Author: nathan.lankford

Soft Touch from Musee Mecanique

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mmWhile my tastes this week have been dominated by some rocking tunes, there’s still a few spots left for moving pieces of careful composition.  Enter Musee Mecanique.  They’ve just released this sprawling piece of orchestral pop, and it’s the perfect thing to help put your spirit at east.  Whether it’s the gentle quality of the vocals or the burst of the horns before the song cuts short, there’s something special that makes the song repeatedly appealing. The band will release Shores of Sleep on August 25th, which is perfect timing for my return to the real world.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/131070567″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Music from WISH

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wishOne of the tracks that popped up earlier this week and caught my ear was this little number by WISH, primarily the project of Kyle Connolly. The rhythm section pushes the song forward, pounding drums on the floor, but it was really the aspect of a warm wash atop it all that grabbed me.  I guess it’s not quite psych rock, but it’s not quite dream pop either; it’s somewhere floating in between. They’ve also got a video for the track below you can check out HERE.  The self-titled album from the project will be released on August 28th via Hand Drawn Dracula.

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Find Happiness in Happyness

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happynessI’m going to have to admit that I’ve grown a bit weary of listening to some of the mundane indie rock of the last ten or so years.  Bands like Arcade Fire or Wilco no longer have that stronghold on my listening rotation…but, that doesn’t mean that some of their musical touches aren’t appealing if spun in a different direction.  Thus, I’ve come to really love this tune from Happyness.  There’s some structures that are nostalgic in their development, and definitely a touch of Tweedy in the vocals, but the insertion of distorted guitar and a more youthful vibrance make the track more interesting.  It’s the latest single off of the group’s Anything I Do is All Right EP, which is out on September 1st.

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Avi Buffalo’s Happy Return

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aviI don’t know if it’s nostalgia, or if the return of Avi Buffalo is really winning me over.  Yesterday his latest single popped up, and  I just absolutely fell in love…making me what took so long for the songwriter to get it going again.  Something in the vocal reminds me of Jason Lytle, and I can hear a bit of that grandiose musical approach in the songwriting that was used by Lytle’s band Grandaddy.  If you’re not in love with this song, that’s fair, but we can’t be friend; I’m sorry. Look for At Best Cuckold to be in stores on September 9th, courtesy of Sub Pop.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/161682199″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Touch of Psych Rock from Black Lizard

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artworks-000085882191-1emcxl-t500x500We had good things to say about Black Lizard‘s self-titled album from last year, so it’s good to see the band back with some brand new tunes.  The title of this tune is “Burning,” which fits perfectly, as the tune seems to be a slow moving psych version of “Satisfaction,” at least in some of the chord progressions.  There’s no real rush in the song, choosing to let the musicianship be the showcase here; the vocals are buried deep in the mix.  You’ll be able to grab the Burning EP from Soliti Music, and expect a full length to come from the group at the beginning of 2015.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/159762089″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Show Preview: Miniature Tigers @ Stubbs Jr (8.6)

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miniature-tigers_320

Date Wednesday, August 6th
Location Stubbs Jr
Doors 8:00 PM
Tickets $12 from Stubbs


After a really busy few weeks, the going of shows slows down a bit, but there’s a great pop rock show that should be on your radar…you know, if that’s your thing.  Miniature Tigers blow into town, filled with catchy tunes from their most recent release, Cruel Runnings.  Their tracks are all fun, all the time. But, be sure to pay special attention to openers, the Griswolds.  The Australian band is set to release their album, Be Impressive, and the title does great to serve notice to new fans.  Plus…it’s not every day bands from Australia get to make it over here…traveling gets expensive ya’ll. Another opener, Finish Ticket opens things up; I don’t know much about them other than they’re influenced by The Strokes and the Killers…so there’s that.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/play.mp3]

Download: Miniature Tigers – Gold Skulls [MP3]

Playful Pop from Andras & Oscar

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cafeIt’s already been a pretty great week for Chapter Music, with some great coverage for the excellent Geoffrey O’ Connor album, Fan Fiction, but they’re back with a curveball for you…a good one.  The Australian label known for being on the front lines of exporting great tunes has traditionally brought guitar based tunes our way, yet today they announced the singing of Andras & Oscar, a a danceable duo.  The first single comes without much pretense, instead choosing to rely upon a solid vocal hook that’s got a great beat to stand behind it. You’ll be nodding and grooving for the rest of your day I swear.  Check out their Cafe Romantica album when it’s released by the label in October.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/161099901″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Tune from Pretty & Nice

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prettyPretty & Nice has been one of those bands that seemingly work beneath the radar, always releasing music that is worthy of mention, yet for some reason never gains much trains with the masses.  Despite that, they’re back again to ready a new EP, and we’ve got the new single to share with you today. This track’s got a fuzzed out bass line that begins the track, waiting for the high-pitched vocal to join in on the party; when they add hand-claps and tinkering electronic touches, the infectious quality they’ve always possessed resonates with the listener. Their Infinitely Forever EP will be available next week for your ears.

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Bouncy Indiepop from Parcel Post

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parcelCloudberry Records has been fairly quiet as of late, which is understandable considering the difficult climate of running a boutique label.  But, as I was growing the site for an update, I ran across this gem of a tune from Parcel Post.  I wasn’t able to find too much information on the group themselves, but this tune’s pretty remarkable (I do know there’s some relation to Summer Cats and Fireflies).  It’s got the traditional indiepop jangle, but it also has some playful touches like the bells being hit in unison with the melody.  This is a single that’s coming via the label in conjunction with Kingfisher Bluez as part of a single series.  Sit back and feel good about yourself.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/parcelpost.mp3]

Download: Parcel Post – Centimetres [MP3]

Dark Mood from YOU

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uIt’s easy to get caught up in the pulsing rhythm of the synthesized beats that drive this new single from YOU.  But, if you listen closely, you’ll hear a bit of light flowing from the chords in the guitar.  It works pretty well, balancing out the darker attitude that comes from the hollow sounding vocals, even as another pulsing beat jumps into the mix.  This track is the lead single to Sunchaser, the band’s third LP, and first for Dais Records.  The album will be out in just a few short weeks on August 26th.

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