Author: nathan.lankford

The Spook School Prep Album

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spook-schoolIt’s been a bit since I’ve heard from the Spook School, but by the sounds of their new single, it looks like the group is ready to come back with a vengeance. Their last album, Dress Up (2013) was phenomenal; it was upbeat indiepop. You get the hooks and charm, but it’s played with a heavier hand.  Think of acts like Speedy Ortiz or Joanna Gruesome, but with a more charmed approach, making them slightly more appealing to those with softer spots in their listening hearts. They’ll be releasing Try to Be Hopeful this October via Fortuna Pop, with a promise to take on subject matters dealing with “sexuality and being awesome.” You can also check out this really great video of the band discussing issues of transgender with LJG HERE (it’s pretty great).

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Have You Heard Hotman

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hotmanIt’s amazing that in all the hubbub about music cities dying no one is really discussing how difficult it’s been for a lot of musicians to even eke out a living in one band…they often turn to two or three different projects.  Maybe that’s the case for Joe from Low Culture, or maybe he just loves to play music.  This track below opens up with a kinship to Guided By Voices, which initially caught me, though it travels to an entirely different territory as the song drives on, pushing more towards the punk direction that you might associate with Joe’s other band. Hotman only has these two tracks, but they’re NYOP, and they’re both super rad, so get on it.

[audio:http//www.austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Hotman-Ghost-Love.mp3]

Download: Hotman – Ghost Love [MP3]

ATX Spotlight: More New Rain Collectors

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rainWe were fortunate enough to premiere the first Rain Collectors single of the year, and now the charming Austin duo has another tune for you all to enjoy. Santiago, who plays in other well-known ATX acts like Growl takes the lead for the opening moments of the track, then trading places so Blair, of AMA, can come in and do her thing…only for the two to unite during the chorus.  Honestly, there’s probably lots of little musical nods they’re making, but you can’t pinpoint just one sound, making the group sound utterly refreshing whilst still feeling wholly familiar. Let’s keep our focus on these guys as they continue to charm their way into our constant listening rotation.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Rain-Collectors-Lock-The-Door.mp3]

 

ATX Spotlight: New Letting Up Despite Great Faults Jam

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Letting Up Despite Great FaultsI was out of town, so I should have been on this tune already.  We love Letting Up Despite Great Faults, and we’re always here to support those guys (and gal)…thus why I’m putting up this instrumental jam that they’ve recently released.  I hope it means the group are backing in the studio working their way towards another release, which can only mean good things for Austin. Seems like a pretty good way to wrap up what’s been a good case of the Tuesday’s in my book, so enjoy yourself as we close the day out with a little local love.

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Welcome Return for The Intelligence

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intelligenceIt’s been a hot minute since we last heard from The Intelligence, the band that always shifts and changes sounds between albums, whilst always sounding every bit like themselves.  They’ve just returned with this new single, and while there’s about 20 seconds of goofing around in the studio, as soon as the bass line begins to groove, you’re caught in the perfect mix of a steady rocker. They even bring in part-time Thee Oh See, Brigid, to add a nice vocal contrast to the tune.  Probably one of the bands I feel are the most underrated, so I look forward to their new effort, Vintage Future, which hits on September 25th via In the Red.

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More Love for the Wimps

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wimpsAs you get ready to pick up the new EP from the Wimps, I figured I’d toss out another tune that’s been out for a week or so…just to further encourage your good tastes.  While this quick little jaunt runs at just under 2 minutes, there’s plenty music in here for you to enjoy.  Personally, I love the fact that the three piece seems to really have narrowed their focus in the songwriting, as their new tunes sound infinitely more powerful and direct than their earlier work…though that was enjoyable in an entirely different delight. It’s just nice to see a good band grow and still charm you…so without further adieu. Kill Rock Stars is handling this release…for this Friday!

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The Rightovers Making My Day

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rightoversI always keep an eye on the labels I love, so I was really happy when Jigsaw Records tossed up this track from The Rightovers, a Hawaiian act who’ve just released their debut LP, Blue Blood.  It’s interesting, as the music is not quite indiepop, yet not far off; at the same time, it’s not classic alternative college rock, and yet it is.  Ultimately, it makes for a rewarding sound that you’ll circle back to time and time again, hopefully enjoying what you’re listening to, rather than try to decipher the musical nonsense I lay before you.  Want a good tune? This one works.

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Doubting Thomas Cruise Control

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doubtingthomasWould love to know more about the story behind the name, Doubting Thomas Cruise Control, but what I do know is that their latest single is pretty solid number in my book. It reminds me a lot of early 2000s indie rock, the kind that often showed up on Jade Tree.  It’s got a casual delivery, yet this slowcore approach to the guitar sound…and I’m a fan of both those things.  It’s another reason to keep an eye on the band as they prep the release of their new album, Remember Me John Lydon Forver; it’s being released on August 14th via our friends at Fleeting Youth Records.

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Video Premiere: Shivery Shakes “Swimming”

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Shivery ShakesWe were more than happy to put out the Shivery Shakes LP, Three Waves and a Shake.  And, one of the perks of having a label associated with the site is that our bands can do whatever they want…and usually we’re pretty cool with it.  So, today we’re premiering the second video from the band’s great debut, “Swimming,” which is one of the song’s written by drummer, Marcus. It’s a pretty rad little video, and it definitely continues the great vibe from their record.  Don’t forget, you can get your hands on that pretty clear vinyl right HERE. They’ll also be throwing a fun little soiree over at Rio Rita at 9 PM tonight to celebrate the video’s release, so be sure to show up and have a few drinks with your favorite bros.

[youtube]https://youtu.be/_wv0yLDOY20[/youtube]

Rose Melberg’s New Band = Knife Pleats

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knifepleatsI think any fan of great indie rock the last several years has to agree that no matter what Rose Melberg touches, it’s going to be magic…in some way or another.  The last project we had from her was Imaginary Pants, but now she’s got a new outfit up and running, Knife Pleats. And yes, as always, Melberg and her pals fulfill the promise, creating hook filled tunes that make you feel young…and ultimately smile. The foursome will release Hat Bark Beach on September 29th via Lost Sound Tapes…with the CD version coming out later via Jigsaw…both reliable options for great tunes.

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