Category: News

Brand New Tunes from I Was a King

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iwasakingIf you’ve followed this web site for some time, then you’ll surely be aware of my unabashed love for I Was a King.  Through three albums, they’ve continued to amaze me with their pop tunes, and today there are signs that they’re progressing even further.  They’ve got a new single coming out soon, and they’ve allowed us to share one of the tracks with you all, so we’re doing just that.  I’ve chosen “Oslo Share,” which displays the band working with their excellent vocal harmonies, providing music that continues to leave an impression, even as the song comes to an end.  IWK will be working on a new album in September, and I guarantee it’s going to be amazing.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/96317611″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Rock n’ Roll from Hunx and His Punx

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hunxpunx_smallIt seems like Hunx has an agenda set up for his future: rock it out with Hunx and His Punx and play garage rock ballads with Hunx. Hardly Art is gearing up to release Street Punk on July 23rd, and since it’s a HHP album, it definitely is a departure from Hairdresser Blues.  From the opening moment on the lead single, you can feel the ferocity that’s about to ensue, but while it may have a heavier leaning sound, there’s still that elemental hook that Hunx always maintain.  It might be brief and fleeting, but it’s definitely still Hunx at the center of it all, not to mention the song alone is an ode to bad skin, so we’ve still got the humor I love.  Looks like we’ve got a rocking affair coming our way!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/HunxAndHisPunx_BadSkin.mp3]

Download: Hunx and His Punx – Bad Skin [MP3]

Power Pop Goodness from Missing Monuments

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missingmonumentsWhile they may have dropped the “King Louie” aspect from their name, Missing Monuments is still very much the project of Louie Bankston; he’s got the pedigree of power-pop genius, but I can appreciate the name alteration.  The group has a self-titled album coming out in the fall via my favorite lil’ label, Dirtnap Records, and our first taste has a bit of a heavier punch than some of the previous works we’ve gotten from Louie and the boys.  The riffs begin just as usual, but as the song progresses there’s a bent that wears a bit more of a metal edge.  Should be an interesting listen regardless of changing names and altered sounds.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/missingmonuments_-_answerthecall.mp3]

Download: Missing Monuments – Answer the Call [MP3]

Swirling Indie Pop from Skittle Alley

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skittlealleyWarm weather brings varying moods, and while sometimes we curse the heat, in Texas I can say that it definitely brings to mind spritely indie pop, such as the recent work of Skittle Alley.   Luckily, the band, who’ve been posting lots of new songs, seem to have something in the works with the very excellent Dufflecoat Records.  This new tune is full of warm melody, shimmering guitars and a casual pace that will surely leave you smiling as you listen; that’s interesting as the new release seems to be titled The Memory of a Smile.  This tune is perfect to let your mind drift away, and I hope you do, grinning all the way.

Oh, and the artwork was done by Ray Kimura who has done excellent work previously for Alpaca Sports.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/95909919″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Show Preview: Torres + Lady Lamb the Beekeeper @ Mohawk (6/12)

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torres

Date Wednesday, June 12th
Location Mohawk – Inside
Doors 9:00 PM
Tickets $8 from Mohawk


If you’re looking for a show full of powerful female songwriters, then you better make your way out to the Mohawk on Wednesday night. You’ll be greeted by three incredibly talented ladies, and their accompanying bands.  Torres is the headliner and the project of Mackenzie Scott, touring behind her excellent self-titled LP.  She’ll be preceded by the incredibly talented Lady Lamb and the Beekeeper, who released Ripley Pine to rave reviews earlier this week.  And of course, we couldn’t be prouder to throw our support behind Austin’s own Dana Falconberry, who will open up the night for you all. It’s going to be an evening full of beautiful voices and intimate moments–you can’t miss out on this one. Here’s tunes from LL and Dana to get you in the mood.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/04-Bird-Balloons.mp3]

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/02-02-Lake-Charlievoix-V2-Mastered.mp3]

Jamming out with King Khan and the Shrines

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kingkhanLong have we adored KK and the Shrines, and we’ve been excited since they first announced their upcoming for Merge Records.  On the latest single, there’s definitely a bit of restraint, at least for my ears.  The song holds back from the typical garage rock pummeling, using an effects pedal to sort of provide a tripped out stomp; I like the clarity of the vocals throughout as well, which is a touch of a change.  They’re titling the album Idle No More, and it will hit streets on September 3rd.  The release will also see a world-wide tour, though, sadly, there’s no scheduled Austin date.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/95409544″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Show Review: Snowden @ Red7 (6/7)

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Six years ago, that was the last time I saw this band. Snowden is back after checking out for little bit with Jordan bringing along new people for the live setting, tightening the belt to a three piece. The show had a reunion feeling to it; fans listening to the jams flowing for the Learning Secrets‘ wheels of steel were trying to one up each other on stories how Anti-Anti helped them through a tough time or how it was a soundtrack to an epic road trip. Some had seen the band before, some hadn’t. It was a family and friends crowd at Red7 because of the long gap between albums and Jordan’s recent move to Austin.

Read on for thoughts on the show and plenty of pics…

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Soft Ballad from Ashley Eriksson of LAKE

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ashleyAshley Eriksson is the lead singer of LAKE, and the songwriter of the theme song for Adventure Time.  Of course, she’s always been working on the side, and she’s ready to debut a new record, Colours, which comes out on July 16th.  She possess a tranquil voice, carefully draped across the top of her elegant piano tapestries. There’s a respect for the the empty space that belongs in music, allowing her songs to achieve some beautiful clarity. She’ll be teaming up with K Records for this release of piano ballads, all which will require a quiet ear and a joy for voice.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/11-Ashley-Eriksson-Humming-in-the-Dark.mp3]

Download: Ashley Eriksson – Humming in the Dark [MP3]

Soliti Music Turns 2

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soliti-turns-2-blue-640x634I’m really excited for my far away friend Nick and his wonderful label to be celebrating two successful years.  Soliti Music has brought us gems from Cats on Fire to The New Tigers to Big Wave Riders, and in honor of that celebration, the label is giving up an 8 track compilation of tunes that are either unreleased or demo versions.  They’ve even got a few words about each of the songs, which you can find HERE.  But, if you want to get your hands on some great tunes, or perhaps even discover your new favorite band, then click HERE.  For now, here’s my favorite track from the label.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/My-Sense-Of-Pride.mp3]

Download: Cats on Fire – My Sense Of Pride [MP3]

New Tune from Modern Hut

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HutPromo1.1Joe Steinhardt is working under the moniker Modern Hut, and it’s time we introduce this fantastic new voice to you all.  His songs, like the one below, are pretty basic in construction, just using guitar and some minimal backing accompaniment. But, I’m particularly interested in the way his vocals are delivered, not to mention the lyrics that tie everything together.  Perhaps you can ascribe similarities to John Darnielle or a more serious Adam Green, which both count as great things in my book.  His album Generic Treasure will be coming out on August 17th courtesy of Don Giovanni Records.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/95839673″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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