Category: News

Psych Fest Preview: King Hannah

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Austins Psych Fest kicks off 4.25 and runs through 4.27, and maybe a little insight into what I’m looking forward to, specifically some sleepers or lesser-knowns, is warranted. I know you didn’t ask, but I’ll tell you anyway.

King Hannah: Sunday, 2:55 PM, Janis Stage

King Hannah‘s unique blend of influences think PJ Harvey, Massive Attack, and Mazzy Star makes for the perfect concoction to set the tone for the 90s-heavy Sunday lineup. While the bands roots may be in Liverpool, the American influence left on them during their first North American tour found its way smeared all over their 2024 release Big Swimmer.

Referencing songwriting legends like Bill Callahan and John Prine in lyric, while still maintaining their own distinct perspective, makes for incredibly enjoyable listening especially when a patient ear is applied. Dig into their catalog of two full-lengths, and some notable covers (Madonnas Like A Prayer and Bruce Springsteens State Trooper) and you’ll find yourself awash in a constant glaze of slow-building sonic landscapes, accented by Hannah’s deeply personal and reflective lyrical process.

Coming off a lengthy, successful European tour with countless sold-out shows, the band returns to North America for the first time in a few years. Get there early.

Friday Album Streams: Mythical Motors, Avery Friedman, Lunchbox and More

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A pretty solid listening week over here, at least if you’re asking us. You’ll click below to find a few solid releases that are brand new, and one that’s been revamped for your listening pleasure…not to mention being made available to the masses for the first time. Click below to see what you’re into…maybe a little of this, a little of that, or maybe all of it…but be sure to support the artists and labels!

Mythical Motors – Travelogues and Movie Stills (Repeating Cloud)

Avery Friedman – New Thing (Audio Antihero)

The Convenience – Like Cartoon Vampires (Winspear)

Lunchbox – Evolver (Slumberland Records)

Sean Armstrong Prepares Velvet Ever After

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One of my favorite things about Sean Armstrong‘s work is that he seems to work on his craft, completely outside of the modern fads; it’s like listening to an out of body experience, where the noise of the world is totally gone and all you’ve got left is the song below. In that, there’s also a cinematic nature, with each carefully strummed guitar note resonating like it’s a framed piece of art, hanging in the air as Armstrong’s whispering vocals hang in the mix, almost fluttering in the front and falling to your feet. It’s an immersive world, where its simplicity and sincerity will sink you, so listen closely; Armstrong will release his new Velvet Ever After next Friday (4/25) via Rehberge Records.

Chad Offer Park n’ Ride Single

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Portland’s Chad definitely know the way to my heart, quickly grabbing me with light snare snaps and a delectable little keyboard line; it sets the mood and blankets the room with warmth before Sarah Lane enters the room with her silken vocal lines. A little subtle change hits with a punctuated synth line and growling bit of vocals, allowing the track to break up the forward push, especially when the second round opens up into a big instrumental breakdown that gets haunted by Lane’s voice. This song will appear on the group’s debut LP, which is slated for release this May.

Casual Hex Share the System Video

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You know the instant the guitars ring out in your ear that this Casual Hex track is going to be a jam; it’s dissonant and sharp, setting up the march of the song. Nonchalant vocals run right into the mix, soon overlapped by backing vocals, all the while the guitars dangerously cut away at the cones of your speakers. While the system operates and swirls with simplicity, the structural elements are buoyed by this brilliant bit of artistry that makes the track seem so much larger and more urgent. Definitely excited to hear the rest of their forthcoming Zig Zag Lady Illusion II, out June 13th via Youth Riot Records.

Lost Film Return with Pilot Light

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It’s been a couple of years since Jim Hewitt’s Lost Film project has thrown anything our way, but let’s hope that, like the song title, this track is the ignition that gets more grooves coming our way. Personally, I love his adherence to the bouncier brand of indiepop here, with that sound building it’s own energy in the snappiest of fashions. While there’s certainly a driving spirit, the vocals come across the speakers like a really cool breeze, fluttering softly but with enough cool to soothe all that ails you. This song wouldn’t be out of place on a playlist with the likes of Beach Fossils or Ducks Ltd., so if that’s your vibe, then this is your (and mine!) jam.

GMO Drop Double Headed Gemini

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Guess we’re going to rock with dope post-alternative vibes today, like this super rad GMO tune that just dropped. The group features former members of ATH faves B-Boys, but don’t let that be your guide, as the sound below is completely headed in the other direction. They roll out heavy samples that recall Sneaker Pimps, taking a striking vocal, indie rock staples and fusing it with an understated electronica pulse. What I love is the emotional saturation here, with the pacing of the tune just letting each element kind of soak the skin, working it over and over until you have no choice but to admit to yourself that you probably need more of this in your life. Be sure to go revisit their Repeat/Rewind EP if that’s the case!

Robin Kester Announces Dark Sky Reserve

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We like to keep you on your toes by mixing it up all day every day, and seeing as we’ve dropped some nu-indie and some power-pop, it feels right tossing in this Robin Kester groover. The Dutch artist is blending a softer side of pop with electronica, though I feel lie that’s possibly oversimplifying the artistry. This track operates much like a Kate Bush tune, pushing this infectious energy that gradually builds tension, and you think it’s going to explode into euphoria. Instead, it fills the background with saxophones and ambiance that continues to let the song grow and grow and grow. Dense pop music is where it’s at! Robin will release Dark Sky Reserve this September via Memphis Industries.

Bouquet Return with Moon Was Made

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Feels like its been forever since we’ve heard from Bouquet, who generated a good amount of buzz with their 2015 In a Dream EP, but until this year, they’ve stayed mostly quiet. Alas, they’ve returned with this burning bit of pop, meandering between a dreamy state and a more playful brand of indie rock. There’s this snaking guitar line that runs throughout, seemingly dodging the keyboard notes that rain down in the background, all while the vocals overlap one another to create this thickened pop soup. And, while I admittedly see the proximity to dream pop and such, I can’t help but hear these notes that almost feel like a young Jenny Lewis in their presence. They’ll release their first LP in a decade, Spellbreaker, later this year!

BS Share Out of Sight Out of Mind Single

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BS, or the band formerly known as Brother Sports, have been crafting great pop rock from the confines of the Austin music scene for almost an entire decade. As of late, they’ve really embraced hooks and futuristic sounds, using their knack for employing electronic instruments with a modern indie rock vibe, akin to the Strokes. It takes what feels like a stale sound and upgrades it a bit; it’s the sort of rock n’ roll we should be transmitting to out of space, inviting them to come over and have a dance party with us all! Crank it up and get ready for your day.

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