Spunky Psych Disco From Formation

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You may be asking yourself, what exactly is psych disco pop? Well, London duo Formation have the answer to that question in the form of “Back Then” This track packs a punch– the groovy bass line that throbs underneath everything carries the tune, while the fuzzy vocals and raging synth rides atop the mix, giving an odd, yet fun combination of smooth and staccato. Formation are releasing Young Ones EP on March 23rd, so keep a look out for more dance-ready tunes from these two.

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Dark Force of Beauty from RA

10931072_854818211237398_8019584073532237023_nA while back I brought out a heavy bit of gaze from RA, but I think this track’s going to be getting a lot more notice, as it’s quite similar to the work bands like Iceage have been promoting.  There’s a heavy-handed guitar creating a wall of reverberating noise, but there’s a sterile vocal that haunts the track, creating this dark emotion in that modern post-rock manner.  The tune sucks you in beneath it’s natural current, rolling you through it’s brooding sentiment until you find yourself fading out in the end.  It’s just another reason that people need to take note of the band’s forthcoming effort, Scandinavia, which hits on March 3rd via Adrian Recordings.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/03-The-Void.mp3]

Download – RA – The Void [MP3]

 

Spirited Pop from Summer Cannibals

unnamedI’ve really been enjoying the tunes I’ve heard from the new effort from Portland’s Summer Cannibals.  They’ve got this entangling bit of rock n’ roll, but there’s this sultry draw that comes from Jessica Bourdreaux that really drives home an extra special hook.  But, don’t think that things are all bright and sunny, as they break this song down with a crunchy guitar edge to round out the softness on the track. It’s the title track from their forthcoming album, Show Us Your Mind, which will pop up on New Moss Records on March 3rd.

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A Sultry Groove From Au.Ra

10865990_599963220135892_1713619996969962156_oAu.Ra are Tim Jenkins and Tom Crandles from Sydney, who make psychedelic shoegazey rock music. “Talk Show,” is a noisy growing tune that starts by simmering and slowly builds to its boiling end of subtle psychedelic rock, but it also maintains this danceable energy throughout the whole song. This is just one of many singles that Au.Ra have put out from Jane’s Lament, their new record to be released on March 3rd. You can check out the rest of those singles here, as well as preorder the record if you’re so inclined.

 

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Quiet Folk From Soft Cat

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Looking for an intricately crafted folk tune? Well, Baltimore’s Soft Cat has you covered on that end with “Somebody.” Here you’ll hear a gorgeous blend of guitars, strings, piano and mild, yet beautifully tempered vocals. I dig this song because it beautiful and calm, simply the perfect start to your week or day, or a reprieve from your reentry into the work week.  This group is coming back with their third full length album, All Energy Will Rise, come April 7th via Father/Daughter Records, so be sure to get your hands on that.

 

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Energetic Rocker from What Tyrants

unnamedI love a track that opens with some rambunctious guitar riffs, setting the mood for a really good time.  That’s precisely what the lads in What Tyrants have brought to the table, just before their vocals come into the party.  The Minneapolis trio is specializing in making catchy garage rock that’s as infectious as it is edgy.  These tunes will pummel your ears, but their fast, so you’ll have plenty of time for recovery.  Look for their debut No Luck to be released on March 24th via Forged Artifacts.

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Beautiful Tune from Damon & Naomi

D&NFortuneArtworkI hope the world still has love for Galaxie 500; the band seems to only find fandom in small circles these days.  Regardless, 2/3 of the act has continued as Damon & Naomi since the group’s split, and they’re readying a new release for next week, February 17th.  I’ve fallen in love with the patience of the duo’s songwriting; every harmony and melody seems so natural and honest.  On the track below, the two combine their vocals for a sincere performance based on loose guitar and tinkering keys.  Your heads not on straight? Let it continue to drift away below.  Look for Fortune next week via Ba Da Bing Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/11Time-Wont-Own-Me.mp3]

Download: Damon & Naomi – Time Won’t Own Me [MP3]

Damn This Keath Mead Tune is Sweet

unnamed-2Ah, those old innocent days when a great pop tune made everything seem perfect.  This Keath Mead track is just such a tune, erasing the doldrums of every day life.  There’s some slick production that gives it a straight pop feeling, though I think Mead’s vocals have a nice touch to them that really brings this new single home.  It’s interesting that Keith’s imploring the song’s intended audience to “act your age,” which is completely the opposite of how this makes me feel.  I want to take off on a long sunny day walk with this song bouncing me along. His album Sunday Dinner comes out on February 24th via Company Records.

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Premiere: Birds of Night Prep New Self-Titled LP

4212Just because we rep Austin doesn’t mean we don’t look around Texas for great tunes from our neighboring cities, which is where we ran into Denton’s Birds of Night.  The group’s new single has this guitar that cuts through the pounding rhythm section, tied in tightly with a great Southern vocal that wears a Texas drawl proudly.  It reminds me a lot of local band A. Sinclair, just offering up a heavy dosage of great no-frills rock n’ roll. Their album, Birds of Night, was recorded by Midlake‘s McKenzie Smith at his Redwood Studio, so you know they’ve already caught the ear of some Texas heavy-hitters.  Here’s to them reaching beyond our state line; look for the album on April 21st.

 

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