Other Lives Go A Slightly Different Direction

10917143_10152732535224958_8315073691152214820_oOther Lives, from Stillwater, OK, are essentially a household name in the indie world, making ominously beautiful tunes. After their 2012 release of Tamer Animals, they’ve taken their time to put out another album, but now they’ve returned with this new single and the announcement of their third LP, Rituals, which is set to come out on May 5th here in North America (preorder it here). Fittingly enough, the track is called “Reconfiguration,” and gone is the sweeping nature you grew accustomed to on those earlier records and in its place is more to appeal to your electro pop sensibilities. The track is still somewhat haunting, but its clear the band is going in a different direction than their first two records. What do you think?

Austin Spotlight: The Zoltars Are Back

the-zoltarsI feel sorry for those in Austin that aren’t hip to the Zoltars.  They might seem unassuming, but the vision of Jared Zoltar has kept the band crafting infections pop songs that deserve your attention.  And now, the band are returning with their 3rd LP, which, based on this single, should be a delight for listeners in our town and beyond. I dig the swagger that pervades this tune; it sounds like Jared’s on to something cool that you want to be part of.  They’re going the self-titled route for this effort, so look for that LP (and buy it) when Happenin Records tosses it out on February 24th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/146956330″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

ATH Curates SXSW Playlist

sxswfm_LOGO-stacked-4CI’ve been fortunate with this site, and such fortunes continue with some friends reaching out to have me curate an hour of music featuring SXSW Official Austin acts that I wanted to rest of the world to know about. It also features my horrendous voice, though only for like 30 seconds total. I kind of went all over the map, trying to be as diverse as possible within the realm of my own tastes.  The little show will run three times today on SXSWFM (9 AM, 3 PM, 9 PM), which is a great place to get to know some of the artists, not just the Austin ones.  Here’s the artists I chose to include: Flesh Lights, Sour Notes, Jess Williamson, Roger Sellers, Mirror Travel, Shivery Shakes, Grape St, Ramesh, A Sinclair, Love Inks, Hundred Visions, Abram Shook, Ssleeperhold, The Zoltars, Warm Soda and The Eastern Sea. Just doing what I can to give a little love to our friends.  Special thanks to Brett and Rory for this rad opportunity.

Enjoy the New Moon King Single

unnamedI missed the hubbub with the first Moon King single, but I made sure I was on the spot to spread the word about their latest single.  I love the opening of the track, with the instrumentation hiding in the distance so the vocals can really take the prominent role.  Those instruments really begin to pick up pace after the first little bit, but the vocals hold the song quite steady, creating an interesting effect that really builds tension until after the 2 minute mark.  From their the band blast off into alternative guitar fare, hurrying to the finish line.  Last Gang Records will be releasing the group’s Secret Life LP on April 14th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/189188287″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Great Lake Swimmers Go Orchestral

bellaThe title of this post pretty much sums up where you’ll find the new track from Great Lake Swimmers. It’s got this swelling arrangement behind it, and much of the attention will head that way, with the group reportedly crafting a bigger swell around their typical folk styling.  I’m not sure where I stand overall on this tune; I love Dekker’s voice, as always, but it’s so clean and polished that it almost feels like a cliche folk group.  Production value can sometimes take away the band’s fragility, but jury is still out until I get to hear all of A Forest of Arms, which is being released on April 21st via Nettwerk Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/187999835″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Kuzin Is Where It’s At

kuzI’ve got a soft spot for the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Sounds.  I got into both acts super early, as they provided a bit of hooks blended with a powerful punch; it’s the same sensation I get when I listen to Kuzin.  The vocals definitely harken towards Karen O, especially during the little inflections.  For the most part, the rest of the tracks is a straight forward pop rock track, and I hope you’ll enjoy it at your stereo’s loudest levels. This Spring Kill Canyon will be releasing her debut, Cavity; it’s just the sugary touch your Tuesday needs.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/177886974″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Feeling This New Dick Diver

dicksIt seems like the Melbourne, Australia scene is where its at these days.  Dick Diver is just another band from that area carrying on the tradition of writing these incredible guitar pop tracks for the world to sink their teeth into.  The opening minute of this track is instrumental, focusing on the band’s musicianship, getting that groove.  They jump in soon afterwards with that swinging guitar style, a slight little bounce and the ever relaxed vocal delivery.  I didn’t think I could get any more excited about Melbourne, Florida, but this new single has me ready for the LP already; look for it to come out March 10th via Chapter Music/Trouble In Mind.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/188711145″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Passenger Peru Ready New LP

peeI’m a little late to this tune, but I think listening to Passenger Peru will do you some good today.  There’s something quite interesting in the way the band construct their songs; they have this entrancing quality based on the rhythmic grooves they’ve created, akin to Finback, though heavier handed.  Still, those chugging riffs are offset by this really bright moment that bursts forth in the middle of tune.  Frankly, it’s exciting, as it’s far from you average piece of indie rock.  Their LP, Light Places, is set for release on February 24th via Fleeting Youth Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/03-The-Best-Way-To-Drown.mp3]

Download: The Best Way To Drown [MP3]

Playful Psych From Mild High Club

mildhighLet’s be real: not too much information is out there about Mild High Club, other than that it is the project of Alexander Brettin, who is currently based out of L.A. This song below, “Windowpane,” is off of his debut 45 and it’s got enough electro-psych to knock your socks off. There’s a Mac Demarco kind of playfulness that comes out of this rad tune, and it makes me excited for what’s to come from Mild High Club and his synth swirling jams. I particularly like the grooving bass line that holds your hand all the way through. Take a listen and enjoy.

Shana Falana Brings You a Hook

shanaRemember when we all fell in love with Best Coast (don’t lie, you know you did)? Well, now that that group has faded into the distance, there have to be acts to replace it.  I like Shana Falana for the part; the New York artist even offers a little bit more of a distinct sound, filling in more of the negative space with dreamier notes that go beyond classic alternate-girl fare. This single has a forcefulness, using guitar melody that twists and turns throughout.  Look for Team Love to release her album Set Your Lightning Fire Free on April 7th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/184760596″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

1 1,067 1,068 1,069 1,070 1,071 1,440