La Luz – It’s Alive

LaLuz_LP1smRating: ★★★☆☆

Seattle’s La Luz began making waves around the Internet with the release of their Damp Face EP, but they’ve kept the best hits from that release and added new tunes to round out their first full-length, It’s Alive.  The surf guitar tendencies make the group relevant in today’s musical landscape, though you can see that their classic sound would probably fit well in the days of old, which is why it’s such a joy to spend some time with this release.

“Sure as Spring” opens up with a rolling beach drum beat, which is cast quickly aside for a beat that gives a bit more of a punch to the track.  It’s the first witness of La Luz‘s surf sound, but the vocals really are what allow the group to create a special sound.  My ears hear bits of doo-wop and Motown lurking in the way the girl’s combine harmonies atop one another, though I’m aware this was definitely a fad in the era of paisley.  From the start, it becomes clear that the music being crafted is differentiated from the masses by these vocals.

While those harmonies hold a special place in my heart, the more time I spend with It’s Alive, the more I begin to appreciate the drawn out vocals that are present in songs like “What Good Am I.”  Not only is this one of the tracks that stands away from the surf sound, but the vocal performance is really endearing.  It’s got a smooth delivery, though there are hints of smokiness laying within the confines that references sultry lounge-singers.  Similarly, “Call Me in the Day,” which is one of the remainders from the Damp Face EP offers further insight into the group’s usage of vocal interplay. The lead grasps onto the softer delivery previously mentioned, while the supporting vocals offer a swagger that can only be assisted by a set of superb back-up singers.  It provides more of a soulful feel to the sound being created by these ladies, and one that continues to push the envelope of what some might say is simply surf-rock.

Still, with the prevalent vocals, don’t think I’ve overlooked the blending of psych/surf sounds throughout the record.  The album’s title track,”It’s Alive” is the perfect place to look, utilizing a darkened vocal atop the band’s surfing tendencies.  It’s the song that perhaps epitomizes the group’s sound the most, though my personal highlights might lay elsewhere.  Another nod to surf comes via the classic sounding “Sunstroke.” It encapsulates the sound perfectly, offering up a short instrumental that quickly laps at your feet much like you’d expect the waves to do as you stand upon the shore.

For a debut record, It’s Alive has a lot to offer listeners.  I’ve really been gravitating towards the vocals on my last six or seven spins of the LP, which is perhaps where the group could make some adjustments going forward.  La Luz have nailed the surf-rock sound, and combined it with classic girl-group harmonies, though one can hope for a touch more diversity.  There are hints of such moves throughout, which is more than enough to show that this is a group that’s destined to prove they’re more than a one-trick pony.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/LaLuz_CallMeInTheDay.mp3]

Download: La Luz – Call Me In The Day [MP3]

It’s Alive is available now from Hardly Art.

 

Groovy New Tune from Boxed In

boxedinMoshi Moshi Music has been on a role this month, and they’ve got another track that’s perfect for your listening pleasure.  They’ve just put out this new single from London producer, Boxed In, and while he may go as a one-man act, there’s more to his sound on this track.  I love the vibe given off by the bass here, and the propulsive nature of the drums really moves the tune along nicely.  It doesn’t hurt that there’s some guitar work cutting back and forth through the tune.  If you dig what you’re hearing, keep an eye on the label, as I’m sure we’ll get more from the man soon.

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Another Gem from Illls

illsNot too long ago I was presenting you with a number from Illls that really won me over, but at the moment, I’m clearly lost in the amazing I’m presenting you with today.  I love the way there’s this atmospheric wash that provides you with a dream state while the guitars create this very sterile landscape that seems juxtaposed.  And, the vocals near the 2 minute mark just take me over the moon; I’ll be making every one I know listen to this tune for the rest of the day.  The group’s record, Hideout from the Feeders is out on November 12th via Aloe Music.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/04-Coma.mp3]

 

Show Preview: Hanni El Khatib @ the Parish (10.18)

Bass Drum Of Death

Date Friday, October 18th
Location The Parish
Doors 8:00 PM
Tickets $15 from Frontgate


Shows are coming fast and quick around here in Austin, and a this week seems jam packed with great events. Those of you with a heavy-hand should definitely keep your eyes on this Hanni El Khatib show at the Parish on Friday night.  The headliner is out in support of Head in the Dirt, which is a raucous affair of hooks and bangers.  Even more important is that Bass Drum of Death will be opening the evening for you all.  Their riotous live shows are something of legend around here…almost as legendary as their phenomenal recorded output. I bet the night’s loud in the best way possible. Join us won’t you!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/i-dunno.mp3]

Download: Bass Drum of Death – I Dunno [MP3]

Dark Noise Pop from Vaadat Charigim

vaadatIf you’re a native speaker of English, don’t let that fact that the lyrics here are hard to understand sway you from appreciating an incredible track.  Tel Aviv’s Vaadat Charigim are clearly singing in their own native tongue, but musically they’re crafting something that feels right at home with the musical landscape we all adore.  Guitars work against each other, leaving a brooding darkness, while the lyrics seem to burst and drop from the forefront of the track.  It’s noisy and pretty, which are all things we enjoy here at ATH. They’ll be releasing The World is Well Lost via Burger Records on November 12th.

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Show Preview: Mirror Travel Tour Kickoff @ Hotel Vegas (10.15)

mirrortravel

Date Tuesday, October 15th
Location Hotel Vegas
Doors 10:00 PM
Tickets Cheap


Formerly Follow That Bird, Austin’s Mirror Travel are prepared to make waves all across the United States.  Their new album, Mexico, is being released tomorrow by Modern Outsider, which happens to coincide with their tour kick off set over at Hotel Vegas.  You’ve got to be there to check out these great new tunes, and to show support by buying things so they can pay for gas as they conquer the States. They’ll be joined by Suspirians and RF Shannon on the night, making it an event you can’t miss.  Plus, it’s indoors, so you have a chance to stay dry during a rock show. Be there or be square, says I.

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The Black Watch – The End of When

theblackwatch-coverRating: ★★★★☆

No matter the line-up or the slight changes in sound, one thing you can always be sure of is that The Black Watch are possibly the most consistent act to ever release music in the underground scene.  The band’s latest effort, The End of When, is just another fine example of a group that puts great songwriting at the forefront, leaving you with 11 tracks that will please any music fan.

Like most things, there’s really two sides to the opening track, “Don’t Feel the Same.”  It’s bubbling bass line works in step with the delivery of the vocals, providing listeners with an emotional attachment that’s built for singing along.  But, the guitar lines are filled with discordant noise that seem to work against the inner design of the track.  Somehow, its cohesive and enthralling, sucking you into the record from the get-go. And as you move along, the softer side of the band emerges on the following tune, “Meg.”  I don’t know whether it’s the presence of former Chills guitarist Steven Schayer or the band is just this good, but the guitars alone make every second of this song stand out among the band’s peers.  The gentle quality of the vocals just serves as a reminder that people don’t make pop music like they once did; my only complaint is that it’s the second shortest song on the record.

After spending the last three days with this record playing every chance I get, it’s getting harder and harder to find a bad track within the confines of what The Black Watch have created.  The interplay between guitar and bass on “Oh Oh” is only a precursor to the vocal interplay that comes into the foray later in the song, all leaving you with another gem that you’ll beg to share with your friends. Perhaps you’ll find yourself attracted to the dreamier quality of the vocals on display in “Sum.” The way “again” is drawn out just hits me perfectly every time, as the guitar swirls around each syllable. And then maybe you’re one of those with a soft spot for quiet ballads such as “Unlistening.” It may seem like an outlier in the grand scheme of The End of When, but it’s every bit a song in the vein of the group’s accomplishments, layering loops and strummed strings to encourage the voice.

When you’re finished with the record, you’ll likely come to the same conclusion about this album as I have.  There’s nothing better than a release by The Black Watch.  Their formula, though it’s changed slightly, has always been pretty simple: write incredible songs.  They’ll offer you noise, then follow it up with tune featuring horn enrichment, then turn things back by ringing power-pop guitar work. Sometimes they’ll do it all within one track.  They’re brilliant, and The End of When is just a further reminder that there are only two consistently great bands in the world: The Wedding Present and The Black Watch.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/1-02-Meg.mp3]

Download: The Black Watch – Meg [MP3]

The End of When is available now from Pop Culture Press Records.

 

Screaming Females Rock Again!

screamingfemalesI know this tune’s been all over the place, but it’s really hard for me to support one of my favorite artists, Screaming Females.  Rock n’ roll’s tiniest bad ass just belts note after note throughout the track, while her band set the landscape for a metal stomper that prepares to rupture your ears.  Personally, I love the way Marissa Paternoster plays with her lyrical delivery, often drawing out notes and syllables.  You can find this metal burner on a new split 7″ the band recently put out with Tenement.  So glad Marissa is feeling better and the band is back at rocking.

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Austin Spotlight: Tele Novella

teleThose of you who’ve been following the local Austin scene surely are aware of the blossoming act, Tele Novella, but if not, now’s the time for you take notice.  The group is pretty sensational, creating some of the best pop music to come out of city, and dare I say, the world as a whole.  There’s a soft spin on the vocals for this track, and the construction of the track allows for inspired listeners to take the most out of every spin.  You’ll find the group  releasing their debut 7″, Don’t Be a Stranger, on November 5th, with some great Texas gigs lined up.  Going to be a nice year (and beyond) for this four-piece.

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