Enjoy This Filmstrip

filmerOkay, so it’s not actually a filmstrip, though that would be cool. Instead it’s Filmstrip, the band.  Listening to their latest single, I can’t help but to recall a more country-fied version of Dinosaur Jr.  There’s a slight bit of drawl in the vocals, while the guitars have a cascading effect, though definitely a bit more patient than something Mascis might have penned.  Still. there’s something to be said about the ease with which this song hits you in the face; it’s so enjoyable, you’re not even sure you’ve fallen in love with it before it’s left and gone away.  The group releases Moments of Matter, their new LP, on November 4th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/161738731″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Ramesh The King LP Release – TODAY!!! Album Stream

ramFor a kid born and raised in Austin, there are a handful of bands that hold a great deal of meaning to my life, at least in regards to growing up.  Voxtrot is one of those bands, so it has been an absolute pleasure for me to work with Ramesh, one of the main songwriters in the group.  He quietly released The King digitally earlier this year, and we here at Austin Town Hall Records are releasing the album TODAY on vinyl.  It’ll be at all your local shops, but you can also grab it from us online HERE. And, if you’re lucky enough to live here in Austin, Ramesh is playing his album release show at the Belmont on Thursday night with She Sir and Mahogany.  It’s going to be a great night in honor of this great release.  I hope to see you there, or ship you a record.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/46039057?secret_token=s-6ZH2x” params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

Hooked on Step – Panther

stepbrosThis song should be getting  a whole lotta love (sorry about that unintended LZ reference).  It took me a second or two, as the song doesn’t just jump right into things…that’s not a bad thing.  You get a hint at the enjoyment coming your way when the guitar gently says hello from the background, just before permanently noodling its way with hooks galore.  This isn’t the nostalgic 90s guitar pop, but rather the kind that can only seems to come from our Oceanic brethren like Step-Panther.  You’ll be able to listen to the group’s entire Strange But Nice LP on September 19th when it gets a world-wide release. This might just be the surprise hit I’ve been looking for.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/166262002″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Blue Plutos Deliver Pop Goodness

0003445242_10A straight up, well written pop number can be a difficult thing to come by nowadays.  Sure some bands can do an okay job at it, but few seem to pull it off with the ease and perfection shown here by Blue Plutos.  Yes sir, “Shadow Chateau”, is what I like to call pop goodness, in all its dreamy and mesmerizing glory.  You can easily hear some similarities to Austin based hushed pop group Tiger Waves and you know ATH is going to get behind that.

Blue Plutos have a new EP entitled Dennett St. available for stream and purchase on bandcamp.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/164791598″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Tune from Happy Diving

happygilmoreWe’re drawing nearer to the release of the new album from Happy Diving, and their new single is really keeping me going today.  It’s got an old school feel to it, in regards to guitar pop, which reminds me of a more rocking blend of what Austin’s the Impossibles were trying to do in their later days.  Sure, there’s an ode to Weezer in that and  an innocence in the lyrical content, but wait until the song’s screeching guitars feedback into your ears, crashing down through your speakers; it’s a special bit for your listening pleasure today.  Big World is released on October 21st via Father Daughter Records.

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

Download: Happy Diving – Sad Planet [MP3]

 

Download Lost Track from Sister Flo

floRecently I posted about the Finnish legend, Sister Flo, trying to get some love for the band in honor of the group releasing Tragician’s Hat on its 10 Year Anniversary…it features a whole disc of unreleased tunes.  But, one tune that was lost to the world that unfortunately didn’t make it onto the collection of rarities is “The Look.”  Clerical errors and Finnish gnomes are said to be to blame, but Soliti Music is now offering the dream track for free download.  Those of you who long for the days of Grandaddy and the like will find yourself absolutely in love, which will hopefully encourage you to go back and discover the band for the first time; you’ll be happy you gave it some spins.  Soliti has the album for sale HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/The-Look-1.mp3]

Download: Sister Flo – The Look [MP3]

Show Preview: Shivery Shakes and Templo X @ Mohawk (9.16)

Shivery ShakesRock n’ roll season is in full swing here in Austin, and there’s a great local show that requires your attendance on Tuesday evening at the Mohawk.  Our boys in Shivery Shakes will be headlining the night, and we love them so much we’re releasing their debut LP in October with our friends from Punctum Records.  But, let’s not forget Templo X is playing.  One member currently resides in Philly, while the rest of the band is staying local.  Sounds like the making of a great history that’s not too far off from the one begun by our boys in Literature.  Ultraviolet open up the night, so show up early to make sure we’re all supporting the local jams.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Shivery-Shakes-Single.mp3]

Download: Shivery Shakes – Sidewalk Talk [MP3]

Song Premiere: New Tune from Glass Ghost

glassesThe folks in Dirty Projectors and Here We Go Magic have been crafting arty pop music for some time now, and several members of said groups have united again to continue their work as Glass Ghost.  Tomorrow the band will release their album Lyfe on the heralded Western Vinyl, and it’s being met with much anticipation…from us especially.  In this single, you’ll find those arty elements, including little touches of sampling and quality lyrical writing.  There’s creativity in the songwriting that you’re not likely to find in other corners of the indie genre.  Be sure to pick up your copy this week.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/167679743″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

 

Austin Spotlight: Jonly Bonly Unleash New Single

jbIf you did what was right last week, you picked up the excellent Put Together LP from Austin’s Jonly Bonly.  The band, if you haven’t caught wind,  is the project of Jason Smith (formerly of OBN IIIs) and his buddy Stephen Svacina (Sweet Talk).  As always, Jason just kills the guitar licks on this tune; they’ve got an old school rock n’ roll feel while drawing some similarities to modern acts such as Parquet Courts.  This album’s filled with really sharp guitar playing, energy and a cock-sure attitude; you should head over to 12XU Records and pick it up now!

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/167343165″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Austin Spotlight: Institute Sign to Sacred Bones

institootSeems like Austin has had a pretty good year, musically speaking.  Bands from all corners are getting a lot of much deserved recognition for their work, and I’m really impressed with this new tune that’s been hopping around by Institute.  The act features members of a lot of local acts you should be familiar with like Wiccans or Glue, though this new entity seems pretty impressive.  They’ve signed on with the great Sacred Bones Records to release their Salt EP, and since I didn’t get around to it earlier, I’m getting you amped now.  The rhythm section owns this song for sure.  Pick up the EP on October 14th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/161863952″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

1 1,046 1,047 1,048 1,049 1,050 1,531