Category: Tunes

Keep It Pop with The Hongs

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hongsAs the title mentions, I’ve been in a pretty pop-centric mood today, trying to stay up on my toes.  So, in that vein, it’s only appropriate that I bring you a new track from The Hongs.  Sure, there’s a bit of a darker underbelly hiding in the song, but if you just stick with the vocals, you can tell that the Florida group definitely have aims to brighten your day.  Other such tracks from the band are currently being offered up on the group’s upcoming Pet Scans EP.  If you’re down to enjoy yourself today, give this track a spin.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/102616105″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Dark Synth Pop from Nerves

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nerves_mailchimpLet’s all enjoy a little bit of throbbing synth pop today, courtesy of Australia’s Nerves.  From the start, the song pulses energetically, with Cat Hughes haunting voice, reminiscent of the Knife, smoothly operating atop the beats.  It’s a tune that allows you to stomp your feet frivolously, yet at the same time still revolves around the sound of the vocals.  I have a feeling that a lot of people are really going to gravitate towards this track, and you can find more such tunes on the group’s new Crooked Bones EP.  Tasty.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Counting.mp3]

Download: Nerves – Counting [MP3]

New Music from Boogarins

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boogarinsI don’t typically gravitate towards songs with languages other than English, as lyrics are pretty important to my listening experience. That being said, there’s something about Brazil’s Boogarins that made me gravitate towards their sound.  I can hear little elements of psych, but also a central focus on simple pop harmonies…those being portrayed primarily through the tones of the vocals.  The band has recently signed on with Other Music Recording Co. to release As Plantas Que Curam on October 1st.   Definitely interested to see where their music goes for an entire full length.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/102184641″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

On Your Radar: Mainland Comes to Austin @ Cheer Up Charlies

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mainlandA few weeks ago, I caught wind of this catchy bit of pop from Mainland, a band that hasn’t really been around for too long.  I indulged in a few listens, found myself bobbing my head and tapping these old toes, so I figured it’s best if I shared this with you all, especially since the band is coming our way tomorrow night for a special set at Cheer Up Charlies.  The title of their new EP is Girls Unknown, and you’ll definitely find yourself nodding along to these summery tunes.  Nothing wrong with a good old fashioned pop track.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/02-Wasted.mp3]

Download: Mainland – Wasted [MP3]

Playful Tune from Weaves

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weavesMake sure you read that title carefully; I didn’t say Waaves!  This is Toronto’s Weaves, fronted by Jasmyn Burke, who’s previous work included fronting Rattail.  This new tune from the group is a bit like a more experimental version of Cursive’s Ugly Organ, with guitars fighting their way back and forth throughout the track, while an organ grinds in the background.  It’s definitely something a little bit different, which is why I’m digging the song.  The band’s official single will be out next week, but preview it here to get you in the mood for another great Toronto act.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/101145285″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bad Sports Return!

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Bad SportsLet’s not beat around the bush here; I absolutely love Bad Sports…even when they’re backing Nobunny!  The Texas trio is back with a brand new jam today, and a new album coming our way soon.  The first single has the group spinning catchy garage punk like only they can, filling the vocals with the band’s natural bit of swagger.  Their new album is called Bras, and it will be released by Dirtnap Records at the end of next month. You can count on it being the perfect record to close out our summer jam session.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/badsports_-_LetMeIn.mp3]

Download: Bad Sports – Let Me In [MP3]

Austin Spotlight: Mirror Travel

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mirrortravelThose of you living in Austin, or who picked up the Casual Victim Pile compilation, might be wondering what happened to Follow That Bird.  Well, they opted for a name change, going with Mirror Travel.  This doesn’t mean the band’s sound has changed that much, still churning out rock and roll with a tinge of garage sound pushing things along.  You’ll be able to find this tune on the band’s new record, Mexico, which is being released by Modern Outsider on October 15th of this year.  History points towards a record filled with allusions to the Southwest, and fueled by hard work: can’t get here fast enough.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/95894965″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Oddball Electro Pop from Stout Cortez

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Stout Cortez PHOTOSometimes you get a submission that stands out above the others, though you may or may not be able to discern precisely why that is.  In this case, I think the movement, musically speaking, really attracted me, with varying layers working in unison.  At times, your ears feel a bit overwhelmed, yet other times, the rhythmic pulse is oddly soothing. All this comes our way via Stout Cortez, a young man who’s traveled the world to find his own sound, which he seems to have done with his Where Are U Going EP.  You can grab it this week, and check him out in Austin on August 17th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/EVOLUTION-IS-FLEETING_JHS_EQ.mp3]

Download: Stout Cortez – Evolution Is Fleeting [MP3]

Fresh Pop from Cloud Control

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Cloudcontrol_small_tbd_photographerSeveral years ago we threw a chilled out little SXSW party, and we were more than excited to have Cloud Control closing the night out for us over at Empire Automotive.  The band has taken some time releasing new material, but I’m completely okay with that, as this new jam is perfect for Monday morning.  It’s bright in every regard, be it the emotional pull or the sound itself.  It’s a track you won’t be able to get out of your head, and you won’t complain about that fact either.  They’ll be releasing their new album Dream Cave in the US on September 17th; we can’t wait.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/102311247″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Music From Pillars & Tongues

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end-dances-300As I push play on this new track “Knifelike” from Chicago based group Pillars and Tongues, I immediately find myself put into an almost trance like state as I bob my head to the beat.  It almost reminds me of something you might hear from fellow indie band A Lull with the repetitive, yet catchy heavy drums going on throughout the song.  What seals the deal for me are the soft and smooth vocals over the beat provided by singer Mark Trecka.  All together a beautiful song.

New album End-dances will be available on September 17th via Empty Cellar Records.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/100471514″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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