  In the resurgence era we had King Khan, Jay Reatard and now we’ve got Ty Segall.  His new album Melted, on Goner Records, is just a dirty rocking party fueled by catchy choruses and pounding rhythms, so let’s get to it.

Ty has a style all his own, and its first apparent when he opens the album with “Finger,” just slowly strumming and lightly howling for a few extra bars.  Then the garage rock power fuzz kicks in.  There’s nothing clean about the sound on this track, and yet there doesn’t need to be, as Segall’s changing vocal delivery powers us through, right into “Ceasar.”  Bobbing bass lines bounce you through this number, as the percussion sort of bangs away haphazardly. Beneath the grit here lies Segall’s ability to carry melody, which he treats you to about midway through the track.

Melted doesn’t just pound away at your ears graciously, as the band can add a little bit of a jangle and swing to their numbers.  “Sad Fuzz” allows room for the vocals to sort of place around, and yet the chorus provides listeners with the impression of a young man slinging his guitar about, which you’re likely to catch live. Album closer “Alone” also demonstrates Ty Segall stepping outside of the scuzzy barroom brawl, doing his best to pull every bit of melody out of his words as possible.  While it might seem like a it of a drone, it definitely accomplishes its goal, closing the record with an appropriate breather.

Soft points aside, make no mistake that this album is stocked full of straight ahead power and energy, of that disastrous sort. After getting lost in the meandering feedback of “Imaginary Person” your caught up immediately in a bouncing number that powers along, much in the way Jay Reatard did prior to his death.  It’s the arena that brings about the best in Segall, combining his interest in modern garage rock with his desire to provide a little bit of a hook for the audience.  This is perhaps one of the best numbers on the album, almost bringing about the inner Danzig in the singer.  And you can’t ignore the forceful “My Sunshine,” which bangs around with remnants of late 60s garage.  Nothing on this track sounds clean: not the vocals, not the drums, not the guitar.  All the while, you’re tapping your feet, waiting to see what’s coming next, only to be side-swiped by a nice little guitar solo to end the song.

Ty Segall is keeping himself busy right about now, working on his own stuff and recording the works of others.  One would think that this wouldn’t leave time for much creativity, but rest assured, there is nothing boring about Melted. It’s loud and boisterous when it wants to be, and it can be a little bit gentle in spots.  Such a combination packs the perfect amount of punch, and just racks up another successful record from Ty.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Caesar.mp3]

Download: Ty Segall – Caesar [MP3]

Suckers – Wild Smile

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Rating: ★★★★½

For over a year, people (including us) have been salivating at the thought of having a full-length album from Suckers.  Finally, the time for Wild Smile is upon us, and it will go down as one of the top records of the year, fulfilling on all the promises and praise.  There’s no way around it; this record is fantastic.

“Save Your Love for Me” opens the album slowly, almost dragging out the melodies while the band introduces you to their gang-vocal approach that will woo you throughout the duration. Around the 3+ minute mark, the band bursts into a little bit of a yelp and high pitched squeal, offering up another dynamic to listeners.  Then it fades softly away, bringing you into “Black Sheep.”  As soon as the hi-hat is kicking, and those guitar chords cut in, your bobbing your head, tapping your feet, ready to memorize the words so you can sing along.  When Quinn Walker goes off, you get a sense of the wildness that goes along with their tunes, and their live shows.

Suckers aren’t just a group intent on blasting you away with in-your-face melodies; they can offer restraint at times.  You’ll find “You Can Keep Me Running Around” builds the groove in a rather slow manner, and still the dynamic of the band’s vocal approaches keeps your focus on the enjoyment at hand.  Similarly, “King of Snakes” has a sharp guitar line that slowly walks itself through the song, while various layers slowly build themselves into the song.  Careful listeners of Wild Smile will appreciate the variance in the song sequence, as the moments that let up slightly, allowing you room to breathe, certainly serve their purpose, all the while offering great music for your ears.

Although the entire album is superb, there will always be a standout track or two that simply rise above the rest.  “A Mind I Knew” is one of those songs, building slowly from the start until the rest of the song starts to catch up with the vocals.  It sort of stays there for a minute or so, but the band is intent on providing the maximum listening experience, as the gang-vocals rise in the middle creating an enjoyable sense of cacophony that grooves and bangs all the way to the end.  Personally, the one-two punch of “It Gets Your Body Movin'” and “Martha” are my favorite recorded moments of music to come out this year.  Part of me attaches that with the incredible live performance of the former I’ve witnessed on several occasions, and the fact that the recorded version aligns itself with my memories make it a wonderful piece of pop.  “Martha” is nothing short of exuberant fancy.  If you can refrain from bobbing your head and tapping those toes here, then you’ve won some sort of promise.  This track attaches to every happy muscle in your body, encouraging you to use them all at once.

One could go on and on about how amazing Wild Smile is as a complete album, but then again, those are just the words of an obsessed scribe.  Suckers have constructed album that you must absorb on your own, create your own reactions and be carried away by its power.  Rarely do we get to experience records like this that push boundaries and encourage exploration that will differ from person to person, but rest assured, all reactions will be positive, as these songs ask for nothing if not positivity.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/05-A-Mind-I-Knew.mp3]

Download: Suckers – A Mind I Knew [MP3]

New Tunes from Megafaun

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We’ve talked to you all before about how much we love the Carolina folk group Megafaun, and we’ve got more good news, as well as good tunes, today.   The band will be releasing a mini-album, Heretofore, on September 14th featuring six brand new tracks.  Their web site promises their best lyrics and hooks to date, but remind us that another new album will be recorded in the fall.  If they keep rocking some folk numbers like this one here, it look like we’re in for good things, as usual, from Megafaun.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/megafaun-volunteers.mp3]

Download: Megafaun – Volunteers [MP3]

The Drums – s/t

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Rating: ★★★★☆

The Drums have been on everyone’s radar for a little under a year now, but their star has continued to shine all the way up to the release of their self-titled album.  Their combination of surf guitar hooks and 80s electronic beats is destined to make this record the smash of the summer.  It might possibly be too sweet, but this is the kind of fun we should all have as we sit in our kiddie pools drinking beers with our friends this summer.

Opening with “Best Friend” you’ll find that bouncing groove of the bass moving you right into your first dance movement of the album.  Jonathan Pierce’s hip little croon will keep you swaying, just as it should.  It’s possible that this might not be the most artistic work, but there’s no denying that from the moment The Drums begins, it’s catchy as all get out.

First single from the group “Let’s Go Surfing” was one of our favorite Songs of 09, and it still has the same charm it did when we first heard it. Beach guitar sounds fused with whistling and a charming lyrics make it hard to ignore this song, and no matter how long you listen to it, it still has the kick you ask for in a great single.  Then you come into the beneficial “Book of Stories.”  While it retains the same surf-dance sensibility of early tracks, it definitely slows things down, turning the album in a different direction.  It’s pleasing to see such a variance here, as too much straight lo-fi pop might have put listeners in a sugar coma.  Similarly “Down by the Water” does the same thing, just a few songs later.  It provides a nice contradiction to the infectious pop moments, and Pierce’s voice rises high in the most charming way possible.  Personally, it gives The Drums more in common with bands like The Church rather than the surf version of New Order or The Smiths.

“Forever and Ever Amen” is accompanied by a killer video, and the swirling melody within this sound, despite a redundant bass line, really makes you swing your arms in pure ecstasy.  As the chorus goes “forever, baby its forever,” you feel as if you’re being sucked into some perfect John Hughes montage.  In fact, you can see the Breakfast Club dancing about the library here, at least in my mind, which is perfectly fitting.  It’s a reminder that the album is filled with a certain sense of innocence and frivolity that, when done in good taste, reaps marvelous rewards for listener and songwriter alike.

Time will surely tell how important The Drums self-titled debut actually is.  But, one thing is for sure right now: their intelligent pop tactics combining summer sounds with electronics is the perfect music for kicking off summer in the right way. This album is full of melody, hooks and just simple fun, and while that might not always be my cup of tea, it surely seems to be working with this record.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/02-lets-go-surfing.mp3]

Download: The Drums – Let’s Go Surfing [MP3]

LCD Soundsystem @ Stubbs (6/8)

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Date Tuesday, June 8th
Location Stubbs
Doors 530 PM
Tickets SOLD OUT

Obviously everyone is really excited for this show, as tickets have already SOLD OUT, but we know there are people on Craigslist waiting to get rid of their tickets if you’re willing to pay the price. LCD Soundsystem always puts on a ridiculously great show, owed largely to the performance of James Murphy.  If you’re into this band, you better get into this show, as rumor has it that LCD might be no more after the recent release of This Is Happening.  You’ll also be treated to a good little opener by checking out Holy Ghost! If you’re there, hope you have fun; I’ll be hanging with my moms for her birthday. And if you’re not, rest assured there are lots of great shows coming up in town this week.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/drunkgirls.mp3]

Download: LCD Soundsystem – Drunk Girls [MP3]

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