Author: nathan.lankford

More Pop from Saint Etienne

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There’s a pulsating electronic vibe that brings the latest Saint Etienne jam to your ears. The songs title owes a debt to both the Loft and Creation Records, but in the realm of pop, it’s the songs emotional pull that ultimately wins. Sarah Cracknell has sort of a smoky tone in her performance, though she seeps into the dreamy tones during the end of various lines, as well as during the chorus. I love how the group is taking on commonplace issues, such as the narrator missing out on the growing up of one’s children; it goes in line with what appears to be the overt message from Home Counties…there’s art and beauty in everything that surrounds us, no matter what that is. Look for the new LP on June 2nd via Heavenly Recordings.

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Soft Touch from Romantic States

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Baltimore’s Romantic States are high up on my list of things to look forward to as the year progresses, especially with Corduroy in Italy just around the corner. Their latest single is a little bit of a low-key ditty, but it’s something that shows an array of sounds we can expect on the new release. Ilenia quietly delivers her vocals over a steady back beat and a maneuvering guitar line that rings out during the chorus. There’s an angelic quality to the way her voice falls off near the end, and then you’re left to reflect on the joy the song will bring you. Look for the band to release their new LP on May 12th via Gentle Reminder.

David Israel Does It Again for Slack Capital 2

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Slack Capital 2 is a compilation of music by 27 of the greatest bands in Austin. All proceeds from the comp go to SafePlace, which provides support for victims of domestic and sexual violence. We’re unveiling one song per day until the the release party on April 14.

Song of the day: David Israel — “Conditionationality”

With a voice like Calvin Johnson and the romantic sensibility of Jonathan Richman (and perhaps the comic instincts of both), David Israel is a cherished local songwriter, his songs dripping in wit but as earnest as Kermit the Frog. Last year he contributed the chipper rock song “Coldwar Superchild” to Slack Capital, complete with full band, chorus harmonies, and a saxophone. That song humorously and somewhat absurdly skewered liberal niceties, and just kind of was a good time for all. Here, despite the silly title, David Israel leads with his heart. Even with legitimately funny lyrics like the opening lines “Have you ever/ climbed a mountain/ and looked out/ upon another mountain,” the song’s success stems from that plaintive voice, right on top of the mix, accompanied by a single background voice (courtesy of Annecy Liddell) and a strummed guitar. It’s very deep in the song before any percussion happens at all, and it’s a thrill when it does. The song comes to life, as if relishing in the heart-racing excitement of love. In thrall to the gorgeous pop plateau it has reached, a rock-and-roll guitar drops in to perform a snatch of melody from a George Michael song, and the abruptly ends. Bravo.–Eric Braden

PreOrder Slack Capital 2 HERE.

See you at Barracuda Friday Night for the Release Party!

Fresh Indiepop from Skittle Alley

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We’ve been teased with demos and album covers, but now we finally get to hear new Skittle Alley (thanks to IPSML for the heads-up). It almost immediately meets my expectations, offering up that slight jangling, circular guitar before bringing in softened vocals. I’m particularly excited by how the second guitar line joins up a little way in, bringing in another layer and added spirit to an already delightful tune. Their new album, End of a Story, comes out on the 18th of April, and I feel confident in saying that it’s going to jump to the head of the pack…as far as indiepop releases go!

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More New Music from H Hawkline

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I hope you’re not tired of hearing me go on and on about H. Hawkline, as I’m going to continue with his latest single. In the opening seconds of this tune, there’s definitely a nice little Television guitar vibe, yet, Hawkline’s playful vocal display keeps you coming back. He’s got great control on this one, whether he’s channeling a hip crooner or hitting those high notes. It’s always nice when you hear an artists coming across with their own distinctive sound, and that’s the vibe I’ve been getting from these singles. I Romanticize will hit on June 2nd via Heavenly Recordings.

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Check Out Quicksilver Daydream

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It’s always good to find something new come across the Internet, especially when the vibes are something quite familiar, such as this track from Quicksilver Daydream. It’s the project of Adam Lytle who spends time in Wild Leaves, but this adventure seems to have a more nostalgic leaning. It definitely harkens back to the tradition of psychedelia, back when it was just moving into the mainstream. Still, I think my favorite part comes when Lytle takes on the chorus; there’s a pop sensibility that supersedes any musical nods. Look for Echoing Halls to hit on June 16th.

Elf Power Takes Me Back

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Way back in the day, and by that I mean about 15 years ago, I always had Elf Power in my listening rotation. Somehow, they drifted a bit, or I drifted a bit, but on their new single, it’s really taking me back…might have to crack open my CD storage. While the track opens with this ornate bit of piano, vocals join in to carry the beauty. Suddenly, you’re halted, distortion rings atop the piano and the song grows fuzzy, matching the track’s video portrayal. And then, done. Quick substance, quick hit, then back to the next track. This is how I fell in love with the band, and I’m ready to do so all over again. Their new album, Twitching in Time will be released on May 12th via Orange Twin.

Stream Xetas New LP

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I could go on and on about how important Xetas isto the Austin sound. I could tell you just how tragic it would be if people overlook The Tower simply because it has the power to tear through your speakers. All I’m going to say is that you need to lay down whatever you’re doing, turn the stereo up and just let yourself listen to the entirety of this LP. Start to finish, this is one of the most impressive pieces I’ve heard in this city in some time. It comes out via 12XU on Friday, with an in-store appearance at Waterloo Records.

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Super Single from Hers

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Her’s are quickly becoming a new favorite of mine, and now they’re dropping another tune for you to enjoy. In contrast to the immediate infectiousness of “Speed Racer,” this new track takes a moment to turn on the charm, but believe you me, its every bit as enjoyable. The quick vocal turn during the chorus of “I’ll try for you” is perfectly charming, and definitely holds a certain British flare. They’ll be releasing their new collection, Songs of Her’s via Heist or Hit Records on May 12th…so I’ll definitely be in line to grab it.

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Magia Negra Pop Up on Slack Capital 2

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Slack Capital 2 is a compilation of music by 27 of the greatest bands in Austin. All proceeds from the comp go to SafePlace, which provides support for victims of domestic and sexual violence. We’re unveiling one song per day until the the release party on April 14.

Song of the day: Magia Negra — “Human”

Inhabiting a slightly more romantic version of the warped slow-pop of Mac DeMarco, Magia Negra is led by Lolita Carroll, who has a distinctively emotional voice, calm but pleading. “Please forgive me/ I’m not worthy” goes the opening couplet, in which Carroll inhabits a place of sincere regret, of earnest feeling. “Human,” though it moves slowly, has a certain groove to it, and even a little playfulness, thanks to a wobbly guitar and heartbeat drums on the chorus. Music is full of songs about outrage and retribution, but it is perhaps more brave to write a song about admitting one’s failures, and facing them head-on. Carroll says simply she is just “a kind of simple human being”–with all the complexities that that phrase ironically implies– and that admission is something that all of us can aspire to. –Eric Braden

Pre-Order Slack Capital 2 HERE.

Join us Friday at Barracuda for the Release Party!

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