Author: nathan.lankford

Lean Year Share The Trouble with Being Warm

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Feel like we delved into some heavier notes this morning, so reckon I should toss in something a little gentler, a little mid-morning cleanser of sorts. This new Lean Year tune is striking, and there’s really not another cliche way to spin that. For starters, the setting of the song is this stark atmosphere, a sort of warbling synth builds the backbone, with a bare piano twinkling as strings work into the fold. Emilie Rex’s vocal performance is brilliant, especially as it hits the 4 minute mark; she has these notes that seem to cut right through you, though they still maintain this element of fragility and nakedness. Combined, you have this moving piece that feels like it touches on the grief that surrounds their new album, Sides; it’s out on September 2nd via Western Vinyl.

 

Electric Pets Drop Don’t Leave Me

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When someone drops Mazzy Star meets Dick Dale notes in your inbox, you know you’re interest is going to be piqued, right? Well, I checked out the new single from UK outfit Electric Pets, and now I’m hooked on their sound. My ears hear a bit of that smokey Sandoval-esque vocal, though channeled in a sort of dark psychedelic nature fit for a smoke-filled backroom lounge; it fits really well with the loose surf meets garage feel of the guitar work, with cymbal work adding in an added layer of hipness. The video’s a collection of other clips, past and present, furthering this modern nostalgic vibe that they’ve captured so well, walking that line between then and now. Look for the band to drop their Rhinoceros EP later this summer via Reckless Yes.

The Soft Moon Announce Exister

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How can you not be thrilled by this new jam from the Soft Moon? It’s heavy and propulsive, hinting at darkness, but disguised as a heavy pop song. The moment the rhythm drops in with those tuned vocals, you’re lured into the dark side of pop. I feel like that’s fitting, as songwriter Luiz Vasquez details how the song expresses the turmoil built by his own battles with ‘good side/bad side.’ This track and video also features fish narc adding in some vocals, mixing in a little bit of that duality in the song itself. With this video you get the announcement of Exister, a new LP for Sacred Bones (9.23), as well as a huge tour across Europe and the States…with an Austin date in the fall.

Welcome Strawberry Share No One Online

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Wanted to get into something slightly heavy this morning, so I figured we’d start the day off with this burning ripper from new Oakland outfit Welcome Strawberry. The band have just announced their debut LP, and with Jorge Elbrecht mixing their brand of poppy shoegaze, I’m excited to see where this group head. Honestly, it makes sense that Jorge has his hands in this, as this definitely sounds like the natural evolution of where he was taking Violens; it also hints at a bit of that fun acid house, albeit with a much heavier hand in there. Their debut self-titled LP drops this September courtesy of Too Good to Be True and Cherub Dream.

Stream Big Bill’s Public Freakout Compilation

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Long long ago, in a city far far away, we dropped a few 7″ from Austin punk heroes, Big Bill. The band has since gone on to bigger and better things, with their latest album Public Freakout Compilation dropping last week. The band are still working with off-kilter time signatures, perfect for the unique vocal delivery of singer Eric Braden. I will say that there’s a softening in the band, particularly when you get to tracks like “Almost Everybody,” as the band are clearly no one-trick pony. I stand by “Coma” being one of their best tunes, so go on and give the Public Freakout Compilation a listen to one our favorite bands over 25!

The Orchids Return with New Album

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Guess it’s a Sarah Records sort of Monday, which I’m totally okay with over here. After the Useless Users announcement, let’s turn our attention to the Orchids. The Glaswegian outfit have announced a brand new LP, Dreaming Kind, their first record since 2014. For fifteen seconds they tease us, hanging with some wee ambient bits before the song just seems to drop in from the heavens, with James’ voice in particular embracing you as it crosses through your speakers. At times, the tones of the guitars and keys leave a darker note to the song, but one can’t escape the melody churned out, especially when that chorus hits you. Dreaming Kind will be released by Skep Wax on September 2nd. And, if you’re ordering from the States, the label’s worked out a deal with American distributor Jigsaw, so you won’t have to worry about shipping costs! Grab it quick!

Useless Users Announce We Are All

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With historical lineage and ties to Sarah Records, you’re likely going to love Useless Users (members of Secret Shine, Action Painting, Even as We Speak), but please don’t go into thinking this is a revisiting of the days of old! Useless Users are onto something new, something a little more dedicated towards a denser realm of pop music. The opening track on the band’s debut creeps along, bubbling bass working over sharp little beats; the vocals have this ghostly aura, with guitars ringing about behind it. While the opener exudes patience, the group still maintain their murkier edges while pushing a bit of a pace, as you see on “I Am Forton Wreck;” this is likely where folks are giving the band early Pulp nods! What I’m hearing is a bunch of great tunes, written by songwriters I already loved, so I expect We Are All to fulfill my wildest dreams; it drops on July 3rd via Emotional Response Records.

The Beths Prep Expert in a Dying Field

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There aren’t too many people making pop rock as good as Elizabeth Stokes and The Beths; today the band announce their brand new LP, Expert in a Dying Field. This new jam kicks off in true Beths fashion, using sharp drum hits and tightly tense guitar notes to raise Stokes’ voice into the forefront. I love how they pull back the punches just before the minute mark, setting up another verse in perfect fashion. I do hear some noisier elements, or at least some flare in the background, which was promised in the press release; it’s pretty pronounced with the ripping guitar solo and smashing close. Time will tell if they can balance the noise and the pop, but so far so good! Expert in a Dying Field is out on September 16th via Carpark.

Last Week’s Jams, Today (6.6 – 6.10)

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Pretty busy week over at ATH, jammed out to bunches of bunches of tunes, plus did a nice little quick wrap-up of what’s going on in the Austin scene. Our friends Dummy continued their world domination with their great new single from Sub Pop, plus we got some new tracks from forever faves Slow Rosary, Alex Dupree and Scarves…not to mention a bunch of newer acts we’re starting to fall in love with, like Blue Cove and Cusp. Check out the jams and enjoy your Monday my friends.

Slow Rosary Prepare Free Wifi in the Vatican

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I fell in love with Slow Rosary last year when they dropped their album Refinery, and they’re already back with a brand new collection of songs for Free Wifi in the Vatican. You can tell on the first of these two tracks that things feel different; the tune almost has this sort of cacophonous, early Arcade Fire vibe to it, albeit one spun through the band’s unique discussion on the underbelly of Catholicism. It’s exciting to hear the band return to the fold so quickly, and this one’s shaping up to really stretch their sound into something spectacular. Free Wifi in the Vaticandrops on June 24th.

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