Fresh Music from PAWS

pawsThanks to our friend Mike, we’re always on the tip of what’s happening in Glasgow, and the lads in PAWS have been on our radar since the release of their last effort, Cokefloat.  The band’s got this song that draws influences from various guitar-rock bands, though this song is more of a slow-burner, unfolding at a steady pace, rather than rushing through with feuding guitars…as many are ought to do. Fat Cat Records will be releasing the group’s new record, Youth Culture Forever; it’s slated for a May 6th release (they’ll be playing Austin on the 15th of May).

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/04-Owls-Talons-Clenching.mp3]

 

Another Cheap Girls Gem

cheapcheapI thought I had already bought into the hype around this new Cheap Girls record when I posted “Man In Question” a few weeks back, but this new song really ups the ante.  It’s fitting too that the last few weeks have been filled with grunge nostalgia because this brand of alternative guitar rock was bar superior, in my opinion, offering both solid melodies and great guitar playing.  It’s just another sign that the Michigan-based group can really cover any style they want, though this song is what it’s all about.  Their album, Famous Graves, will be out on May 13th via Xtra Mile Recordings.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/146074048″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Melted Toys Offer Up New Jam

meltedThe days are growing warmer, so it’s time for us to all start preparing to get together some summer playlists; you’ve got to maximize the sun and the jams, right? This new single from Melted Toys has a sharp jangling guitar that rings in the background, though the coated vocals have this dreamy slur to their delivery.  It doesn’t hurt that there’s some electronic lasers shooting through the tune to offer up an extra bit of pep and peculiarity.  These lads will be releasing their self-titled album on July 15th courtesy of Underwater Peoples.  Get your boom box ready, it’s pool time!

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/143686196″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Alvvays Sign to Polyvinyl Records

Processed with VSCOcamI was reluctant for a few moments to post this track from Alvvays; it didn’t hit me immediately.  But, I gave it a few more spins, enjoying the wall of guitars in the far off distance.  That’s when the voice of Molly Rankin really struck me, and I’ve been unable to turn this damned song off.  Musically, the song’s offering your standard fare of dreamy indie pop, but Rankin has this remarkable voice that’s reminiscent of Mazzy Star; I honestly cannot pull myself away from this voice.  The band have just signed on to release their album with Polyvinyl Records; it’s produced by Chad VanGaalen, a personal fave of mine.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/145166437″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Single from The Donkeys

donkeysWhen I hit up RSD last weekend, one of the scores that made me happy was the split 7″ featuring a new tune from The Donkeys.  Not a few days later they’ve got a new musical offering to get you excited for their forthcoming album, Ride the Black Wave.  This is one of those deliciously solemn tunes, best listened to while you’re hanging out in your own space, physically or mentally.  I appreciate the fact that it’s also a breezy number, finishing up in under 2 minutes; there’s still careful string arrangements and slide-guitar, so it shows you that you’re not always forced to jam on.  Grab their album on June 3rd via Easy Sound.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/145054920″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Music from People Get Ready

peopleJust when I thought I was ready to give up on well-crafted pop music like the National, this tune from People Get Ready jammed itself into my inbox.  At first I was struck by the vocals, as that’s usually a huge draw for me as a listener.  Then the construction of the song took a hold of me, as I marveled at some of the careful guitar work and the backing vocals that fill in some gaps.  It’s a pretty interesting sound, and I think it’s worthy of your time on this Thursday.   The group will be releasing their new album, Physiques via Brassland on June 24th, so stay tuned for more great tracks.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/145533279″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Fall In Love with Cold Beat

ColdBeat_byRingoI’ll be the first to admit that I was pretty floored by the last Grass Widow effort, so since their departure, I’ve been keeping an eye on what Hannah Lew has been working on.  This track from Cold Beat fills in pretty nicely as her new project,  still kicking out those great guitar lines that serve as the background to her vocals.  Personally, I love how the vocals work atop each other here; it’s like one person is singing while the rest are working in juxtaposition, yet it all fits nicely.  If you’re going on this song alone, sounds like the band’s debut, Over Me, won’t be too far removed from what Lew’s done before (and I mean that in a good way); the record hits on July via Crime on the Moon.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/145186221″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Another Hit from 3108

3108_pressphotoJust a few weeks ago I brought you the infinitely catchy “Go to Hell” from 3108, the next release from Trouble In Mind Records.  Today, I bring you another such track, offering you a song that dwells in the same vein, though this one isn’t as immediately catchy.  I don’t mean to diminish the tune, as good things come to those who wait, but it’s simply different; after all, you don’t want your records to all sound exactly the same!  The driving rhythm is similar, but the pop sensibility doesn’t unfold as quickly, lurking for you in the back of the vocals.  This self-titled record will be available for you to purchase at your favorite store next week!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/10-Ease-Up.mp3]

Download: 3108 – Ease Up [MP3]

Bouncy Tune from Astrid Swan

astridswanUp until now, the music we’ve gotten from Astrid Swan has been pretty mellow, which is well and good, but today we’re finally able to share with you one of my favorite tracks from her album, Astrid 4. Of course, the song features the great vocals that have been present on everything we’ve shared with you.  To me, this illustrates the diversity that you’ll find on her new record, from ballads to upbeat numbers, all of which are well-produced.  You can order the Astrid 4 from our good friends at Soliti Music.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/06-Black-Bear-A-Hoofer-24bit-mastered.mp3]

Download: Astrid Swan – Black Bear & A Hoofer  [MP3]

Fresh Tunes from Rat Columns

ratcolumnsI haven’t written about Rat Columns in quite some time, but stalking the great Sydney label RIP Society proved fruitful last week when I found that they are soon to release the next record from the RC, Leaf.  This is the first single, and while the wash of keyboards might heavily influence your decision to love or hate this track, I suggest you digest the great guitar work going on within the tune.  There’s an urgency in the playing that’s really hard to ignore, and while it holds a certain sense of edginess, it’s wrapped in this sensible pop overcoat.  You can find a video for the track HERE.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/144732775″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

1 1,080 1,081 1,082 1,083 1,084 1,522