More Music from Craig Martinson

craiggyI’ve written about Craig Martinson before, and as he unleashes a new single our way, I’m fascinated by his ability to play the musical chameleon, even within a singular song.  He opens his verses here with a sound that seemingly falls in line with the likes of Beck or Eels, but the eruption for the chorus is something entirely different.  For me, it takes on a more classic pop music sound, one that’s been reimagined by many new-psych enthusiasts.  Look for his new EP, My Love Is True, this summer; it’s bound to be an interesting adventure to say the least.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/189526784″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Hope You Didn’t Miss This White Reaper Jam

whiteyThe latest single from White Reaper has been floating around for a few days, so I’m circling back hoping you didn’t miss the band’s new tune.  Guitars build here in alternative fashion that recalls some of the work that Weezer was doing upon their reformation, chugging down on those heavy riffs.  But, even if that’s not your thing, you should wait until the 1.5 minute mark where the song erupts into the chorus; it’s an emphatic punch that continues to build on the band’s bombastic live shows.  You’ll get to hear the group’s new album, White Reaper Does It Again on July 17th when it sees a release from Polyvinyl Records…so get yourself ready.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/207549480″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

A Tale of Two Nights: Courtney Barnett in Austin (6.4 & 6.5)

Admittedly, I’m a sideline Courtney Barnett fan.  The tunes are good, and I enjoyed The Double EP, but these two nights were definitely meant for my ladyfriend, who many might call a super-fan.  So, for the two nights we shared together with Courtney Barnett, I just sat back and watched her enjoyment, while taking in the whole situation of one of indie rock’s fastest rising stars taking over Austin.

Please, read more…

Read more

ATX Spotlight: Stream BOAN’s Mentiras Album

11110566_306541539469705_1897996077752239897_oWe’ve brought you the title track from Austin’s electro outfit BOAN previously, but the generous people at Holodeck have now put up the entire album for streaming.  If I had to pick up a track for you to absorb immediately, it would be the opener, “Babylon.”  The vocal delivery of Mariana is peculiar in her pronunciation, drawing your ears closer, while the duo crafts these rhythms that pulse and pull.  While there are only five songs on Mentiras, there’s plenty for you to sink your teeth into, including the 11 minute “BOAN Acid” track.  Grab the record next week from Holodeck.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/88459999″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Jackson Boone Sounds Cool

boonSometimes you come across something and it immediately stands out.  Case in point, Jackson Boone, who’s got this deep entrancing voice that drew me in as soon as things lifted off. Still, a voice alone rarely carries a song, so Boone’s got sweeping strings that allow for a dark pop sensibility to creep into the track, almost as if it’s a haunting from the caverns of 60s pop music.  He’s been holed up with members of Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Radiation City to create what I dream is a wonderful masterpiece, Natural Changes; it’s set for a release this September.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/208355072″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

More New Jaill

jaillPretty sure there’s never a bad time to listen to Jaill, especially when it’s another brand new song from the group’s forthcoming album, Brain Cream. I will say, that the band are definitely displaying some growth on this single, having broadened the sound by taking their sound and adding to that with a wash of excellent supporting instruments.  It has the spirit of old Jaill, but you get the feeling that this is the sort of tune that could be played with a grand string arrangement behind it, propelling the band further into a world that I adore. Still, it’s got that swagger beneath, and the brevity will have you rushing back to play it again. Look for it on Burger Records on June 30th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/206667907″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Brand New Royal Headache Tune!

royRoyal Headache is one of my favorite bands, despite having very little output.  Their debut album was a ferocious attack on modern rock n’ roll, hitting hard with high octane guitars over Shogun’s soulful voice.  They’ve just released a brand new single, and I’ll admit, there’s a bit of a difference in the song…to my ears at least.  The pace is a little bit slower, allowing for the voice to shine in the front of the mix; it still has that gritty recording quality to it, which I absolutely love. The Australian group will be releasing their new album, High, on August 21st via their US label, What’s Your Rupture–the same label responsible for bringing you Parquet Courts.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/208452974″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Dreamy Pop from Part Time

parttI sure hope that Part Time doesn’t end up being one of those bands that everyone adores, yet everyone overlooks.  I’ve mentioned before that I always appreciate the ability of David Loca to work in varying styles into his albums, and it looks here that he’s got a bedroom dream pop track ready to fit into the listening experience for you.  You can just hear those twinkling synth touches working their way around the guitar chords; it’s the sort of music that probably filled many a college dorm room in the 80s…yet it fits perfectly into the modern landscape. Look for Virgo’s Maze to pop up in a few weeks via Burger Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/206465155″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Enjoying Coastwest Unrest

IMG_9241We’ve got a lot of tunes to go through this week after the server issue, so I’m behind on all my listening.  One track I’ve gotten really into is the latest single from Coastwest Unrest. It really feels like what I wish Lucero sounded like, using a bit of a blend of indie rock/americana, fronted by a punk rock attitude (even evident in the title).  It is indeed a “fuck you song,” but I just keep finding myself pressing play over and over again. You’ll find this tune on Black Desert Sweet Mojave, which comes out on July 28th via Reclaim Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/185245716″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

1 810 811 812 813 814 1,306