Author: nathan.lankford

New-ish Music from Iska Dhaaf

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iskaSometimes it takes a tune a little bit of time to gather some steam before it makes its way into the consciousness of the masses, and I’m not sure why it has taken us so long to get into this tune from Seattle’s Iska Dhaaf.  The song is one of those sprawling tracks that illustrates just how many layers bands can add, while still allowing for the pop sensibility to shine through.  I really like the feeling of the lyrics and vocals tied into the track as well. You can also check out a video treatment the song got HERE. The group will release their debut, Even the Sun Will Burn, on March 11th via Brick Lane Records.

John Dwyer is the New Mike Sniper

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dwyerAs we’ve lamented lately (including this week) the hiatus of Thee Oh Sees, it looks like John Dwyer isn’t even stopping to think about it.  That should completely be expected, considering the fact that his old band worked at a seemingly break-neck speed.  But, what I didn’t entirely expect from Dwyer was this new synth-laden track under his new moniker, Damaged Bug.  It’s similar to the work of Mike Sniper of Blank Dogs (where has he gone) in so far as it’s a largely electronic sound wrapped around a rock n’ roll attitude.  Dwyer’s got a synth project and a label? He’s definitely the new Sniper. John’s record will be titled Hubba Bubba, and it will be released on February 25th via his label, Castleface.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/128344191″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Pop Gem from Vanaprasta

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vanaprastaSoaring vocals are all the rage, but they’re particularly interesting when the music crafted around them takes an interesting turn, to and fro.  Such is the approach that Vanaprasta seem to have taken on their new tune, “NYF,” with multiple musical journeys being taken within the track.  At times, the voice rises, while guitars echo discordantly in a seemingly empty space, but then there’s these other subtle nuances like the backing vocals and the slightly spirited moment around the 1.28 minute mark.  No word on whether the band will be releasing anything as far as a full-length goes, but they do have some scheduled sets for our LA readers.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/128191615″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Web of Sunsets Release New Single

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webofsunsetsAs the majority of the country currently battles to stave off the cold, this track from Web of Sunsets seems to come at the perfect time. Drifting along, the song encompasses the warmth that we all seek out, while there’s still a bit of sparseness allowing for the wondering of one’s mind.  On February 14th, the rest of the country will also get to listen to the Minneapolis band’s full-length, Room of Monsters, which will be released on End of Time.  It should further the apparent mastery and craftsmanship in the group’s Americana-influenced sound.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/08_Foreign-Bodies.mp3]

Download: Web of Sunsets – Foreign Bodies [MP3]

Gritty Jam from POW!

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powWhile many of us are lamenting the temporary (we can hope!) hiatus of Thee Oh Sees, we can be happy that John Dwyer is turning his attention elsewhere, allowing for more releases via his label, Castle Face Records.  His latest find is to unearth the young San Fran band, POW!, who offer up this darkened pop number.  The recording has things rather low, which provides for a dirtier sound than many are used to at the moment, but I think that adds to the appeal; the slightly discordant guitar solo really added a nice layer for me.  The band’s debut Hi-Tech Boom will be out on January 14th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/02-Hope-Dealers.mp3]

Tuesday/Wednesday Free Week Previews

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austin-skyline-mark-weaverSo, if you haven’t seen a live band playing in Austin in the last few days, then you’re really missing out on one of the great things about Austin (at least from the music spectators perspective).  We continue our efforts to keep you informed with our list of shows you should check out in the next few days.  Brave the cold and catch some great music folks.

Tuesday: 

Shivery Shakes and RF Shannon at the Mohawk @ 8 PM (Indoors…you’ll be warm)

Speak @ Holy Mountain

Wednesday:

Dikes of Holland at Beerland @ 9 PM

Halaska at North Door @ 10 PM

Isaiah the Mosaic at Red 7 @ 9 PM

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Shivery-Shakes-Single.mp3]

Download: Shivery Shakes – Sidewalk Talk [MP3]

Austin Spotlight: Sleep Good Return

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sixsongsIt’s been almost three years since we last heard from Sleep Good, who won us over with their album, Skyclimber.  But, via an email from the band, they’re currently in the works on two albums.  I’m not sure on the details, but if we go off their latest release that quietly came at the end of December, it’s likely to feature pop gems and instrumental numbers.  Personally, just looking at the titles of the tracks on their Six Songs EP, which may or may not be part of the upcoming albums, the band seems to wholly identify with Austin; they have a song called “Shoney’s” for crying out loud.  Regardless, it’s good to see the band back to work, and we here at ATH can’t wait to hear what more comes our way.  

Take a listen to some new tunes.

New Tune from the Kennsingtons

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kensingtonsThose of you looking to make sure you’ve got your finger on point with the hippest indiepop of the world, you better keep an eye on the first few releases of 2014 from Dufflecoat Records.  The little label of love will be releasing new music from the Kensingtons, as part of a joint EP with The Rileys.  I love the warmth of the first single, as it’s got the perfect amount of ringing guitars and calming vocals that makes the genre one of my personal favorites.  Seems like we’re in for a great year from the label, which only means great things for our ears. I’ll keep you up to speed on the proper release dates.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/125793634″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Creative Tune from Morgan Delt

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morganThis latest jam from Morgan Delt has been floating around for a week or so, but please excuse me, we were on a break! And during that break I was able to spend a lot of time with various upcoming records, including this gem self-titled effort from Morgan.  It’s filled to the brim with all sorts of nods to California, both in the arena of psych and just traditional pop. It creates a listening experience that begs to have a listen from start to finish, and that’s the best way to take it all in.  For now, however, you can just enjoy this little number until the album comes out via Trouble in Mind Records on January 28th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/05-Obstacle-Eyes.mp3]

 

New Music from Skeletal Shakes

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skeletalWhile we’ve posted several outfits featuring Emma Kupa of Standard Fare, we hadn’t talked about Dan and Andy, the other two members of my favorite three-piece.  Luckily, this weekend the two rolled out some new songs they’ve been working on under the name Skeletal Shakes, and I’m pretty impressed with the three tracks.  The one below is the most upbeat of the three, using bits of angular guitar parts to combine with a quickened pace.  Not sure what the two are planning in terms of releasing things, but I promise to keep you posted on the good news as it comes our way.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/127885189″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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