Smooth Listening from Childhood

childhoodI felt like Monday was a really slow day for new music news, but luckily this dreamy track from Childhood made it into my inbox.  The construction of the song is in line with a lot of the music coming out right now, carefully crafting this swelling pop song that rises and falls all over the place.  Me? I’m just in love with the way that the vocals come across.  They’re delivered almost effortlessly, allowing with this gentle affectation that really soothes the listener.  This song is the first listen from their much anticipated debut album, which should arrive at some point during the summertime.

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Austin Spotlight: David & the Israelites

coverThis past Saturday night I attended a pretty incredible show at Cheer Up Charlies; I’ve covered many of the acts like Tele Novella, Daniel F. Doyle and Shivery Shakes, but I can’t, for the life of me, think why I hadn’t given more love to David & the Israelites up until now.  David Israel’s been writing music in town for some time, but he’s finally got the proper band to back his unique blend of oddball folk, making music that deserves more attention.  I hate to draw comparisons, but he’s Austin’s own version of Silver Jews.  He’s got that deep vocal and writes witty lyrics.  I’m including a track below that I believe came before the inclusion of the full band line-up, but if you’re seeing a show bill with this group’s name, or David’s alone for that matter, I suggest you dig through the couch cushions for enough change to this unique act.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/David-Israel-Israel-01-Pool-of-Light.mp3]

Download: David Israel – Pool of Light [MP3]

The Airplanes Are Back with Another Single

airplanesOver the last few years, we’ve tried to acquaint ourselves (and encourage you to do the same) with The Airplanes.  The group is mainly the project of Joshua Vest, who just seems to sit around and writing these undeniably wonderful pop songs.  They’re straight-forward, with no need for kitschy hooks, demonstrating that he’s capable of writing great songs with little more than a good melody.  He’s got a brand new single coming out on April 15th, and we’ve got the track for you to stream below.  It’ll make your spirit smile.

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New Jam from Hailer

hailerHailer are a band that calls Sydney, Australia home, but they’ve also got some lineage in Austin, where their last record was recorded.  You’ll find the group make a little nod to psych rock with the way the song is structured, but I really enjoy the song’s straight-ahead rock appeal.  It jumps right into the mix, with smashing drum work and distorted guitar screeching through your speakers.  They’ve just released the record, El Cosmico, so you can head over HERE to pick it up from them, or just enjoy the tune below.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Hailer_03v1_DiggingHoles.mp3]

Download: Hailer – Digging Holes [MP3]

Fresh Jam from Dead Stars

dead-stars-2014It seems like the rest of the world is catching on to what we already knew: Dead Stars are a rad rad band. So much so, that I actually walked two miles during SXSW to catch them play live (it was worth it!).  This new single is just as catchy and enjoyable as anything I’ve heard in this vein this year; it’s got a driving beat, fuzzed out guitar, but what I like the most is that there was extra attention to the vocals in the mix. This is one of those bands I put on little mixes to try and hip my friends to all the great jams out there. You can pick up their new album, Slumber, from Old Flame Records on June 17th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/01-Someone-Else.mp3

Download: Dead Stars – Someone Else [MP3]

Show Preview: S. Carey @ Holy Mountain (4.7)

scarey

Date Monday, April 7th
Location Holy Mountain
Doors 9 PM
Tickets $10 from Transmission


I imagine it’s been fairly difficult for S. Carey to escape his ties to Bon Iver, but with the recent release of Range of Light, he seems to continue to get beyond the shadows of his other work.  His songwriting is quite intimate and personal, allowing listeners to find themselves lost in his musical compositions.  He’ll be joined at Holy Mountain by White Hinterland, another group that’s crafting these ornate pieces that quietly immerse you in another world.  And, opening the night will be local lady-hero, Dana Falconberry, who really needs no introduction.  You’ve got three great musicians, and no excuses, so head out tonight! And, S. Carey has a free show at Waterloo at 6 if you’re into that sort of thing.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/03-In-The-Dirt.-1.mp3]

Download: S. Carey – In The Dirt [MP3]

Fuzzy Noise from Cruising

artworks-000075338379-2d6pfx-t500x500Mondays always start off a little slowly, so I wanted to make sure you had something really noisy and amped up to get you going while you roll into the office.  I stumbled across this tune from Cruising and realized that it absolutely has to make its way into your rotation this morning. Rumor on the street is that the band is made up of various members of September Girls, Sea Pinks and Girls Names, which means we’re guaranteed to love them.  All that matters is that the song is this female-fronted sludgy rocker; vocals are shouted from a distance, breaking through the wall of noise.  Gotta get rad this morning, then pick up the single from Soft Power Records.

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Austin Spotlight: Hola Beach Ready New EP

1531766_384113795059583_1152856340_nMonday night I hit up the Mohawk to bid farewell to Gal Pals, but I was also treated to some excellent local talent with Hola Beach.  There was a wall of noise crashing into the ears of audience members, and while that may sound dangerous, everyone was tapping their toes. The band have been relatively quiet, recording-wise, since 2013, but you’re in for some great tunes folks.  They graciously handed out 24 copies of their new EP, with some artwork done by Mohawk employee Patrick Waites. This track below is pretty special, displaying the group’s balance between those gaze-y moments and a slow, yet special vocal delivery.  We’ll keep you up to date with more new about the band’s upcoming releases when we know more, but for now, rock to this new jam, “Anyway.”

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/04-Track-04.mp3]

 

Sweet New Pop from Blanche as a Name

blancheFeel like it’s been a minute since I last heard the work of French group, Blanche as a Name, but today things are a-changing as they just released a really special new single, featuring the track below.  You’ll get sucked into the switch between the soft opening and the minimal explosion into pop bliss.  Admittedly, these sorts of songs aren’t for everyone’s ears, but you’ll find yourself tapping your toes softly, escaping your daily doldrums, albeit for just four brief moments.  You can pick up the single now from Bleeding Gold Records.

Playful Fun with Beaty Heart

beatyRemember when you were so in love withe frivolity of Vampire Weekend?  It was all tribal beats and sunny harmonies? Well, you’re going to love this new tune from the UK’s Beaty Heart.  They’ve got such a wonderful blend of all those elements, still demonstrating their own artistic aspirations as musicians.  I’ve spent a lot of time listening to their album, Mixed Blessings, and it couldn’t come out a more perfect time.  You want an album that’s going to make your summer pool parties a blast? Then you’ll want to pick up their record on May 12th via Nusic Sounds, followed by a short US tour (that doesn’t include Austin).

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/01-1.-Banana-Bread.mp3]

 

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