Swinging Pop from Making Marks

makingmarksLast time I wrote about Making Marks was in 2012, so I’m happy that my 2014 is starting out with a new record from the Oslo quartet. It’s interesting to hear their lead single, “Bruises,” as it definitely has a nice Americana twist to it, showing just how wide the band’s influences spread.  For those of you interested in indiepop delights, you’ll love how the group intertwine male and female vocal parts. Their latest release, A Thousand Half-Truths, was just released overseas by the excellent Fika Recordings.  You should pick one up, as the record’s destined to be one of those collector’s gems.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/01-Bruises.mp3]

Download: Making Marks – Bruises [MP3]

Big Synth Hits by Anne

AnneAnne, a project fronted by Portlandier David Lindell, will be releasing a new album March 4th called Pulling Chain. You have two choices to get your fill of what is in store on that album. I am going to embed the track you should stream. You will have a Read More to check out a video.

“Terms”, the embed, has a big chunky set of waves to set the bass line and then come a pulled vocal and a few breaks. “Blonde Men”, the video, has more elegance. Both a delightfully dark and carry a post-punk sensibility belying the transition towards synth from more analog means. Run For Cover Records has been putting out some pretty sweet jams lately. Keep on it…

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Hello Echo Return with New Single

helloechoApollo Sunshine made some pretty solid tunes, so it’s no surprise that when former singer Sean Aylward started his new project, Hello Echo, that the music would live up to the expectations of listeners.  As the band gears up for the release of their second album, Echo, they’ve taken onto the softer side of the musical world. While this song has traditional folk balladry written all across it, the additional accompaniment of piano, slide guitars and string arrangements really makes your listen something extremely special.  If it’s your thing, then grab the album on February 25th when it hits stores.

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Fuzzed Out Rocker from Odonis Odonis

odonisWarning. You’re going to want to turn down your speakers before you press play on this track.  There’s grinding guitar that bashes you over the ears, while the lyrics, though distant in the mix, maintain an atmosphere of coldness that goes in line with the modus operandi of Odonis Odonis.  This tune will be featured on the group’s up-coming LP, Hard Boiled Soft Boiled, which is said to express some diversity in the band’s songwriting.  Whatever it is, it’ll undoubtedly be loud.  You can grab it on April 15th via Buzz Records, and make sure to check out the video that accompanies this song HERE.

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New Single From Clouder

artworks-000069765130-xxl1a4-t500x500Brand new upstart Austin label Fleeting Youth Records has been sending me some great tunes recently which should solidify them as a label to watch in 2014.  This new track called “Lost in Reverie” by Brooklyn based Clouder is yet another tune from this growing collective.  I dig the dark pop sound accompanied by the creepy Jim Morrison like vocals.  Stay tuned for more.

Sophomore album, Sister Raygun, is due out on March 4th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/02-Lost-In-Reverie.mp3]

Download: Clouder – Lost In Reverie [MP3]

Fresh Indiepop Hit from Alpaca Sports

alpaca_press_albumThe works of Alpaca Sports are not new to the pages of our site, so it seems fitting that we just kick off a Tuesday full of great jams by offering you a listen at a brand new track from the band. This new track has a casual feel, though there’s still that uplifting bounce to it, with the lyrical content comparing the narrator to some guy named Johnny Marr.  You can check out a video of the song right HERE, plus you’ll be happy to know that the band’s preparing their debut, Sealed with a Kiss, for a February 24th release date.  With songs like this coming out left and right, this is my favorite February ever.

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New Music from Chad VanGaalen

chadvangThe last time we heard from Chad VanGaalen everything was really pretty; the songs he constructed on Diaper Island were well constructed and pristine.  While he’s taking a similar approach on his new effort, there’s a definite difference in the recording itself; it features this static wash that’s layered atop his organized songwriting process.  It leaves you with quite an impression, as the harmonious element is surrounded by a wall of discord, creating an effect that’s rather unsteadying.  I’m sure we’ll get a better look at what he’s trying to accomplish when we get the full listen to Shrink Dust, his latest effort for Sub Pop; it comes out on April 29th.

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Little Bit of Soul from Curtis Harding

curtisWhat?! Burger Records is releasing a soul record? Yea, that’s what I thought too, but the old school music lover in me is really digging this tune from Curtis Harding. Harding’s got a great voice for the style, but I love the rest of the music in this track.  I miss the sound of a bunch of musicians throwing down like the days of Hitsville USA, throwing in horns and strings to flesh out the sound.  The ride on the high-hat is definitely a highlight on this particular track.  Soul Power will be out on April 22nd for those willing to go back in time.

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New Pop Number from Crayonsmith

crayonsmithI’m really enjoying this new tune from Crayonsmith, which is now a trio of Irish lads.  This song works on a simple formula, but the vocals of Ciaran Smith really bring the precision of the group’s playing into light.  It’s as if the two components work in conjunction, each highlighting the other in a unique fashion. I love the rolling drums just before the two-minute mark; the angular meandering of the guitar throughout is another touch of grace.  You can grab the band’s latest album, Milk Teeth, now if you know what’s right for you.

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Fear of Men Ready Debut Album

fearofmenWhen Fear of Men release Early Fragments, it felt more like a full length than an actual EP; it was concise and organized, not to mention enduring in my own personal play list. As they prepare for the release of their debut, Loom, they’re leaking out a track today, which is in essence, two tracks.  The first is a soft interlude of vocals that leads into the more propulsive “Waterfall.”  Already, you can hear the thought given to each detail, especially to the album’s construction. The record will be out on April 22nd via Kanine Records; it’s going to be a must have for everyone.

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