Category: News

Kinda Sorta Missed This TRAAMS Tune

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traamsOk, so the track’s already been out for a few days, but you know how it goes in the blogosphere (does that world still exist?).  So, this TRAAMS tune hit a few days ago, and it’s sort of blown up immediately.  It’s got this driving rhythm from the get-go, recalling the work of Hot Snakes (or the other band that guy was in).  It hits hard and fast, though there are some guitar cuts that barely border on pop sensibility (listen closely).  Still, the middle of the track is fairly rewarding too, using a slightly slower pace to offer some differentiation. Fatcat Records will be releasing the band’s new album, Modern Dancing, this coming November.

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Smooth Synth Pop From Briana Marela

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unnamed-2Chances are slim that you’ve already heard of Seattle-based Briana Marela; she got some attention for the release of her first single, “Surrender” from her upcoming album back in May, but other than that she’s remained somewhat under the radar, though I have a feeling that’s going to change soon. “Take Care of Me,” the song below, is a sonically cool track; when you start listening, you’ll notice off the bat that Marela’s vocals are quite unique and the perfect compliment to the instrumentation.  What this song brings to the table is a sleek blend of electronic elements and ethereal vocals to wrap you in a wispy vortex of sound. Briana Marela is set to release her newest album, All Around Us via Jagjaguwar in a few short weeks on August 21st. Go preorder it here.  

 

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The Spook School Prep Album

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spook-schoolIt’s been a bit since I’ve heard from the Spook School, but by the sounds of their new single, it looks like the group is ready to come back with a vengeance. Their last album, Dress Up (2013) was phenomenal; it was upbeat indiepop. You get the hooks and charm, but it’s played with a heavier hand.  Think of acts like Speedy Ortiz or Joanna Gruesome, but with a more charmed approach, making them slightly more appealing to those with softer spots in their listening hearts. They’ll be releasing Try to Be Hopeful this October via Fortuna Pop, with a promise to take on subject matters dealing with “sexuality and being awesome.” You can also check out this really great video of the band discussing issues of transgender with LJG HERE (it’s pretty great).

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Mercury Rev Still Has It

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mercuryrevw0When I first pressed play on the track below, I’ll admit I was expecting something quite different; in the first few seconds of the song I was immediately gravitating towards expectations of a Cults-esque sound, but what I got was something completely different. Mercury Rev have been around for quite a long time (circa 1988), but they’re still quite able to turn a great track, as “Are You Ready?” will certainly attest. The song is a streamlined thrashing of indie rock– synths push through the whole thing loudly and drums bombast through the mix. This is the kind of song that makes you excited for an album and The Light In You will be available quite soon through Bella Union on September 18th.

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Have You Heard Hotman

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hotmanIt’s amazing that in all the hubbub about music cities dying no one is really discussing how difficult it’s been for a lot of musicians to even eke out a living in one band…they often turn to two or three different projects.  Maybe that’s the case for Joe from Low Culture, or maybe he just loves to play music.  This track below opens up with a kinship to Guided By Voices, which initially caught me, though it travels to an entirely different territory as the song drives on, pushing more towards the punk direction that you might associate with Joe’s other band. Hotman only has these two tracks, but they’re NYOP, and they’re both super rad, so get on it.

[audio:http//www.austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Hotman-Ghost-Love.mp3]

Download: Hotman – Ghost Love [MP3]

ATX Spotlight: More New Rain Collectors

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rainWe were fortunate enough to premiere the first Rain Collectors single of the year, and now the charming Austin duo has another tune for you all to enjoy. Santiago, who plays in other well-known ATX acts like Growl takes the lead for the opening moments of the track, then trading places so Blair, of AMA, can come in and do her thing…only for the two to unite during the chorus.  Honestly, there’s probably lots of little musical nods they’re making, but you can’t pinpoint just one sound, making the group sound utterly refreshing whilst still feeling wholly familiar. Let’s keep our focus on these guys as they continue to charm their way into our constant listening rotation.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Rain-Collectors-Lock-The-Door.mp3]

 

Takamahak Give You Catchy Lo Fi

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10530681_761353337255694_1659108928843178449_nThis post comes to you all the way from Germany… well, Takamahak are from Germany, I’m stuck here in the ATX. Regardless of where the song is from, there can be no denying that it’s a jam and a half. The guitars are the perfect level of distorted, while those vocals are simultaneously clean and muddy. Relying on stop and go rhythm, the band moves in and out of the track neatly and quickly. “Cigarettes & Idiots” is a neat little tune that will embed itself into your head for the rest of the day. Take a listen to this under the radar track below.

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Show Pics: Lower Dens & Jamie XX @ GvsB 5

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Jamie XXThis appears to be the summer of The Mohawk for me. At least once a week, more like twice a week right now and that probably won’t stop on average for the duration of the triple-digit season.

Most recently, I was around for a mini-festival presented by our blog friend Gorilla vs. Bear up in Dallas. The Granada played host up IH35. The peeps at The Mohawk agreed, why not play host to all involved and give the bands another date while in Texas before heading their separate ways? Austin’s lineup was Jamie XX, Lower Dens, Bop English, Tei Shi, Yumi Zouma, Prince Innocence and DJ Sober. Not a bad little way to occupy a Saturday night, a night that had a SxSW showcase feeling without the day-drunk post-buzz.

Click through for a few comments and plenty of pics.

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ATX Spotlight: New Letting Up Despite Great Faults Jam

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Letting Up Despite Great FaultsI was out of town, so I should have been on this tune already.  We love Letting Up Despite Great Faults, and we’re always here to support those guys (and gal)…thus why I’m putting up this instrumental jam that they’ve recently released.  I hope it means the group are backing in the studio working their way towards another release, which can only mean good things for Austin. Seems like a pretty good way to wrap up what’s been a good case of the Tuesday’s in my book, so enjoy yourself as we close the day out with a little local love.

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Welcome Return for The Intelligence

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intelligenceIt’s been a hot minute since we last heard from The Intelligence, the band that always shifts and changes sounds between albums, whilst always sounding every bit like themselves.  They’ve just returned with this new single, and while there’s about 20 seconds of goofing around in the studio, as soon as the bass line begins to groove, you’re caught in the perfect mix of a steady rocker. They even bring in part-time Thee Oh See, Brigid, to add a nice vocal contrast to the tune.  Probably one of the bands I feel are the most underrated, so I look forward to their new effort, Vintage Future, which hits on September 25th via In the Red.

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