Sometimes you forget how much you love a band and then said band releases a new track or two and you’re instantly reminded of that affection. This was the story for this new track from White Reaper— it’s got this nostalgic rock sound mixed with the same fresh energy that this band always seem to bring to the scene. So perhaps you’ve already seen this track floating about in the internet world but didn’t have the time to take a listen. Well, now is the moment to change that. Stream the track below, put on your leather jacket and shades and get ready forThe World’s Best American Band, which is out April 7th via Polyvinyl Records.
Oh man, I am getting too excited for the upcoming full length album from Austin’s RF Shannon. They shared the title track from their upcoming release yesterday, and it beautiful, other-worldly trip into sun bleached psychedelia that the band does so well. It opens slowly with flute sounds and tinkering piano sounds, like a sleepy day begins, but then suddenly it picks up as the sun always seem to arrive and turn the sky rose before you realize it. Hazy vocals and steady percussion move the song along, accompanied by twangy guitars.Just when you think the song can’t get any more devastatingly beautiful, some female vocals join Shane Renfro, and you’re simply smitten in the psych-desert-blues glory of the song. Take a listen below.
Have you preordered Jaguar Palace yet? It’s out March 31st. Get on it.
If you’re looking for an electro pop tune that will allow you to jam out as well as appreciate the different layers of percussion that are going on, then look no further, as Joakim has got the perfect match for you with “Samurai.” Joakim is a french electronic producer who spent some time bouncing around New York, Paris and Tokyo. This track is the title number from Joakim’s upcoming record, which was directly influenced by his time spent in all three of those landmark cities. It’s a cool and sleek electronic track, but there’s a whole lot of interesting and unique sounds going on throughout its duration. I bet the full album will expand upon this sound style and I’m looking forward to its release on March 17th via Tigersushi/Because.
Ohyeahsumi is a duo made up of twin sisters, Lena and Rena Vernon, out of LA, who are about to make real waves in the music world. They’ve just announced that they’ve signed to Austin’sSports Day Records.This track, “Daisy,” will immediately win your affection for these ladies, as it’s the perfect slice of brooding bedroom pop. Duelingbass and electric guitar riffs make up the majority of the instrumentation for the song and the piercing vocals provide the effortless accompaniment that really makes this track shine. The whispery, haunting, and almost too pristine vocals give the whole song an eerie, yet beautiful vibe that you’ll be hard pressed to shake as you move through your day. I know I keep coming back–watch out for Ohyeahsumi.
Jaye Bartell has been crafting poetic tunesfor a while now, spinning new tunes to match the passing of time. 2017 sees him recording new material, including these two tracks you can take a listen to below. While both feature his distinct vocals and elegant songwriting, each has their own strengths. The first song, “Dance With Me,” includes the beautiful addition of vocals from Angel Olsen to harmonize with Bartell’s dulcet tones. It’s a gorgeous track that reminds me a bit of some Silver Jews tunes. If you stick around and spin the second song, “Slow Going,” you’ll be pulled in by the storytelling that Bartell brings to the table. Take a listen and enjoy these beautiful tunes.
We’re nigh approaching SXSW season, so naturally you should be taking advantage of the fact that your city has great music to see year round and head out to a show this weekend before it’s so crowded that you can’t stand it. Below are merely the highlights and my picks as to where you should post up Friday and Saturday nights. Wherever you go, you really can’t go wrong; the weather should be lovely, so go outside during the day and round out your night somewhere downtown…
This track came out at the beginning of this month, but chances are it’s new to you, and trust me when I say you’re going to want to spend some time with it.Lures are apparently a Seattle band that isn’t making much new music these days, but Jigsaw Records found out that they had an album they were sitting on and were the indie rock heroes of the month and decided to put it out so that we could groove along to the surfy riffs. “I’m With You” is a meandering track, with killer riffs and a laid back groove to it, but there’s something about the intimacy of vocals and the delicate mixing that has me returning again and again. Take a listen, fall in love, and then go take a listen to/buy the whole album here. Perhaps There’s No Pressure isn’t the last we’ll hear from Lures.
Shy Nature are a three piece out of London who have the trappings of being a real hit over here in the states with their wind-in-your hair, easy going indie rock sound. Sometimes you need a bit of a jam to get you through the day and while this track is pretty tame, there’s no shame in turning it up loud and singing along. “Ten Times Around The Sun,” shows off Shy Nature’s ensnaring quality; the guitars open the song with a bit of twang while the percussion is steady and snappy under the mix. Vocally, the style is a bit of a mellow yelp, with backing group vocals that chime in later. The band will be releasing their new LP on March 31st– go see what the fuss is about over here.
Angel Olsen brought the hype to Austin– selling out not only one, but two nights at the Mohawk. With her entourage, she touring act Chris Cohen, coordinated suits and matching bolo ties, and the overall trappings of a lovely evening. Read on after the jump to hear my thoughts on how the night unfolded.
Tonight and tomorrow you have the chance to catch one of the biggest names in the indie rock world at one of the best venues in town. Angel Olsen was originally slated to only play one night at The Mohawk, but due to overwhelming demand and a fast sell out, another night was added to soothe the desires of our town to catch this lady and her band touring in support of 2016’s boldMy Woman.Perhaps we’ll be treated to full evenings with some back catalogue hits from the spectacularBurn Your Fire For No Witness, or maybe even a few fromHalf Way Home. (I’ve got my fingers crossed that by some strange chance I’ll get to hear “Lonely Universe”). Regardless of potential setlists, you can bet that if you’re lucky enough to be at The Mohawk tonight or tomorrow night, you’ll be in for a songwriter in her prime– surely Olsen’s unmistakably powerful vocals will dominate the night, followed closely behind by the ferocious guitar that has accompanied her on her more recent albums. Tickets may be sold out, but there’s always craigslist, right? Word on the street is they may be going for a pretty penny– and you can see why by checking out the video for “Shut Up Kiss Me” below. Do you really want to miss out on this?
Oh, and Chris Cohen will be providing the opening act for both evenings, so that gives you another reason to show up and show up early after the 6:30 door times as to not miss out on his even-tempered indie rock. Check out “Torrey Pine” below as well.