Will Johnson Has a New Band

Surely you’re aware of my undying love for all things Will Johnson, be it his solo work or Centro-Matic, but now he’s founded Marie/Lepanto with Justin Peter Kinkel-Schuster of Water Liars. Johnson’s voice is clearly a standout on the band’s first single, quivering slightly with his distinctive tones. This tune’s also a bit heavier than the work we’ve heard from Johnson of late, which could be due to Kinkel-Schuster, but regardless, the melodic elements unfurl beneath the crunchy guitar work. The duo will release Tenkiller on January 26th via Fat Possum imprint, Big Legal Mess.

Something Special from HOLY

The new single from Sweden’s HOLY seems intent on frightening you, elevating a slight bit of noise from the get-go. But, if you endure, you’ll be rewarded with the beautifully revelation of the balladry draped atop a piano backbone. Eventually, electronics and drums enter the picture, continuing the song’s natural build; it’s like building a beautiful tower of pop, one floor at a time. There’s a brief interlude in the midsection, which gives way for a slightly grittier vocal performance that eventually meets up with the more polite voice from the song’s early minutes. Seriously stunned by how beautiful this is; look for All These Worlds Are Yours on January 26th via PNKSLM Recordings.

Big Bill LP Release Tonight at Hotel Vegas

Austin favorites, and one time ATH Records act, Big Bill have just released their excellent new album Stand By Your Bill. It’s filled with some of the best song’s the group has written to date, and the band aim to share those hits with you this evening over on a stacked bill at Hotel Vegas this evening. The line-up is fleshed out with some of Austin’s finest, such as Annabelle Chairlegs, Pollen Rx and the Infinites. That’s four incredible bands for one low bargain price, not to mention you’ll get your chance to pick up the Big Bill‘s LP on vinyl, released on their own First Human Records. Come one, come all…I’ll see you there!

New Number from Ski Lodge

Andrew Marr and his project Ski Lodge have quietly released a few singles over the last year, and just before the music Internet takes a break, they’re dropping one last upbeat number. It opens with an almost New Order ode, bubbling yet distant, driving home an infectiousness from the get-go. Marr eventually makes his way in there with his deepened croon, accentuated by increased pace from the drums and a wash of synth. The central guitar line still captivates throughout, easily making this one huge bouncing bit of joy. No word on a future release, but for now, let’s enjoy the ride.

Really Digging on New Shannon and the Clams

While the garage-rock swagger may have fizzled out, it seems fitting that Shannon and the Clams have made it through unscathed, as they clearly found a niche within the genre that seems rather timeless. The guitar sound carries that nostalgic swing to it, but of course Shannon’s voice is always bound to steal the show; she has this incredible range that often gets overlooked with her slight rasp. The band are all set to release their new record, Onion, which will be released by Easy Eye Sound on February 16th.

Another Tune from Fascinations Grand Chorus

Tomorrow we’ll all get to hear the Anglesea EP in full, but for now we get another tease with the title track from the new EP from Fascinations Grand Chorus. While the first single had an almost doo-wop vibe to it, this track holds a more cavernous vibe. Drums working over synths provide a darkened vision, carefully manipulated as the vocals rise from the depths of the mix; it kind of reminds me of some Karen O. I love how the duo drag their tunes beyond the three minute mark, allowing plenty of room for sonic exploration. Look for the new EP tomorrow!

Another Hook Laden Hit from Blush

It’s a shame that Blush are releasing their debut album this Friday. I only mean that in the sense that a month earlier and it would have been almost guaranteed a spot in many year-end lists, including my own. Opening with a casual bit of guitar, the song quickly seduces listeners with Maura’s vocal performance; she’s got this natural cool that just pours through your speakers…the sort of assured indifference made for rock stars. A sly little beach pop nod at the end, and the song is over, leaving you to seek out more…and you can have just that when the group release their self-titled LP Friday via Arrowhawk.

Continually Impressed by Hello Paris

Hello Paris has been on my radar for some time, crafting these bouncing indiepop hits coated in atmospheric washes; it’s precisely what we get with the brand new single that just peaked its head up. Immediately, the drums dance your way into the track, quickly joined by jangling little guitar lines. The vocals, while not entirely clear, add a further texture to the tune, giving it that cool beach vibe we all adore…especially now that Winter is creeping in to our lives. Not entirely sure where this tune will fall in the release schedule of the band, but as of now, you don’t want to sleep on this gem.

Top Albums of 2017

Lists are arbitrary and burdensome, but why not join the fun everyone else is having? We gathered our lists, separate lists for all of us, then combined them into one that had 50 albums. What you get here are the four writers/contributors of ATH, giving you their meaningless opinions on what we thought was the jam in 2017. It’s alphabetical, and we put the initials next to it so you could track down your enemy!

 

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