Category: Tunes

Austin Spotlight: Flesh Lights Ready New LP

fleshlightsThe last time I jammed to Flesh Lights, I felt like the band was offering some gritty punk rock.  That grittiness is still apparent in the sounds they’re creating, but on their latest single it sounds like they’ve upped the power pop and hooks.  I’m not going to lie; I was floored by this single right off the bat; it’s got everything you need; you can jam it loud, you can rip off your own guitar solo and every lyric is clean enough to sing along to at the top of your lungs.  With songs like these in their repertoire, it only makes sense that the end of 2014 and beyond should belong to the group.  Look for their latest LP, Free Yourself, in stores on November 4th via 12XU Records.

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ACL Festival: Spoon vs The Replacements

The Replacements Perform At Metro StudiosACL Festival is only a week away, so those browsing their schedule have probably started to realize there are some huge conundrums.  Who do you go see when two great bands are going head to head? The biggest “oh my god what were they thinking” moment comes with the battle to see Spoon vs. The Replacements.  Yes, Spoon is riding high after a great album this year, and they’ve got a historically strong draw in Austin.  That alone warrants them a viewing.  But, but, BUT!!! They’re playing on Sunday against legendary act, The Replacements.  Yes, you might not get the original line-up, and you might get the rumored Billie Joe Armstrong (of Green Day) helping out, but dammit if you don’t want to miss this set.  No offense to Spoon, but they’ll be around for some time to come; I might not, however, ever get the chance to see The Replacements again…and I’ll cry if they play the tune below.  So what is one to do? Current hit-makers vs. legendary band? There’s only one choice.

My winner for this battle is The Replacements. One could even propose the idea that without one, the other wouldn’t exist.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/05-Androgynous.mp3]

Download: The Replacements – Androgynous [MP3]

Show Preview: Growlers @ Scoot Inn (9.27)

The-Growlers-by-Trevor-OwsleyThe last few years, my record collection has grown in size, due greatly to the productivity of The Growlers.  Last year, they had Hung at Heart, which made it into our Top Ten Albums of the Year, plus an EP; this year they released Chinese Fountain this week…again, already winning those of us at ATH over.  It’s this combination of jangling pop, Cali swagger, and even a hint of some folk elements…all things I can get on board with.  So, if you’re looking to make a splash with a date, or just catch a really incredible show, you should head over to Scoot Inn on Saturday night to catch these guys.  You can pick up tickets HERE.  The show will start at 9:00 PM, but doors are at 8, so you can come in early and grab a drink with the friendly staff.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/1-01-Someday.mp3]

Download: The Growlers – Someday [MP3]

 

Nostalgic Track from Kittyhawk

KITTYHAWK-Promo-copyTypically, if someone names drop a 90s emo band as a reference point, I’ll probably listen to it, but will move on in my listening.  But, something today encouraged me to spend some time with Kittyhawk‘s new tune…I’ll admit it was a nod to Rainer Maria (who hold a special place in my heart).  The guitars on this song definitely have that emo-ish nod, though that sound’s pretty commonplace nowadays.  Still, there’s nothing wrong with looking back as long as your sound’s going forward, and I feel as if the group still has a lot to offer modern listeners.  We’ll get a more in depth look when the group release their debut, Hello Again, later this year.

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Austin Spotlight: Boy + Kite Prep Premiere New Song

Boy plus Kite BWBoy + Kite have been on our radar for some time, though tragedy unfortunately struck the band, forcing them into a temporarily hiatus.  This new EP, and definitely this new single, should propel them into the consciousness of Austin music fans, and hopefully beyond.  I was drawn to the darkness that came with the subtle vocals at the beginning of the tune, but the hook in the chorus is what ultimately sold me on the track.  It offers a nice dosage of pop that’s brightened by its immediate contrast to the song’s softer moments. They’ll be releasing their Blueprint EP on October 21st, followed by greater things we expect to hear in the future.

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Show Preview: Alex Napping Album Release @ Cheer Ups – TONIGHT!

AlexNapping_VineetGordhandas-1It’s Friday, and you need something to do.  You’re in Austin, looking for a great show.  Problem solved, you should be at Cheer Up Charlies for the anticipated release of Alex Napping‘s debut LP, courtesy of Punctum Records.  It’d be easy to just say, go see Alex Cohen play; she and the band are great.  And that’s very true.  But, in order to draw a solid crowd, you’ve got to have some great opening acts, like Big Bill, Soft Swells and Lowin.  Big Bill‘s oddball garage rock never fails to impress.  Soft Swells are on the trustworthy label, Modern Outsider (local label!).  Lowin, well, let’s just say this is one of the next big things to get out of Austin. Solid bill from start to finish.  Get there at 8 in time for things to kick off!

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Talk in Tongues Ready 7″

titI love the birth of new bands, like that of Talk in Tongues.  I’m into it because I’m a fan of progression, seeing where an artist or group goes from one point to another.  It’ll be really interesting to see where this act goes, as they’re just readying their first 7″ for Fairfax Recordings. For a first single, it’s pretty spot on, sonically.  The drums sound great, and I love the warmth of the vocals.  But, what I’m hearing from the guitars has me curious as to the group’s next steps, as they walk a line between dream pop and psychedelia.  For now, just enjoy yourself this little number, and grab the 7″ on November 25th.

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New One From Young Mammals

mammals sep3Houston amigos Young Mammals have a new album coming out soon and today they’re  sharing with us this new song “Speedboy”.  Garage rock pop music is the name of the game here as Houston once again shows us that they are ready to get back in the indie game.  Stay tuned for more from these guys in the future.

Pick up new album Alto Seco on October 7th via Odd Hours.

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More New Music From White Laces

night33_white_lacesRichmond based White Laces came on to my radar earlier this month and I’ve enjoyed what the band is bringing music wise.  They fashion their own brand of experimental rock music with a touch of atmosphere thrown in for good measure.  Start paying attention to these guys as they rise through the ranks of the indie world.

Once again, White Laces have a new album entitled Trance coming out on October 7th via Happenin Records.

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Hell Yes! New Tune from Legendary Wings

legendI can’t tell you how excited I was to find out that Legendary Wings were putting out a new album on Dirtnap Records. I loved their 2012 effort Making Paper Roses, and the first single from their new LP has me thirsting for the entire thing.  It’s got an infectious hook; it’s got this bubbling bass line working beneath it all; it’s the perfect blend that I call garage-a-ma-power-pop-punk (new genre fyi). I don’t want this song to end, yet sadly, like all good things, it has to, leaving me anticipating this LP more than any other at the moment. Do You See will be out on November 11th.

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