KVRX Fest Starts Tonight: Bands to Catch and Things To Know!

In case you were wondering what you were doing with your weekend, look no further, as we’ve got a new fest that combines both great local faves and touring acts in small venues. Yes, that’s right! The inaugural KVRX Fest is upon us starting tonight, and for the low price of 45 bucks you get three stages and 40 bands, both local and national, to help kill your Friday and Saturday. Yesterday, B.Gray shared the schedule with you, and after the jump I’ve got my lineup picks as well as more information on what happens if it rains!

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Chill Indie Folk Pop From Simen Mitlid

It’s a Friday, which means we’re very close to a weekend and thus chill vibes are all that should be on your mind. To help you get into that mindset, I’m happy to share this new track from Norway’s Simen Mitlid. Hailing from Os, Simen Mitlid is generating lush indie folk pop that will put your mind at ease with its gentle guitars, mellow vocals and bright melodies. “Trying” is Mitlid’s latest single, and it’s a gorgeous two minutes of folk pop bliss, juxtaposing the lightness of the instrumentation with Mitlid’s whispery, warm vocals. My only complaint with this tune is that I wish it was longer, but I’ve solved that problem by putting this one on repeat. Take a listen and enjoy.

Show Preview: SASAMI at Barracuda (Tonight!) 5/9

SASAMI were one of my favorite acts that I caught during SXSW, so I’m super stoked that we have the opportunity to catch Sasami Ashworth and crew again in our fair city to play Barracuda. Riding high off the release of her debut self-titled album, SASAMI has made waves with her melodic indie rock tunes. During her SXSW set, she made playful banter with the crowd, and amped up the energy of the midday set with her electric personality. I’m stoked for this show, and you shouldn’t miss out. Tickets are way cheap (12$) and you get openers Empath as well for that low low price. Start your weekend a little early and go check out some killer bands.

Goodside Shares Dreamy Indie Rock Track

Goodside are a band who hail from Sydney, and are making their debut into the blogosphere with what appears to be their first single, “I’ve Been Feeling Something Lately.” It’s a dreamy rock tune, with the vocals of Casey Logemann taking the spotlight. Her voice is playful, and this playfulness is doubled down by the backing vocals that come in for support on the choruses. The guitars duel in their riffs, while the percussion creates a jazzy tone during the verses and then pick up during the choruses for a more driving sound. Take a listen below, fall in love, and get ready for Goodside to blow up with their debut EP, which will be out later this year.

Perfect Indie Rock From Coral Collapse

A few months back, I shared this single from Buffalo’s Coral Collapse, and since then the band’s seen the release of the debut LP, Don’t Wait To See Me Say Goodbye, which may be a mouthful of a title, but I can assure you that this four piece make nothing but catchy indie rock tunes. This latest single from the group, “Never Go,” has everything you want in a soaring rock tune. It kicks off with a rollicking drum beat and tight knit dueling electric guitar riffs that playfully intertwine with each other, reverb drenched so the soundscape is well full of sound. Then, you get to the killer chorus that threatens to get stuck in your head for the next few hours to come. “Never Go” is a triumphant rocker that begs for repeated listens with its explosive sound. Lucky for you, the band has nine other tracks to sink your teeth into streaming now over at their Bandcamp page. Go take a listen.

 

Water Slice Share a Slice of Sunny Pop

Water Slice, out of Los Angeles, is the music of Patrick Phillips, who combines mellow vocals with pop sensibilities. In the video for “T Walton,” the sort of whimsical vibe of the tunes is mirrored in the video, which you can watch below. Expect punchy drums, bouncy piano, and jangly guitars that all combine for a lovely tune above which Phillips’ warm vocals soar. It’s a lovely tune, the perfect kind for your Friday afternoon to start off your weekend right. It’s taken from Water Slice’s debut EP, which is out now.

New Wave Disco From Von Konow

VON KONOW is the new solo project from Marko von Konow, out of Helsinki and Libson, and as this act they make new wave sounds with a bright splash of old school disco. This may sound like a weird conglomeration of genres, but the Bowie-meets-Morrissey vocals combined with the lightness of the strings, synth and even rhythms makes for a fun listen on “Lucid Sound.” This single is taken from Von Konow’s upcoming LP,For All and None, which will be out on June 19 on Solina Records.

 

Another Stunner from Big Thief

We’re no strangers to the incredible tunes that Big Thief have already blessed us with, so we’re very excited about their upcoming record that’s out this Friday on 4AD. Today, they’ve released a new track from U.F.O.F. called “Century,” which grooves along in this unassuming jazzy way that will have you at peace this Tuesday. As always, Lenker’s voice takes the spotlight; its immaculate restrained power loud in the mix. Not to be outdone by the ever-present shimmery acoustic guitar and the brief electric guitar solo that leads you out of the tune. I’m very much looking forward to hear the rest of the tracks on U.F.O.F. , which you can pre-order here.

New Wave Hit From Prudence

Prudence is the moniker for Tom Crandles of Au.Ra and it’s under this name that he’s making new wave bangers such as “Smile & Nod.” This track apparently began with an infectious bass line and flourished from there. You’ll immediately note said bass part upon first listen, as it provides the groovy undertone while the distorted, echoey vocals and jangly guitars play higher in the mix. Later on, you get some upbeat percussion and glittery synth sounds to round it all out into a tune for repeated listens. This track is taken from Prudence’s upcoming debut EP, Major Tom, which will be out on May 10 via Forged Artifacts.

A Bit Of Jangle-Pop From ViVii

Stockholm’s ViVii just dropped a new track today that is perfect for the sunny and hot day that we’re having today in Austin. “Fibromyalgia” is a ray of warm sunshine-y jangly pop that will have your toes tapping and your heart swooning. First you get the trade off of male / female vocals in the verses while those bright guitar riffs roll over each other over and over again. Then, during the chorus the two voices of Emil and Caroline Johnson come together in a dreamy, perfect pairing. It’s a lovely track, packed with energy delightful hooks. Check it out below and make sure you take a listen further to the band’s debut self-titled LP here.

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