Author: nathan.lankford

Hear Nike’s Slack Capital 2 Contribution

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Slack Capital 2 is a compilation of music by 27 of Austin’s most wonderful bands. 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, leading up to the comp’s release on April 14.

Today’s song: Nike — “UR Lying Now”

Oh god, I love Nike. You can tell by their name that pretentiousness is not their bag. And when you hear their music, that’s what you get — short, propulsive, gross, funny songs. Striking a similar tongue-in-cheek vibe as Ian McKinney’s “CRIMEWAVE” and the Pataphysics song “Carrasco,” two other Slack Capital 2 songs we’ve told you about, “UR Lying Now” is a faux-upset rant at a person who is literally lying at this very moment. Plenty of songs tell a generic “you” that they have lied, but how many have the gall to call it out while it’s happening? This three-piece is relatively new to the Austin scene, but if this song is any indication, they’ll be making a bunch of die hard fans in no time. People still want to have fun when they go to a show, and Nike, with their caffeinated, quirky takes on modern life, never forget that.

Pre-order the release over at ATH Records.

Catch Nike at the Slack Capital 2 release party, April 14 at Barracuda!

Exciting Stuff from Factory Seconds

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I love how Art Is Hard Records always manage to unearth a golden gem from an up-and-comer; they were one of the early champions of Joanna Gruesome for instance. I’m really digging this Factory Seconds tune on their new Postcard Singles Series. There’s a little bit of indifference from the way the vocals are delivered, but the impact of the song is instilled in listeners via the sounds haunting the background. At times there’s these fading guitar chords staggering in the speakers, while little sonic blips also burst through. The group’s fairly new, but what an exciting bit of promise from the get-go.

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New Music from Eric and Magill

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It’s been some time since I even thought about Eric & Magill, but this new tune that just dropped definitely reminded me exactly why I loved the group’s early work. Here, there’s a smoky entry, gradually releasing softened vocals atop careful picking. But, those looking to hear the band expand upon that will find the burst of euphoric pop during the chorus refreshing. Part of the duo, Ryan Weber, is seeking to find meaning in our chaotic world, and it sounds to me like they’ve found just that be crafting elevated pop tunes. Look for Peach Colored Oranges to come out on May 12th.

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ATX Album Stream with The Reputations

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There’s something brewing here in Austin. That something seems to be the evolution of soulful rock n’ roll rooted in a punk rock ethos. The latest act to get up in the game is The Reputations, who just released their debut Begging for More. But, while their might be some similarities to fellow locals, Sweet Spirit, I think there’s a whole lot more here that owes to the purity of classic rock and doo-wop. My favorite track of the moment is “My Baby’s Back,” which features a stomp to collide with the perfect unison of male/female vocals. The upbeat shimmy of “Up and Down” isn’t too shabby either! Give it a stream, and enjoy.

Stream Rays Debut LP

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Sort of bored with the tunes coming my way this week, but what I’m not bored of is the diverse listen that is this debut LP from Rays. We’ve written about the band many times on the site, and there’s no reason to stop right now, is there? There’s all sorts of stuff hanging out on this LP, be it jangling guitars or psychedelic swirls, all spun with the perfect attitude. You get bonus points when you can switch between male and female vocalists, never losing a beat. Get your hands on this new LP Friday when it hits via Trouble in Mind Records.

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The Zoltars Land on Slack Capital Again

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Slack Capital 2 is a compilation of music by 27 of Austin’s most wonderful bands. 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, leading up to the comp’s release on April 14.

Song of the day: The Zoltars – “I See You”

Perhaps no artist on this comp is quite as “slack” as Jared Zoltar of the Zoltars. With a super laid-back delivery, ghostly “oohs” floating in the background, an acoustic guitar straight out of Beck’s closet, and drums that sound like someone shutting a cabinet door in the next room, “I See You” feels like a lo-fi lullaby sent via transmission from some rigged-up VHS tape in a basement somewhere. I don’t want you to get the wrong idea, though. Like the best Zoltars songs, this one has an earnest heart at its core, and the refrain — “I see you/ I see you/ I like you/ cuz you’re like me too”– is both addictive and sweetly simple. 10/10 would recommend for a key spot on your next summer love mixtape. –Eric Braden

Pre-Order Slack Capital 2 HERE.

Come to the Release Party on April 14 at Barracuda.

New Music from Sheer

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Sheer are back with a brand new EP, and after a few line-up changes, it seems like the band’s brand of pop is going to get a whole lot sweeter. Our first listen is this glorious ballad, coolly floating along with this blissful dream vocal; it’s soothing as it progresses, but just after the 1.30 mark or so, the song takes off for a powerful closing. It’s a nice tease at what’s to come from the band, with their brand new Psychic Quarry EP on the April 28th horizon; look for the release via The Native Sound.

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Stream Great Indiepop from The BVs

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Feel as if its been slow this year in the realm of indiepop, but as the year progresses, there’s a bunch of stuff on the horizon, like the debut full length from the BVs. I appreciate how the band manages to balance the traditional jangling bits with hazier elements between songs; you get the feeling that Speaking From a Distance might be the most balanced indiepop release in some time. While the LP doesn’t come out for a few weeks, figure its best to keep you satiated by tossing out a stream of the record before its April 7th release date.

Bedroom Suck Records to Reissue Good Morning

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I’m not typically one to get into the reissue game, as far as posting goes, but I feel like Australia’s Good Morning has been vastly overlooked…though I pointed them out here long ago. Luckily, the good folks over at Bedroom Suck Records will be re-releasing the band’s Shawcross and Glory EPs on one 12″, with additional singles like the delightful pop tune lurking on the pages below. To me, this feels like what’s really going on down in Australia, offering sublime pop sensibility in a casual manner that begs for listen after listen. Look to get your hands on a copy come July 7th.

Lovable Pop from Nana Grizol

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Those of you that press play on the video below will immediately understand why I’m so in love with the latest from Nana Grizol. Something in the songwriting recalls the purity of our forefathers from 90s college rock, like Malkmus. But, with that in mind, there’s clearly more of a message in the lyrical content, as Theo Hilton finally has found a voice for his storytelling. Heavy-hitters from Athens helped Hilton flesh out the songs you’ll hear on Ursa Minor, such as the beautiful burst of horns in this tune. Look for the release on March 31st via Orange Twin.

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