Category: News

Show Review: Pinegrove @ Barracuda (9/29)

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When did Pinegrove become so huge?

David Sackllah posed the question to Twitter (@dsackllah) on the eve of the band’s sold out show at Austin’s Barracuda. Sackllah goes on recalling a time not so long ago when a Pinegrove performance seemed like an under-attended and perhaps under-appreciated experience. Back then, turnouts hovered around thirty people. That was a year ago. Maybe he’s exaggerating the crowd’s smallness, but the visual goes a long way in driving the point home; Pinegrove is now suddenly huge, or at least hugely important to a lot of people.

Hit the jump for more.

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Show Preview: Widowspeak @ Sidewinder (10.3)

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Feel like we might all be taking Widowspeak for granted, but luckily Austinites have the chance to remedy that by heading to Sidewinder tomorrow evening. Through four albums, the band has been nothing but an example of musical consistency, though I feel it necessary to mention that Expect the Best might be their best release. There’s such depth to each track, brooding and coated in delicate vocals…and added textures of strings/accompaniment build to make swelling pop opuses. It’s an early show, with doors at 6:30 PM, with Clearance schedule to open just after 7. Buy yourself a ticket HERE. Stream the entirety of their latest release for Captured Tracks below.

Put Girlatones on Your Radar

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In what continues as my undying love for all things from Melbourne, Australia, I’m here to ask you to take a look at another hot act from the city, Girlatones. They’ll entertain you with infectious dueling harmonies from male and female vocalists, but there’s enough attitude kicking here to make sure you don’t get carried away think their a simple pop band. I particularly love how they employ the slightest hint of Western swing in their ringing guitars, while the rhythm section helps the group keep the perfect pacing. This is the title track from the group’s new effort, Fitting In Well, and it seems just, as the group will surely be fitting into my heavy rotation of great Aussie acts in 2017.

The Top ACL Undercard Acts

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Unfortunately, a festival has to curate line-ups that cater to that audience, and as such, some bands unfortunately fall victim to the undercard slot…the slot before the day really gets going or on the smaller stages. Whether you see it as a slight, or just one of the many headaches with scheduling a mass festival…here are my highlights for bands on the Undercard slot (pre-2 PM).

Recent things that we loved that fit this description: Lucy Dacus, Slaves, Jose Gonzalez, Albert Hammond Jr., Rey Pila, The Rosebuds, Wild Nothing, FIDLAR, Widowspeak, Pinback, Willis Earl Beal, Gardens & Villa, and on and on…

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One More From Small Leaks Sink Ships

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You may be sick of me talking about Portland based band Small Leaks Sink Ships, but I just can’t stop myself from posting their latest, and likely last single, from the new album. This one has a lot more power and aggression behind it when compared to some of the more melodic and mellow tracks previously shared. Yeah “Dear John Connor” plays the game of power immediately followed by more quiet parts very nicely. Love what these guys are doing.

New album Golden Calf is out October 13th via Lefse Records.

Brand New Single from Pool Holograph

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Chicago’s Pool Holograph are preparing for the release of their second LP, Transparent World, and this single should put you on notice that it’s worthy of your listening attention. Interestingly, the band walk a fine line between artful rock and purveyors of pop; the vocals have the ability to come across like soft whispers or slight growls. All the while, the guitar chords ring brightly, shimmering ever so slightly in the distance of the mix…matched by stomping drum rhythms. If you’re looking for a song that’s going to get stuck on your listening rotation, this might just be the one! Look for the new LP to be released next Friday (10/13) via Jurassic Pop Records.

Watch a New Monk Parker Video

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I bounced around a lot on Friday night, catching Lomelda and Florist, Big Thief and then settled into a wonderful set by Monk Parker. It was a reminder to me, as it surely was to those in attendance how special Monk’s new record, Crown of Sparrows, truly is…it’s no longer simply country, but an expansive sound that supersedes genre identifiers. Now you can enjoy this grainy video, mixing flowers and a clay-mation Parker chasing after a love interest. Enjoy the video, and if you haven’t, grab the new LP from Grand Jury Records.

Monk Parker | Gaudy Frame from Glasgow Dreamer on Vimeo.

Another Jam from Calgrove

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I’ve really been enjoying listening to Calgrove and their Windy Vane EP (Forged Artifacts & Gentle Reminder). There’s something that definitely seems like it harkens to an earlier period in indie rock, when structures of of rock were interwoven with country flare. I guess to my ears it sounds like a bedroom pop version of Centromatic, allowing you to connect with the intimate quality of emotions, and faintly hinting at folk traditions. If this reaches you in any way, I suggest you get your hands on the new EP, which will be available on Friday.

Lost Film Is Required Listening

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Maybe it’s just me, but some acts just connect at the right time…thus is the reason I’m encouraging you to sit down with Lost Film right now. This is bedroom pop that expands beyond the quiet of your own four walls; the notes are incredibly warm and inviting…perfect for my staring at the rain drops sliding down my classroom window at the moment. It’s the sort of vibe that’s timeless, in my eyes at least, using sharp angular guitar lines and dreamy vocals to ensnare listeners. There will be a new LP titled Broken Spectre out on October 20th.

Switched On Hosts Holodeck on Saturday

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Switched On is the heralded synthesizer shop over on East Cesar Chavez, and from time to time, they encourage gatherings of the musical/art realm…and I always encourage you to go. This Saturday, they’re hosting Austin’s own Holodeck Records…home to Boan, VVV, and that band Survive everyone keeps talking about. They’re bringing a bunch of their own artists like Dylan Cameron and Curved Light, but also inviting M. Geddes Genaras of LA out. But, as all great things truly are, this isn’t just about the music, as there will be visual artists there to stimulate some of your other fine senses. It’s a free event, and beverages will be provided by Austin Beer Works and High Brew Coffee!

More info on the event Facebook Page.

 

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