Austin Spotlight: Hikes Featured on New Comp

DSC_2417When the first notes of this new track from Hikes started maneuvering in and out of my headphones I was pleasantly surprise.  The band employs a math rock staple to open the tune, reminiscent of old Pinback tunes.  But, they don’t stick here for too long, choosing to throw in a more collective pop piece by combining male and female vocal pieces; the odd time signatures and guitar work do stick around.  You can find yourself an owner of this tune, as well as 13 other great tracks from undiscovered acts via the Secret Peaks Winter Compilation from Graveyard Orbit. Order yours HERE.

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Sorry I Missed This: Ausmuteants

thumbLast week this great track from Australia’s Ausmuteants started floating around; I immediately dug the tune, but got side-tracked with other silly things like SXSW interviews. I like the keyboard touch that’s swaying in the track; it gives it this touch of something different that you’re not finding in like-minded punk acts.  There’s a pulsing rhythm created by the steady drumming, but the vocals have really stuck with me throughout my time with this song; they have this nasally quality that’s actually fitting with the tune, and not at all abrasive. Goner Records, always reliable, will be releasing Amusements, the band’s album, on April 1st.

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Advanced Techno from Cute Heels

cuteheelsI’m starting to come around the accepting a lot of the modern world of electronica.  I suppose my earliest exposure came via the rave scene of the mid 90s, so I was always reluctant, but I’m really enjoying the progressive nature of what can be accomplished via advances in technology.  Cute Heels is the project of Victor Lenis, who resides in Belgium, though he was raised in Bogota, Colombia.  I like the sterility that’s steadily lurking in the background, and despite the fact that the song is pretty steady, I sort of feel that there’s this driving tension that’s pushing the song forward.  If this is your style you can pick up his first album, Spiritual, from Dark Entries on April 1st.

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Get Your Day Started with Dances (SXSW Act)

dancesIf you’re just looking at the band’s name, you’re going to get the wrong impression of Dances.  Like many, I assumed when this track came to be that it would be something with an electronic bent, but boy was I wrong.  It’s a song that blasts through in under two minutes, creating a riotous feeling that should hopefully jumpstart your Monday morning.  The group has a new EP titled Whiter Sands coming out on April 15th, and if anything, it’ll be quick and loud, so you won’t hear us complain.  Give yourself a listen.

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ATH Interview: Aisha Burns

Aisha Burns AMBA InterviewJust a few days away from the Austin Music Blogger Awards, and we wanted to make sure that you got a chance to meet some of the great talent that’s part of the event.  Today we’ve got a short interview with Aisha Burns, who many of you may recognize as one the members of Balmorhea.  But, her album, Life in the Midwater, left a lasting impression on many, including us.  Here’s what she had to say. Read more

Flagland – Love Hard

flaglandRating: ★★★☆☆

When you first look at Flagland‘s new record, you’re probably going to find it a bit daunting; it’s 20 songs, which for some might be a lot, but don’t let that deter you.  Love Hard deserves your listening ears.  The listen is all over the place, but while that might be tiresome to a few, it actually makes the entire journey quite fun.

“Superlove” casually opens the adventure with a strummed guitar and calming vocal, before the rough edges start to shine a little bit.  Those gritty bits make their way as the opening to “Searchers,” but stick around for the pounding drum and maneuvering bass line that leads the way for a nice bit of distorted guitar work.  While the rhythm bounces along there’s some stuttering vocals to clear the way for the knifing guitar bits. Then you’re jumped into a fast-paced rocker via “Swingin,” which resembles a quickened Southern garage tune. But, Flagland slows things down for a bit.

“Happiness” is more of a pop song disguised as an anthemic guitar tune.  There’s a touch of frailty to the vocal performance, and to show they don’t mind being their own act, they even toss in some space-age samples.  The tune hops a long to catch little end. Then you’re quickly given another slow burner via “Not a Joke.”  It sounds like a catchy garage demo, but I mean that in a good way.  Personally, I’d skip a song or two and find yourself at one of the stand outs of Love Hard, “Monster.”  There’s a familiarity to this track, though I can’t quite put my finger on it (early Liars may haps). Regardless, it’s a pummeling tune that definitely provides your angst with an outlet.

You see, Flagland doesn’t stay in one place for long, and while I admit that I know that’s troubling for listeners, it’s made the listens enjoyable because you’re not inundated with a monotonous style.  One of my favorite tracks as you move to the latter half of the record is “Sugarcube.” It blurs the lines between pop-punk and power-pop, catchy in every sense of the word. It goes along well with “It’s Your Time,” which might be the best song that J Mascis forgot to write.  Vocals are pleasant while the distorted guitars have a heavier tonal quality; the last time I played the record, it was my favorite jam of that round.

It’s refreshing to come across a record like Love Hard.  Sometimes you get bogged down with one sound or one sonic direction from a band, but Flagland aim to keep things interesting.  They add snippets and quick songs to keep the pace of the record moving forward, then fleshing out your listen with longer numbers.  If you’re tired of the same old thing, then you’ll want to pick up this album.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/12-Sugarcube.mp3]

Download: Flgland – Sugarcube [MP3]

 

Austin Show Spotlight: Grape St. @ Mohawk (2.24) FREE!!!

the_showoff_2-24_256_256_80_s_c1_c_t_0_0_1Under the masterful skill of their local booking agents, Mohawk has been working on the Showoff series in 2014, offering up Austin music fans free shows on Monday night featuring some great local acts.  This week’s line-up is no different, especially considering our adoration for Grape St.  Curtis and the boys are always entertaining, and if you need proof, you should pick up A Date with You.  But, it’s not all about these guys, with two other incredible acts starting off the night.  Low Times, who’ve been making a name for themselves for several years will start the night off, playing their darkened surf-pysch for your ears. The middle of the night will be filled by Sweet Spirit, which is the band that has sprung out of the ashes of now defunct, but still missed, Bobby Jealousy. You’ve got no excuse to miss free music with great bands…at least I hope you don’t.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/A-Date-With-You.mp3]

Download: Grape Street – A Date With You [MP3]

Austin Spotlight: Major Major Major

coverSaturday night I was hanging out over at Hotel Vegas, catching a great local show in honor of this new single by Major Major Major.  While the group’s line-up has changed quite a bit since their inception, the duo that remains still has the ability to get a crowd all riled up (which was par for the course for the night…see Growl/Shivery Shakes) into a frenzy.  This new single is energetic, and revolves around the erratic vocals and pounding rhythm of the drums.  You’ll be able to find this new track on the band’s up-coming EP, which we hope is out sooner rather than later.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/MAJOR-MAJOR-MAJOR-God-Doesnt-Want-Us-01-God-Doesnt-Want-Us.mp3]

Download: Major Major Major – God Doesn’t Want Us [MP3]

She Sir – Go Guitars

LIFE105_Cover480Rating: ★★★★☆

While they’ve been working at crafting their owned dreamy indiepop for some time, the boys in She Sir have largely gone unnoticed.  But, good things come to those who wait, with the group putting together their most confident record to date, Go Guitars (Shelflife Records). There’s not a bad song on the record, and listeners will surely find several of the tracks more than memorable.

“Portese” sets the tone early, with a guitar that has angular intentions ringing immediately in the foreground, while a dreamier chord cascades in the distance.  Russell’s Karloff has this whispering gentleness to it that creates the emotional pull for the listener; his performance on this track is purposefully understated, giving you more of a feel from the song’s craftsmanship.  Then you’re off into the beautiful world of “Kissing Can Wait,” a track where the vocals are surely the winner in the tune; they playfully move in line with the progression of the bass and drums, molding the song into an upbeat number that leaves your spirit lifted.

Other songs offer more of a dream-pop style on Go Guitars, such as the album’s first single, “Condesendidents.” Karloff’s voice has this soft quality that seemingly rests in the background of the track.  Personally, I like how the group breaks out into a relaxed pop jam near the end of the track (about 1.5 minutes); it’s a special moment on the record that illustrates She Sir have decided to go in whatever direction they see fit. And, you can’t cruise through the record without taking on “Snakedom;” this is the best song that’s not on Captured Tracks.  There’s a lively beat going on in the background, while the guitars work against each other to create a swirl of blissful pop.

Honestly, those were the things I expected from the band.  What I didn’t expect were songs like “Bitter Bazaar.”  It starts innocently enough with a lightly strummed guitar line, but the steady vocal opening prepares you for the song’s driving intentions.  It sets the scene for a track that appears reserved, though your short wait will see the band pushing the pace and spinning bright guitars twirling around your ears.  This is by far one of my tracks the band has left us with, so be sure to give it your undivided attention.

While some bands might get caught up in adding too much to their music, the one thing that stands out in Go Guitars is that the band isn’t trying to do too much, musically.  They know what they’re doing, and they’re going to offer listeners the perfect version of that sound.  She Sir will leave you with a listen that merely asks for you take it all in and let the warmth of the indiepop deliciousness take care of the rest; your listen will be better off for it.

 

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