Category: News

Premiere: Harmony From Porcelain

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When some folks around here try to claim that the Austin music scene is “dead” or somehow “not like the old days,” I usually just respond that those people simply aren’t paying attention. As an example, locals Porcelain put out this amazing self-titled LP last year that totally rips and should have been seen on even more year ends lists. Making things even more exciting, the band has more new tunes planned this year, including this new track called “Harmony.” It will introduce itself with a pure force of energy, matching gritty vocals with a total alt-rock meets grunge feel. You simply must check it out below.

This song is part of a new single EP which is available for purchase this Friday, July 9th via fellow local label Todo Records.

Nicamus Share Better World Video

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The fascinating sounds of Nicamus really have me straddling my through process this morning, so maybe you can help me decide on the proper pigeon-holing? There’s this great jangling guitar line that operates throughout their fresh single, and while there’s certainly a DIY ethos, it maybe doesn’t have the speed for classic jangle-pop. But, those angular notes do hit upon the post-punk feels, or maybe just a less rambunctious brand of bedroom punk. I loved the overlapping vocals, bridging the style with bits of melody that keep you constantly circling back to get that feeling. They’ve got a new LP titled Trust Fall, and it’ll be on the way shortly, so keep your eyes and ears ready.

 

Blanco Tranco Prep Debut LP

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After a handful of EPs and Singles, it looks like Melbourne’s Blanco Tranco are ready to drop a debut, slated for release later this year. Here we get to work into their sound by cranking this new darkened shoegaze ballad, operating with these crystalline guitar notes echoing throughout their cavernous world. I love how they manage to kind of carry this youthful vibrance in their delivery of the vocals, which seems to contrast the heavier edges of distortion that swirl around the entirety of the tune. This is a good entry point to the band too, and if you like what you’re hearing, circle back to their earlier I‘ve Been Dying to Tell You EP as we await the new LP!

Allo Darlin Share Cologne Single

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I have not hidden my adoration for Allo Darlin’ and their forthcoming LP, Bright Nights, and as we listen to their new single, “Cologne,” it’s a reminder of the interconnectedness of sound. My love of the group revolved around their role in the indiepop scene, as they carried that flag for quite sometime. But, despite the pop sensibility in this track below, it also seems to almost kind of pull on a bit of classic folk sound, something that makes sense when you strip even the most jangling pop tune down to its roots. That being said, not everyone makes it sound as charming as the tune below. Bright Nights is out via Slumberland/Fika on July 11th.

 

KBP6: Sunday in Photos

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Trying to get through the last batch of photos from Kilby Block Party.

I will start by breaking all of the other performers’ hearts by saying Nation of Language was my favorite thing the whole weekend. In fact, I saw them again later Sunday night at their after-party. I don’t want to take anything away from the others, I had an amazing time while dodging the rain. The gallery to follow is comprised of The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Real Estate, Tennis, Husbands, Nation of Language, TV on the Radio, Justice and Nation of Language (again).

It was an absolutely stunning day of jams.

Join me, won’t you? Click through and read the notes and view the photos.

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Teethe Release Holy Water

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The title track from Teethe‘s forthcoming Magic of the Sale LP was a banger, and they’re following that up with another powerful single, moving their work to the front of the line in “Must Listens” for the year. It instantly rains down heavy guitars upon the listener, though I can’t help but hear that synth line punctuating and setting up the pop sensibility and Madeline Dowd’s vocals. The chorus combines all the swirling vocals into one magical ball of noise, and the combined vocal effect maintains that syrupy treat at the core. If anyone is perfecting the loud/quiet contrast better than this lot, I haven’t heard it! Their new LP is out August 8th via Winspear.

The Wind Ups Announce Confection

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The water in Oakland must be tasting might fine right about now; you’ve got two powerhouse labels like Slumberland and Dandy Boy just dropping hit after hit…and today is no difference with a new tune from The Wind Ups. It’s the perfect track to crank as you march out the door for a day full of ass-kicking; it employs a scuzzy wall of noise on the surface, but it’s the special hooks living beneath the surface that make the track an ultimate joy. The stomping drum kit and tambourine shaking almost make you feel like its all about to fall apart, only to get dragged back together with the infectious vocals and pure pop sensibility. Confection hits on July 11th via Dandy Boy.

Michael Beach Prepare Big Black Plume

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Michael Beach hasn’t put out a proper album in several years, but he’s constantly working; he’s dropped a few EPs and singles to coincide with tours, not to mention the numerous records he’s played on or helped bring to light since 2021’s Dream Violence. On the horizon, we’ve now got Big Black Plume, and if this opening statement is anything to go off of, we’re really in-store for a statement album. There’s this sort of casual indie sound that opens up the track, letting Beach kind of wiggle his way into the picture with a cool that comes from years of experience. Though the indie side shines at the get-go, it only serves as this kindling, kind of lighting the fire that burns through the various sounds on the tune. In a weird sense, it reminds me of Lift to Experience, sort of spoken word, with Americana licks, but burning with passion and noise that rips through the cones of your speakers. Big Black Plume is out July 25th via Goner Records.

Chatterbox Drop Dark Days

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After a slow burn to wake you up a little bit, wanted to drop this garage rocker from Portland’s Chatterbox. While you’ll hear some incendiary riffs at play, growling at you from your speakers, you’ll also find a bit more darkness lurking in the shadows. They give into those moments, letting the cymbals shatter all around your ears, but in the end the tune still holds onto a tight bit of melody, which is where the charm hooked me. If you’re looking for a little grungy rock n’ roll swagger, with some sugary sprinkles on top, then this is the place!

Art Gecko Share Kuiper Belt

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If you are wanting to trickle into your Tuesday, you might want to sample this delightful little track from Art Gecko. The simplicity fits perfectly into the mixture; it offers this otherworldly warmth, with the vocals sent like messages transmitted across space and time. While there’s always a tendency to push on and mix in layers, this Seattle outfit only doubles down on the velvety textures, using a female backing vocal to ornately round off the main vocal. But, while I felt settled in the first two minutes, they save an uplifting moment for the latter half of the tune, building in texture to deepen your connection.

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