Show Pics: CHVRCHES @ Emo’s (12/17)

CHVRCHESThere have been several bands over the years that we have seen grow and graduate the indie blogoshpere. I have seen CHVRCHES many times, loved the band’s material, met the band while Lauren was still too shy to out from the backline between the giant synth stands. During their set at FFFX, we discovered that she has gotten past that stage fright and is now a performer beyond the skilled vocals.

Now, I have been on a bit of a photo burnout sabbatical. It is what happens after weeks of festivals back to back to back with shows scattered in between. I figured I’d break that shooting manual focus lenses, going B&W, by checking a local fave in Night Drive and seeing CHVRCHES on the smallest stage they’ll play stateside until the regrettable reunion tours in 2035. Heh.

Give to Habitat for Humanity. Click through for pics.

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Dark and Heavy Post Punk From Mechanimal

mechanimalSo we’re gearing up for another weekend, and what better kind of music to help you ready pump up for the reprieve from the week than post punk? Mechanimal are a four piece post-punk group out of Athens, Greece, that are getting ready to release their new album ΔΠΔ, which is due out quite soon on January 4th via Inner Ear Records. Today, we’ve got two new tracks from the band, and they’re dark and heavy as the best kind of post punk tunes are. Take a listen and see what you think.

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Cool Groove from Alohaha

alohaAs we all prepare to head off into the holiday season, this song from Alohaha seems like a really great way to sort of wrap up 2015. There’s this slow current that pushes the music along, utilizing slide guitar and other little stabs as the vocals come across in a relaxed fashion. It’s the kind of track that feels like it could be overproduced, ruining the emotional pull of the approach the band have chosen. Airy female accompanying vocals slide in at just the right times, leaving plenty of room for you to get sucked into the track. Just another great reason to keep an ear on these guys as we look forward to 2016.

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ATX Saturday Show Spotlight – 12/19

Austin, I love you.The weekend is filled with Holiday parties and various shows celebrating such a time, but Saturday night is where you’ll find your money best spent; there are two incredible shows that are must sees in my eyes. On one hand, you’ve got the 12XU XXXMas Revue at Beerland, featuring Sweet Talk, OBN IIIs, Flesh Lights, Xetas and more; it’s important to note that all those bands have at some point been at the top in our year end lists. While that’s a rock laden show, a block away you can indulge your pop fandom by hitting up Moving Panoramas, Ramesh and Young Girls over at Barracuda. A few of these acts are on our label (with a new Young Girls LP on its way), so you know we’ll be there…though considering the line-up, I’m looking to bounce back and forth all night long.

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Fresh Single from Murals

muralThere’s been a little bit of buzz of late in regards to the band Murals, and with this new single, I can definitely see more people gathering stream behind the band. It reminds me of a less detailed Clientele…leaving listeners with pleasant melodies that always tend to lurk a little bit on the dark side of things. I’ve also taken quite a liking to the guitar work, particularly in the middle section of the track as it leads towards the close. Their album Violet City Lantern is being released by Fire Talk on February 19th, and looks to be a fitting piece in the wintery music mix.

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Carefree Psych From Eerie Glue

11162213_818454594904863_787651920431299991_nAs we near the end of the year, the music scene kind of slows down a little bit, but we refuse to stop posting tracks so I’m back tracking a little bit to bring you this song from Eerie Glue. “Mumbo Jumbo” is the latest track from Copenhagen’s Eerie Glue, and it features heavily psych distorted twangy guitars throughout, as well as the insightful message of “do what you want to.” I’m intrigued with the trippy video, which you can watch below, and excited to hear more from this band as they release their next album Out of The Blue sometime in 2016.

[youtube]https://youtu.be/ae1PWwiJq70[/youtube]

Check Out This New Video From The Goon Sax

goonsaxEveryone loves a good stripped down pop song, so this video from The Goon Sax should be a perfect treat for you on this Thursday. The Goon Sax are a trio of youths out of Brisbane who make simple yet catchy pop tunes, and as you’ll see in this music video, rely on their lovely balance of male/female vocals. “Boyfriend” is their latest single from their upcoming record, and the music video features the band blank-facedly playing the track, alternating with shots of the frontman and his ideal boyfriend. I definitely got a little chuckle out of the video, as well as got this song stuck in my head for the rest of the day.Their debut release, Up To Anything is due out in March of next year via Chapter Records, so get excited for that.

[youtube]https://youtu.be/ilBf_nZbxvw[/youtube]

Hear New Echo Courts

echoBright psych pop always gets me, so it should come as no surprise that the North Carolina crew, Echo Courts are high on my list today with their latest single. In all honesty, there’s way more pop going on here, and their playing style reminds me of our own Shivery Shakes…hinting at bits of jangle while bringing on some really great harmonies to the vocal floor. The band’s readying their own No Damage EP, which is coming your way on January 18th. Should be filled with hooks and hits; look for it via Already Dead Tapes and Records. 

Slightly Late To The Sound Is Lovv Party

12105692_974108899317683_5383572954570277394_n Sound Is Lovv released their debut EP, Shipwrecks, back in October, so forgive me on the tardiness, but it’s important that I share this track with you all. This band is based in L.A. and from what I’ve heard of this most recent album, they make streamlined shoegaze that is heavy on the instrumentation. The track below, “Take Me With You,” is a blistering rock track, but it’s a little different take on shoe gaze than I’m normally down with– the guitars aren’t too distorted and sound fairly clean, along with the cymbal heavy percussion. Take a listen and see what you think.

You can pick up that EP over here on their band camp page, if you like what you’re hearing.

 

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Get Folksy With It: Eight Belles

12360058_972750432819383_7431016118482916616_nEight Belles are an indie-folk duo who hail from Oakland and put a little americana spin on their folk tunes. The song I’ve got from them below shows the blending of these genres in the true style of the band; the tempo is slowed and gives way to the impressive vocal performance of Jessi Phillips and the gentle blending of instruments shows the great balance of the group. Subtle violin and piano duel in the background, but if you listen, you’ll hear the real build as the track progresses to its end. “Darkness in Me” is taken from their sophomore album that just came out on Saint Rose Records. You can go stream the rest of the album here.

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