This is fine.
ACL is over, and FFF Fest is on the horizon, but it’s Austin, so there’s always plenty of things going on, musically speaking. I’ve picked some of the lesser-known highlights for you to check out in the next few days. Surely you can find something to watch, but hold on tight because Monday’s got a couple of great gigs too you should be a part of. Read more
The interesting thing about the modern day in music is the combination of electronic elements, atmospherics and other such things amidst the the more traditional instrumentation. If you’re one of those folks, like me, who takes a liking to such things, then perhaps you’ll dig this track from Life Size Maps. They’ve just completed their Excavate EP, and it’s definitely an interesting listen. It’s heavy on the guitar edge, but the rest of the music surrounding that is a mix of various electronic flourishes that add more depth to the EP as a whole. I quite like this, and if you do too, it’s free on their BANDCAMP.
Download:Life Size Maps – Abstract Speed [MP3]
Man, what’s wrong with me? I’ve been so swamped with US releases that I totally forgot to check in on Dappled Cities. Long ago when we were a fledgling site with big ambitions, the group played our very first SXSW Show, and we were grateful to have them. Apparently the group’s been working hard, just getting home after touring in support of their latest LP, Lake Air. I’m not sure how that slid under my radar, but better late than never, right? It’s an energetic pop tune, sincere and bright, just as I remembered the band years ago. Excuse me, I’m going to go immerse myself in this album. Do the same, won’t you?
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Seems like its been awhile since we checked in on Art Is Hard‘s Biweekly Pizza Club, but I’m glad I stopped by today to see what they’ve been up to. While there’s only a few more releases coming from their Pizza Club, the latest from Birdskulls is quite a gem. It’s got an angst-y guitar sound a la Dinosaur Jr, but I think the vocal delivery has a softer edge to it, reminding me of The Wedding Present. I’m not going to lie to you; I could listen to tracks like this all day long. High energy, good lyrics, strong vibes. Love it.
Download:Birdskulls – Ghost World [MP3]
| Date | 10/20/12 |
|---|---|
| Location | Red 7 |
| Doors | 9pm |
| Tickets | $8 @ Frontgate |
Those looking for something fun to do on Saturday night should head on over to Red 7 for a sure to be fun show by indie-pop band Hospitality. The bands in support are also a highlight and include Hop Along, My Golden Calf, and TEEN. This is a great lineup for you live music fans and you can’t beat that rock bottom price.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Hospitality-Friends-Of-Friends.mp3]Download: Hospitality – Friends Of Friends [MP3]
It’s been a busy year for Yellow Ostrich, having released Strange Land earlier via Barsuk, but the band is already back at it again with a set of six brand new songs for your ears. The EP is titled Ghost, and the first single is currently available for you to download. It’s interesting, as the group’s clearly playing with utilizing empty space in order to bring to life some of the inner harmonies they produce with just the vocals. There’s some handclaps being looped, and backing vocals for accompaniment, but overall it’s a fairly open tune. Dare I say it’s almost as if you’re being haunted by a ghost?
Download:Yellow Ostrich – Ghost [MP3]
This post is going to be huge with good reason. The artists were very photogenic on a gorgeous day. The lawn held together for the most part despite the rain and spirits were high going into day three with beautiful blue skies and a dry breeze.
Here is the rundown for Sunday pics: Stars, Gary Clark Jr., Polica, Two Door Cinema Club, Die Antwoord, Willis Earl Beal and Crystal Castles. I took plenty of Zef Side shots, have a quick cameo from Moon Duo and got sad because of the closed pit for Crystal Castles that was “in the rider” though none of us photogs knew that. Willis Earl Beal may have been the highlight of my ACL with a small crowd to start that quickly grew as people were pulled in by the emotion and vocal power. Wonderful stuff.
The dudes in TV Torso have been hard at work recording various tunes over the last year, and we finally get a chance to hear some of their efforts paying off. This tune comes from Clear Lake Strangler, which is a short EP the group currently has to offer HERE for the NYOP special. This particular tune has a straight-forward edge with a vocal that I’m really attached to today. I have a feeling this is just a short preview of the great stuff they have coming our way in the very near future. The group will be releasing their new CD at Hotel Vegas this Saturday night in Austin with some other great locals, so be sure to show your local love.
Download:TV Torso – Clear Lake Strangler [MP3]
| Date | 10/19/12 |
|---|---|
| Location | Holy Mountain |
| Doors | 9pm |
| Tickets | $12 @ Frontgate |
I was always a huge fan of Jeff Klein during his solo career after his move down to Austin from New York many years ago. I admittedly lost touch with the singer/songwriter and haven’t really kept up with his recent work as a musician. All that being said, I’m excited to see that Klein is back in an up and Austin band called My Jerusalem. The band just released their new album Preachers and have a local show planned at Holy Mountain on Friday night before kicking off a huge national tour. Supporting the band for the show are fellow locals The Sour Notes and Mirror Travel (formerly Follow That Bird). Those not familiar with Holy Mountain should take note that it is in the old Beauty Bar space and was recently taken over by ATH amigo James Taylor.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/My-Jerusalem-Mono.mp3]Download: My Jerusalem – Mono [MP3]
A lof of my earliest musical influences stem from my parents record collection and my light tinkering with piano lessons, so it’s no surprise to me that a barroom crooner like Jon DeRosa would almost immediately strike my fancy. He’s got a voice that will make the ladies swoon and the men jealous; it also doesn’t hurt that he’s worked with my hero Stephin Merritt either. This new single encapsulates Jon’s experience working behind a bar, looking out into those darkened corners of the room as smoke billows from the patrons mouths. Might not be an every day listen, but definitely a hit in my book.
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