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]

 

Rodrigo Amarante Brings Friends on New Single

rodThrough his work over the last several years Rodrigo Amarante has amassed a pretty solid group of friends.  On his latest single, “Tardei,” he brings friend Fab Moretti, Devendra Banhart and Adam Green into the fold.  While you don’t have to have cool friends to write a great song, it’s a statement that reflects just how well-respected Amarante has become, or has always been.  Those friends all provide a nice little choir to quietly back Rodrigo here.  It’s just another reason to expect wonderful things when you hear his album, Cavalo, which is slated for a May 6th release.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/11-Tardei.mp3]

 

Austin Weekend Show Suggestions

austinThings are heating up here in Austin, with several really big shows coming up in the month of April.  But, before we get into the full swing of things, let’s take a look at what’s going on this weekend.  There’s definitely shows we expect you to attend, but we’ll let you be the judge of that.  Below you’ll find our suggestions for the musical weekend of April 4th-6th, including some great free gigs  See you out on the town, and don’t forget to support the bands buy buying something while you’re out. Read on for details… Read more

New Music from The Shivas

shivasSo you’re heading out to the record store this weekend, and you’re wondering what you need besides that Mac Demarco and Cloud Nothings records you’ve got on your list? My suggestions is you immediately get your hands on the latest 7″ from The Shivas.  Their last full-length, Whiteout, didn’t get as much appreciate as it deserved, but they definitely turned heads with their great set at last years Austin Psych Fest.  The A-Side has this swinging touch to it, working magic that makes the tune undeniably catchy with the vocal work.  If the band continues to write hits like this there’s no reason their next full-length won’t knock the socks off everyone out there.  And if it’s not at your local shop, pick it up from their label, K Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/TheShivas_YouMakeMeWannaDie_IPU143_01_YouMakeMeWannaDie.mp3]

 

Listen to New Music from Shannon and the Clams

guantanamoshannonEarlier this year we brought you the great tune from Guantanamo Baywatch for their new split 7″ on Suicide Squeeze, so we’d be in trouble if we didn’t share both sides of the coin, right? Besides, I’ve always enjoyed listening to Shannon and the Clams.  She’s got this soulful voice that just seems huge, whether it’s in the live setting or coming through your speakers.  Personally, I love how the Clams switch to this swinging ballad to a jittery boogie that’s sure to get crowds riled up; it’s one of the many staples of the group’s sounds.  This new single will be released on April 29th, but make sure you get your hands on it early.

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