New Music from Black Twig

blacktwigYou’ve got to keep an eye on things over in Finland, with Soliti Music really putting out some incredible acts.  The next slated release from the label is going to be the sophomore LP from Black Twig.  Heliogram is the name of the album, which should see a February release; it’s going to be an exciting piece if it contains songs like the one below.  I love the guitar playing here…it sort of jangles, but it mostly rings in a melodic, discordant manner.  Set it up right next to the softly delivered vocals and we’ve got a gem of a tune on our hands.  Looks like we need to head to Finland!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/02-Pastel-Blue.mp3]

Download: Black Twig – Pastel Blue [MP3]

Yellow Ostrich Return

yellowIt’s been awhile since we’ve heard from Yellow Ostrich, but with this new single it’s clear to me that they’re coming back quite strong.  I love the guitar line that works its way through the track, knifing through the carefully constructed melody of the song.  It’s much more abrasive and forceful than I expected, while still supplying a certain level of the group’s sincerity from previous efforts. The band’s new record is titled Cosmos, which bares a nod to Carl Sagan; it’ll be released by Barsuk on February 24th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/124034381″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Austin Spotlight: New She Sir Single

SheSir-4Square_smIf you read our Emerging Artists list for 2014, the footnote made a nod to She Sir.  Typically, they’d be on that list due to the excitement for their new release, Go Guitars, but we’ve loved them forever, so they’re not exactly emerging; they’re already one of our local favorites.  This new single shows just how far the group has come in the last few years, using layers of guitars to create this shimmering coat of pop goodness.  I’m really at a crossroads, as I’m not sure which of the three singles they’ve released to date will be my favorite, but what I do know is that this is a huge indicator of a wonderful record that will surely end up on many a year end list; it’ll hit stores early 2014 on Shelflife.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/124964355″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

The Echo Friendly Cover Jay Reatard

echofriendlyI typically don’t talk about covers, or really remixes for that matter, but I figured I had to talk about this one.  Any band that covers Jay Reatard, and does it well, is okay in my book.  Plus, “Nightmares,” the song chosen by The Echo Friendly, is my favorite all time song by Jay.  Hearing it strung out for an added minute, with such a different spin is really something special.  It also goes to show just what a great songwriter Jay was, able to put his own touches to great pop songs; he’ll probably be under-appreciated for too long.  The duo will have their own debut LP coming your way in may, so keep a sharp eye out.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/NightmaresJay-Reatard-Cover.mp3]

Download: The Echo Friendly – Nightmares (Jay Reatard Cover)

Fresh New Music from Let’s Wrestle

lets_wrestle_web_1Since 2010, Let’s Wrestle have been high on our radar.  We were even fortunate to have them play one of our SXSW parties that year, which featured other great acts like Surf City and The Crayon Fields.  The band have been largely under the radar for awhile, but they’re new effort seems to take on a slightly different approach to things.  Where the band once pushed forward with jangling guitar chords at a frenetic pace, you’ll now find a relaxed setting for the group to really work on their craft, slowing things down quite a bit.  It’s hard not to like these guys; you can find their next LP on Fortuna Pop sometime in 2014.[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/121021368″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Friday Is for Pop Music: Hibou

hibouThis track from Hibou jumped out yesterday, and I wanted to save it for today, so I could send you off in a good mood heading into the weekend.  This track is brimming with dance-floor ready goodness, using catchy beats to really influence the listener.  It’s no surprise, as the man behind the music, Peter Michel, has been working with Craft Spells on tour for some time, so I fully expect this sort of deliciousness. This track is slated to be released on his upcoming full length, which will surely make those electro-pop fans giddy; we’ll keep you posted on the details.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Hibou-Hide-Away.mp3]

Download: Hibou – Hide Away [MP3]

Groovy New Tune From Wake Owl

Wake_Owl_Press_Credit_Eleanor_Lonardo

Check out this swingin’ new tune called “Candy” from Vancouver based Wake Owl and tell me your head isn’t bobbing along.  It has this nice groove to it that continues throughout and slowly builds with a solid backing drum beat.  I’d say it’s worth a few listens.

New album, The Private World of Paradise, is due out March 4th on Vagrant.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/124030377″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Explorative Ballad from Plastic Mermaids

plasticThere have been whispers overseas about this act, Plastic Mermaids.  Up until now, I hadn’t really heard any actual music, so it was just whispers of my few friends hanging on the other side of the ocean. But, this first single has me on board with the group from the get go.  I like the careful way that the tune opens up, but the longer the song the develops the more the nuances like piano lines and swelling strings take control.  Then it every so gently fades into the distance.  It’s the sort of track that makes a statement for a band almost immediately, so join me in jumping on the Plastic Mermaids bandwagon.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/122007545″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

ATH Records + Young Girls EP: Here’s the First Single

1462910_624894084215760_804735105_nWhen I first decided to start our ATH Records label, my goal was to put out records by bands I loved. It wasn’t to make money; it was to offer up money so bands I cared about would have a way to release their music.  And, I’ve made no secret that one of the acts I really care about is Houston’s Young Girls, so we’re putting out their self-titled EP, featuring four rad new tracks.  Today we’re putting up this new song in hopes that you fall in love with the band, just as we did. Pre-orders will be up shortly, and the record is estimated to hit the streets in late January.  They’re one of my favorite bands, and I’m pretty sure you’ll feel the same after listening to the A-side, “Caroline.”

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Caroline.mp3]

Download: Young Girls – Caroline [MP3]

PYAITK: !!! Does Christmas Right

CHKX3 XMASWho doesn’t like a sweaty dance party at Christmas time? Nobody.

!!! has a new 7″ out featuring a smooth and dark dance jam called “And Anyway It’s Christmas” and it is not your typical Christmas carol. I was thinking of how there hasn’t been a recent song for the season that didn’t suck, maybe Low did one, suggestions are welcome. The seasonal jams I go back to every year involve the Peanuts crews (Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas rules all). I recently heard some uber cheesy song about a dude in line at the store buying a kid that didn’t have enough money shoes for a dying mother. It was so creepy.

Anyway, smooth beats are better.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/123356657″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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