Fresh Music from Comet Gain

cgThere’s a secret cult out there, like me, holding every Comet Gain release to the highest esteem.  No matter what incarnation of the group, the songs always fit perfectly into my listening rotation.  Recently, Fortuna Pop uploaded this gem of a tune, which can only mean that long awaited next album from the group is just around the corner.  There’s a maturity in this track…it’s like City Fallen Leaves, but without the lo-fi aesthetic.  Regardless, I’ll devour this song, and probably play it as many times as I can before the record finds its way into my hands.  Won’t you do the same? I’ll keep posted on the more finite details as I get them.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/147130437″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New EP from The Phoenix Foundation

tomslunchIt’s been almost a year to the day since we last heard from The Phoenix Foundation.  They return this week with the Dave Fridmann (Tame Impala, MGMT) stamp of approval; he handled a lot of the production duties on the group’s most recent recording, Tom’s Lunch EP.  This mini-release offers up more five songs of splendid pop goodness, with just a hint of bounce.  I can definitely see Fridmann’s style imprint, but the songs had to be there in the first place, right? I bet you’ll agree.

New Music from Frog Eyes

blackoutbeachAdmittedly, Carey Mercer’s voice requires some adjustment; it’s so unique and powerful that it puts people on notice almost immediately…you either love it or you don’t. Me? I dig it.  I’m excited to see what the next Frog Eyes album, Carey’s Cold Spring, will sound like in full.  Interestingly, his voice is really high in the mix here, which means the focus for this track, and possibly for the album, will be on his lyrical wordplay.  That’s always been something special in his writing, which is why he’s been a favorite of mine for some time. The record will be released on June 17th via Paper Bag Records. Give this a try and see if it’s to your liking.

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Bouncy Pop from COOPER

COOPER-2You need something on this hump day to help give a little pep in the step? This anthemic piece of pop music from Montreal’s COOPER is going to be just the thing to do it.  It’s a pretty simple song in construction and structure, but the hooks and the vocals are undeniably catchy, allowing for listeners of any sort to find themselves attached to the track. There’s no word on what else Kate Cooper is working on, but you can grab this single from Mom + Pop as we speak…then you can play it on repeat as often as you wish.  Don’t deny the hook.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/149587915″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Austin Spotlight: Harvest Thieves Ready 7″

harvestthievesIf you’ve been keeping track of the Americana music scene in Austin the last few years you’ve surely heard of Harvest Thieves.  If you haven’t, then now’s your chance to join us as we prepare for the release of the band’s upcoming split 7″ with Sam Cassidy.  On the local act’s side, you get this sensible piece of rock n’ roll wearing hints of country heritage on the sleeve; there’s a nice bit of piano working in the background too, helping fill out the sound.  If, like us, you’re enjoying what you hear, then you should check out the group’s release show on June 5th over at Holy Mountain.  They’ll be joined by other great local acts such as A. Sinclair and Lowin.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Harvest-Thieves-Escape-From-the-Paper-City.mp3]

Download: Harvest Thieves – Escape From the Paper City [MP3]

 

Synth Pop from Lust for Youth

lustyAdmittedly, the last few years I’ve always let B.Gray cover our electronically induced pop music.  But, that being said, bands like Black Marble, TRUST and now Lust for Youth have really begun to sway my opinion.  This new single from the latter is the perfect example of why I’ve begun to make that switch; it’s hard for anyone to listen to this track and not get excited about the band’s up-coming record.  There’s not too much dabbling in oddities, instead just a straight-forward presentation of good old synth pop.  You can expect more like-minded songs when the band releases International via Sacred Bones on June 10th (that’s one busy release day!).

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/06-Armida.mp3]

 

New Music from The Wind-Up Birds

coverThere’s lots of jagged-edge guitar rock coming out at the moment, but one of the acts I like to keep my eye on is The Wind-Up Birds.  The band hails from the UK, and they’re currently preparing to release Poor Music next week.  This tune here displays the band at full-force, moving quickly into the track to unleash a furious bit of rock n’ roll.  Still, they hold onto a general pop structure, making the tune infectious almost from the minute you press go.  When you’re looking for great releases next week, keep these guys in mind.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/The-Wind-up-Birds-The-Gristle-01-The-Gristle.mp3]

Download: The Wind-Up Birds – The Gristle [MP3]

 

Little Touch of Psychedelia from Haunted Hearts

hauntedheartsLet’s face it, when you heard about the musical union of lovers, Dee Dee and Brandon (Dum Dum Girls and Crocodiles, respectively), you were a little bit skeptical right?  I know that I was, but with the latest single from Haunted Hearts, I’m starting to turn my head more towards anticipation.  In this episode, there’s this slight wash of psychedelia that’s draped over the band’s pop tendencies.  It makes for a dreamy number that’s not really stuck too far in either direction, which is why the union definitely seems fruitful, aside from the obvious happy marriage of the two.  Zoo Music will release their debut, Initiations, next Tuesday.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/147270369″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Pop Number from Truthers

truthersWhen I first pressed play on this track from Truthers, I fully expected it to be a slow piece that unfolded over time.  But, the drums started pounding in the distance, and the track picked up a slight step, giving it this definite bounce that’s made it worthy of repeated listens today.  Once it gets going, it never really lets go either, triumphantly bursting towards the end before the tape starts to bend and stretch in your speakers. This little ditty will be released by new label, Glad Tidings from New York, so give it a listen and get your hands on this limited release.

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New Single Premiere from Alphabetical Order Orchestra

919686_574433805923476_615091088_oWe’ve raved about the work of Alphabetical Order Orchestra, and we’re getting closer to a proper release from the group.  The band has been gracious enough to let us share one of the tracks off their upcoming EP today, but we’d also like to encourage you to donate to the group so you can get your name in the liner notes (plus help with future recordings). You can do that HERE. I love the feeling of this track; it encompasses a little bit of twee, but also has a subtlety that so many people will find endearing.  So many elements illustrate why I’ve adored the work of the band, from the gentle vocal delivery to the careful bits of instrumentation; it all fits so perfectly that I bet can’t but fawn over it.  Enjoy for now, and we’ll keep you posted on the release of the EP.

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

 

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