Category: News

Another Soulful Down-Tempo Tune from Running in the Fog

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cover4I wrote about the work of Amanda Harper and her project, Running in the Fog, a month ago, and it’s time we revisit her work, as she’s got another single that went out recently.  This newer track is quite similar to “Desire,” but I think there’s a really interesting shift that occurs around the 2 minute mark.  There’s a really slight shift in the electronic beat, creating more of a shimmering quality to accompany Harper’s voice.  Be sure to check out her Silver EP, which comes out next week courtesy of Father/Daughter Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/01-Sail.mp3]

Download: Running in the Fog – Sail [MP3]

Manatee Put Up All Their Singles for Free – December Only

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manatee_updateAs I’m sure you know, I’m a huge fan of Slumberland Records, but did you know that owner/founder Mike S. has his own band Manatee who put out some rocking tunes?  Well, you’re in luck then, with the band opting to put up all their singles of the last few years for free, or NYP. I’ve previously written about the group before, so I encourage you spend some time grabbing these tunes, or at least previewing; I always encourage you to donate, even a dollar helps a band go forward.  My first preference would probably be for you to hit up Single Payer Class War, which features the jam below.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/01-Mr-Super.mp3]

Download: Manatee – Mr Super [MP3]

More Music from Rodrigo Amarante

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Rodrigo-AmaranteHopefully you recognize the name behind Little Joy, which was noted more for the appearances of Fab (Strokes fame), but which wouldn’t have sounded so perfect if not for Rodrigo Amarante.  Tracks from his album, Cavalo, have been floating around the Internet for a few weeks, and this one is my personal favorite.  It has that tropicalia feel, yet maintains a strangeness that allows me to hold onto the fact that I still think I’m cool (I’m not FYI). If you were a fan of the driftwood pop that his full band created, then you’ll surely love what he’s done on his own (with a little help from Devandra and Fab).

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/02.-Hourglass.mp3]

Download: Rodrigo Amarante – Hourglass [MP3]

Another Tune from Jess Williamson

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jessJess Williamson is fast becoming a big name over here at our homes, warming her way into our hearts with a few beautifully stunning tracks in less than a few weeks.  This latest track premiered just before the break, and it’s got a different bent than the track that we released earlier.  Her vocal performance here is steadier, though there’s a bit of a quiver, keeping the uniqueness of her style alive.  Whereas “Native State” seemed more playful, there’s a somber quality to this track that’s even more emotional than her previous single.  Her album Native State will be out in January, to an excited masses.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/01-Blood-Song.mp3]

Download: Jess Williamson – Blood Song [MP3]

Show Preview: Nightlands @ Mohawk (12.3)

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Nightlands

Date Tuesday, December 3rd
Location Mohawk
Doors 9:00 PM
Tickets $8 from Mohawk


Winter weather unfortunately puts a damper on bands traveling into Austin to put their music on display, but there’s a few great acts coming in, like Nightlands blowing into town on Tuesday night. The group is still pushing the sounds off their most recent release, Oak Island, which was well-received across the board.  I’ve always appreciated the way the project incorporates these organic sounds into these dreamscapes that mesmerize listeners.  And if that wasn’t enough, locals Holy Wave and RF Shannon will be supporting on the night.  It’s cheap, it’ll be good, you’ve got no choice: be there.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/04-God-What-Have-I-1.mp3]

Download: Nightlands – God What Have I  [MP3]

Soft Pop from The High Wire

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highwiresYou’ve got to love when bands stretch out the negative space to allow for their melodies to shine perfectly.  This is precisely what you’ll get when you spin this track from London’s The High Wire.  There’s tons of open space in the track, but the band manage to pace the track perfectly, maximizing their pop strategies to win over the listeners. I love how the song seems to build, yet holds back throughout, pushing your heart’s anticipation to its breaking point.  The trio is finishing up touches on their album, which is slated for release in the middle of 2014.  After this tune, I’m not sure I can wait that long.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/THE-HIGH-WIRE-The-Thames-The-Tide.mp3]

Download: The High Wire – The Thames & The Tide [MP3]

Happy Thanksgiving

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ATH TurkeyWhile we take a moment to reflect, appreciative of the friends and family that fill our lives, let’s not forget the important stuff, the music. That’s right friends and family, we’re gathering our best-of lists already and will have a giant playlist of awesomeness and a stack of albums you should buy before 2013 gets away from in the coming weeks.

Thankful list:
– C3 and Transmission for festivals and shows and the independents filling the gaps
– Venues around town we call home like The Mohawk, Stubb’s, ACL Live and any place on Red River or east of 35, or that has bands on a regular basis we like to see (so all the venues I guess).
– Record Stores for collecting our moneys in exchange for ear candy
– PR people that make sure we don’t miss anything
– Most importantly, You, the people of the internet that read and listen and trust us to bring you the jams – THANK YOU!

Now go take care of the important stuff – Food and beverage, napping while football is on the television (muted), getting greasy fingers on your best vinyl…

PYAITK: Mavis Gary Has A Hit

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mavis garyMy friend and former woxy.com DJ, Mike Taylor, spun this gem as part of his weekly show on Amazing Radio. Real beauty and I have to agree that though this is a fairly lo-fi offering with the layers of melodies making it full and rich; this a must listen.

Mavis Gary is actually the “band name” for a side project recently launched by Adrian Ng (65 likes on bookface launched 10/16, so wet paint here). The title track, “Pin Me Up”, to the 10 song album is a streamable beauty of indie pop and you will dig. The rest of the album does not disappoint if you liek this one and it is a pay your conscience at the Mavis Gary Bandcamp so kick a few bucks and DL.

Pat Thomas Steps Out On His Own

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patindapark.143638Earlier this year I praised the work of Cool Ghouls, who released their self-titled album earlier this year, but I’m here to talk about one of the group’s primary songwriters, Pat Thomas.  For me, it would do enough that his Coasters Riding in the Air EP was recorded by Sonny Smith, but the single below clearly illustrates that he’s more than just the product of a producer’s magic touch.  It’s got this West Coast swagger to it, allowing the breezy quality of that area to sink into this casual number.  The only problem is that he’s only got six songs recorded; if they’re this enjoyable that might not be enough. You can grab the release from Empty Cellar Records on December 3rd.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/120810296″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Last Postcard Subscription from Art Is Hard

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artworks-000063026443-mboi5y-t500x500As I mentioned yesterday, and many times on these pages before, Art Is Hard is one of my favorite little labels working at the moment; I’m quite envious of their work and success.  It looks like they’re closing out the year with their final Postcard Subscription by bringing a new songs from Five Leaf Nettles, which is the project of Best Friends songwriter Jack Collister.  I really love the depth of this song; it sounds simple at first, but there’s multiple layers of a instrumentation layered beneath.  If your wise, you’ll start paying more attention to what this label has to offer.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Five-Leaf-Nettles-Autumn-04-Autumn.mp3]

Download: Five Leaf Nettles – Autumn [MP3]

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