Author: nathan.lankford

Drifting Pop from Ruby Haunt

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On this new Ruby Haunt tune, the synth that opens the track took me somewhere unexpectedly. It’s sonically similar to the electronic sound used by M83 for “I Guess I’m Floating,” which immediately let me escape my body for a minute. I welcomed a collision of worlds, and only returned when the vocals just gently decided to walk into the tune. Interestingly, and perhaps induced by my M83 comparison, this song evokes some grand feeling of contemplation, of just getting lost in your own headspace. It’s a good way to spend a few minutes, warm electronic melodies and soft vocals letting you leave the world around you, albeit for just a moment. The band will release Blue Hour in September.

Maxband Drop One Final Jam

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A lot of folks are probably circling the Maxband wagon due to the participation of Parquet Courts drummer Max Savage (his name is in the band’s name, though he doesn’t sing on the tune below). But, with their new album, Perfect Strangers, hitting this Friday, they wanted to give you one more convincing number…and this might just be my favorite. At first, I felt like the group were channeling some of Max’s brother’s solo work; it has that same rustic indie rock feel to it. Then, the last minute and a half led me to my final conclusion…they’re writing hook-laden casual rockers a la REM…something I can definitely get on board with, so be sure to stick to the final minute at least! And, if you’re so convinced, as one should be, that this is your next favorite album, grab Perfect Strangers from Gentle Reminder Records this Friday.

Charlie Belle Are Back

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The Austin indiepop duo Charlie Belle have had some ups and downs in their brief career, from NPR praise to leaving their label, they’ve seen it all. It seems that’s helped them keep things in persepective, and with their forthcoming EP, it looks like they’re back to basics working around the centrical force that is pop music. Jendayi has this sparkling voice, proudly defiant at times and quiety coy at others; it works well against the circular riffs from her guitar. The band will release their Like I Love This EP on September 25th, with another EP already being readied for Spring of 2019.

Show Preview: Smokescreens at Hotel Vegas (8/23)

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Thursday night is as good a night as any for a rock show, and all of Austin is in for a treat, should they choose to visit Hotel Vegas on said night. You get two great traveling acts in the Molochs and Smokescreens, the latter associated to our site’s highly regarded fave label, Slumberland Records…not to mention a Terry Malts/Business of Dreams connection. If you haven’t, as we suggested, picked up Used to Yesterday, then we suggest you do so now. The Molochs, for their part, will likely play a good deal off their forthcoming LP, Flowers in the Spring, so why not sneak a peak? And, both Tres Oui and the Zoltars will be peforming on the night, both ATH approved! Doors are at 9!

Weakened Friends Announce Debut LP

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Don Giovanni has pretty reliable tastes, and it looks like the label has secured another success story, today announcing the debut LP from Weakened Friends. Founding member, Sonia Surino has this incredibly distinctive voice; it almost seems like a nervous tick, almost something primal and uncontrollable. This lends itself well to the band, as you can feel the passion in her delivery, often times culminating in the crashing of cymbals and distortion. There’s a little polish after the minute and a half mark, giving a nostalgic nod to 90s college radio classics. Look for Common Blah to drop on October 19th.

Another Charmer from Molly Burch

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It should probably come to no surprise to us, by now, that Molly Burch would charm us all over with her latest single. For my two cents, I love the playful, almost tropicalia-esque guitar chords being used in the distance. It plays as the great set-up for the deep smoky tones that dominate the various verses in the album. She also takes on a more crystaline vocal during the chorus, once again illustrating what a powerful music tool Burch’s voice can be. Her new full lenght, titled First Flower, will be released by Captured Tracks on October 5th; it’s probably going to be ridiculously good.

Another Pop Delight from The BVs

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Earlier this year, the BVs dropped a great EP release via KUS, but now they’re moving to drop a new 7″ on the great Cloudberry Records. The track seems to work with a looped percussive elements and a driving guitar line toeing the careful line of jangling. The vocals have this calm delivery that almost makes you feel as if you’re sitting near the band while they give a sort of melodic spoken word performance. It’s not every day that indiepop gets executed this perfectly, make the anticipation of a new release this Fall all the more enjoyable.

Plums Ready EP02

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Up until now, I always think of songs with the title Wendy as an ode to Descendents (even though I know that’s an ode to Beach Boys in and of itself). That might change now that I’ve heard the pop amalgamation coming from Plums; there’s something sinisterly sweet in this song. Perhaps it’s the R&B references at work in the harmonies, or maybe the hauntingly playful moments that creep up from the distance. I guess in the end, it’s a fairly simple pop song, though it’s being presented in a unique repackaging…hopefully drawing in listeners. The group will drop EP02 on September 7th via Forged Artifacts.

Power Pop Punk from Tommy and the Commies

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There’s quite a resume for Tommy and the Commies, from Statues to Strange Attractor…but no matter what, this group of Canadians are their own entity. That being said, you’ll find the lead single on their new Here Come LP lives on a weird intersection between the Buzzcocks and Marked Men; it’s punk rock, and yet it’s not. For me, those dagger guitars riffs and anthemic yelps can only encourage marching in a circle arms a-swinging (safely, mind you), occasionally jumping to meet the vocal call. It’s fun and its pop and it comes out on September 28th via Slovenly Recordings.

Paul Alexander Announces LP Under Two Medicine

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Admittedly, I haven’t even thought about Midlake in some years, though that’s not meant as a slight to the band. So it’s good to see that Paul Alexander will be stepping out on his own under the moniker of Two Medicine. Our first listen to anything from the album is quite special in my mind; it’s like a sheet on clothesline, billowing in the wind, and with each gust, it soars higher and higher into the air. And that’s all just surface level ear candy, but the real treat is the careful worked happening below with harmonies and quiet bubbling bass providing the song with some advanced texturizing. The debut LP, Astropsychosis, will drop on November 2nd via Bella Union.

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