Bringing the jams
Yet another SXSW is in the books and it’s time for the ATH crew to reminisce a little and offer some highlight from the week behind us. I think we’ve had enough time now to take a few deep breaths, collect our thoughts, and delve through tons of notes and photos. As we’ve done in the past, we’ll offer up awards to bands, venues and events worthy of such praise. It will be glorious. Hit the jump for a full recap with photos.
We love Reptaliens here on the ATH crew and I know we are all excited for their new album VALIS coming new month. Prior to the upcoming release date, the band has shared yet another single called “Venetian Blinds”. Once again we are treated to some beautiful, chill pop music and an amazing tour video to go along with the song. Now I’m looking even more forward to the release of the new album on April 26th.
We in the ATH crew love our indie pop and we get excited when someone sends us something new from the genre. Today I’m pleased to share this new single “Too Hot” from Melbourne based all girl group Tight Knit. This one is a sort of mellow take on the genre made complete with crunchy guitars and a simple drum beat. The band just put out this single via 7″ vinyl on Not Unloved out of Glasgow. If you’re into it, check out the label’s bandcamp page to make a purchase.
You may have thought our SXSW interviews were over, but you thought wrong! While most of these bad boys ran prior to last week, I did pick up a couple near the end of the festival. This one comes from Glasgow based group The Ninth Wave, who also appeared on my Top 6 to watch list. Ready for one more? Hit the jump.
Many of you are likely out and about today hitting up SXSW shows, though some of you might not quite be done with work. For those of you still stuck at your day job, I have another interview for you from St. Louis based group Shady Bug. Crazy enough, I just featured them on my Top 6 to watch post so of course I was excited to receive our interview questions back from them. Hit the jump to see the responses.
Well SXSW music is officially here, and as I sit and ponder my existence while at work, I thought it would be fun to share some advice on bands to watch for the week. Of course you know how many bands are in town so the list can be incredibly overwhelming and daunting. After a quick scan, I picked out 6 of my “must sees” for the week in hopes you might find something to seek out. Why 6? I have no idea honestly but it seemed like enough to kick start your brain. Hit the jump for my list with some music samples.
As much as we love sharing news of national/international bands, there’s nothing quite like the discovery of even more local talent. Today I’m pumped to share with you the premiere single “City Buses” from Austin, TX based outfit First Names. This one is going to be for those of you who like garage rock sounds with heavily distorted guitars, banging drums, and softer vocals. Bottom line, it shows a lot of promise for these young upstarts in our little city. Carry on.
In my never ending quest to find quality music with a rocking sound, I came across this incredible new track “Drink You Dry” from Michigan based group minihorse. It reminds me a great deal of the later work offered by Nada Surf if they added some droning, loud guitars to their repertoire. The repetitive nature of the song with the beautiful compliment of harmonies provided by Anna Burch, create a track that’s sure to warrant multiple plays.
Minihorse will release debut album Living Room Art on April 3rd via Park the Van Records.
Moar SXSW interviews! Yes we are crazy people and are planning to share more SXSW interviews than you could possibly imagine. Today I am pumped to share with you an interview with some old friends of ours Criminal Hygiene. These guys are on a high right now with the upcoming release of their new album Run it Again just prior to their Austin visit. We are excited for them. Hit the jump for answers.
As if you thought I’d let Nathan have all the fun with this SXSW interview game, you thought wrong! It’s time for me to start sharing some interviews myself and I’m starting today with one from Auckland based band Swallow the Rat. These guys were kind enough to answer or SXSW band questions and you can find their responses after the jump.
