This is fine.
Australia’s Spookyland are a few months away from their release of Beauty Already Beautiful, but they’re hoping to continue building some buzz Stateside with their appearance at SXSW. We caught up with Marcus from theband for a few quick words on their visit. Props to him early on for his love of Robert Forster.
I really love the sound that PLAZA are unleashing into the world. It’s part indie rock, but there’s also an intricate guitar element that’s often labeled as mathematical rock. For my two cents, the band lives somewhere in between the space left by Foals and Field Music, using these sounds to craft hooks in a more artistic manner. No exact word on a full length, but this new single will be available over the weekend. It’s not your average fare, and I’m definitely down with that.
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The name Wall of Death is a lot more foreboding than this single, so lets get that out of the way. It opens really softly, using careful guitar lines filled in behind a nice electronic atmosphere. Then things blast off into a psychedelic explosion of cascading guitars cutting through the speakers before the vocals even come into play. I get the feeling this is what Pink Floyd would sound like if they were making relevant music in the modern era. Look for the band’s brand new album, Loveland, which is being released by Innovative Leisure next Friday, March 4th.
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I found this tune from High Church floating around the Austin Internet yesterday, and was quite intrigued upon listening. There’s an electronic pulse that takes the song forward, moving slowly in the dark. But, in order to grab the listener, there’s a light vocal resting on top, which is reinforced by some vocal samples to boot. Just another act to keep an eye on as Austin’s electronic underground blossoms far from the spotlight. Expect a tape featuring this track in April.
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In my mind, lo-fi music is meant to sound intimate and personal, but the sounds coming from Portland’s Reptaliens is quite a bit more. Musically, you get the feeling it was recorded on the floor of the bedroom, filled in perhaps with some studio help, but the central theme of the song runs behind the calming delivery of singer Bambi. It’s the perfect blend of dream-pop aesthetics with an other-worldly recording, elevating the song to a certified hit; this song’s perfect for any time of day. Look for more from the band as they solidify the project in 2016.
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Those of you looking for SXSW artists to watch, as well as just great albums to look out for, should have Death by Unga Bunga on your radar. Their latest single is a power-pop stomper, akin to the best arena rock we’re all afraid to admit to our friends that we love. Still, what makes the band sound so rad is that they still kick out a little bit of attitude to go along with their huge hooks. Their new effort Pineapple Pizza (which sounds gross!) will be out next Friday, March 4th.
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Ever stumble across one of those tracks that stuck with you for an eternity, yet you couldn’t quite explain it? This brand new song from Jaye Bartell might be precisely the tune you’ve been looking for. It’s got quite simple lyrical content, merely a recounting of the mundane. But, both the guitar tones working against the heavy voice of Bartell really sank in, getting under my skin like few things do. His latest album, Light Enough, is being released by Sinderlyn on April 29th, so be sure to keep your sights on what could be a really special collection of tracks.
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Honduras are just a short week away from unleashing their Gathering Rust EP, not to mention a tour that will lead them through most of the US, including SXSW. Long have we championed the band, and we’re not stopping with this new crunchy jam. It’s got a lot of that garage feel that makes a band like Thee Oh Sees so enchanting; it just builds tension on the back of heavy riffs. Don’t let that mellow moment near the 2 minute mark set you off, as the band close out in emphatic style.
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Remember when we all first discovered Grizzly Bear? All of your friends and their friends were talking about this great new act that burst forth seemingly out of nowhere. Well, that’s not the story for Baby Birds Don’t Drink Milk, and then again, it is. They’re not a new act by any means, but they’ve been layering lush harmonies atop one another for quite some time, culminating in the beautiful new tune. I’m not one-hundred percent sure what the lyrics are taking on, but that’s what a lyrics sheet is for, right!? Their new effort Burritos will be out next week via Fire Talk Records, but I implore you to go to their BANDCAMP PAGE and explore their catalogue.
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As usual, SXSW has slowly inched ever closer without me feeling like I’m fully prepared just yet. I of course have time and will be working to get myself game ready. We here at ATH also want to get you ready with some exposure to bands coming to town who we feel are worth your time. Today I continue that preparation process with an interview from Cali based Adult Books. Nathan and I both have been loving the band’s new album Running from the Blows (out March 4th on Lolipop Records), so we were both excited for this one. Follow the jump for more.
