New Music from Geoffrey O’Connor

We’ve got more great news from our friend over at Chapter Music in Australia.  Geoffrey O’Connor, the lead man behind one of our favorites, The Crayon Fields, will be releasing a new solo record for everyone to enjoy early next Spring.  Based on this first track, it’s a slower affair, illustrating Geoffrey’s ability to control the melodies within his mind.  While it may be a slow-burner, it definitely has me excited, as I’ve loved everything I’ve heard from him up until now, so the guy can’t go wrong in my book. You might also go back and look for Geoffrey’s old solo work under the name Sly Hats.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/07-Now-And-Then.mp3]

Download: Geoffrey O’Connor – Now And Then [MP3]

New Music from The Decemberists

After their dallying with a rock-opera it seems that The Decemberists are back at what they do best, offering up eclectic folk tunes with lyrical genius for those of you interested in those sorts of things.  The first single has Colin singing with some female vocal contributions, and we’re excited to report the guitar sound harkens back to the golden days.  Their new record is titled The King is Dead, and it will hit stores on January 18th on Capitol Records. I’m crossing my fingers for another Picaresque.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Down-By-The-Water-1.mp3]

Download: The Decemberists – Down By The Water [MP3]

New Music From Grouplove

L.A. based outfit Grouplove are hot on the radar of many music bloggers these days, and for good reason.  The band is getting ready to drop their debut EP on January 25th and are promoting that release with this new upbeat single “Colours”.  The sound is often times most comparable to Annuals and is without a doubt happy go lucky pop music.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Colours-Single-Version.mp3]

Download: Grouplove – Colours [MP3]

New Music from The Orchids

I’ve fallen in love with The Orchids over the past several years, so I’m glad my special order of their latest album, The Lost Star, finally came in the mail.  I haven’t spent a lot of time talking about this band, but rest assured that those of you in the know of twee pop will surely adore their work.  Now, for me, twee doesn’t have a negative connotation; it means sincerity combined with honest pop, and that’s always where my heart has been at.  Give The Orchids a chance here, and make sure to check out their back catalog if you dig the new stuff.  This isn’t going to let you down.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/The-Orchids-06-Shes-My-Girl.mp3]

Download: The Orchids – She’s My Girl [MP3]

New Music from Surf Friends

Once again, the sounds from New Zealand are just too catchy to escape.  While running through Finest Kiss, I hit upon Surf Friends, a great new discovery.  They’ve just released their debut album, Confusion, which is chock full of angular guitar riffs and sugary melodies.  As I listened to “You’re On My Mind,” I can’t help but feel a little bounce in my step as the pace picks up, the harmonies kick in, and the song takes off.  Yea, the rest of the record is just like it! You can get it now from Power Tools Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/SurfFriends-YoureOnMyMind.mp3]

Download: Surf Friends-You’re On My Mind [MP3]

New Music from The Soundcarriers

I came across the British group The Soundcarriers when I was checking in on another act, but I’ve since found that the latter can’t hold a candle to my new favorite UK import.  The Soundcarriers use a combination of warm male and female vocals to push their songs forward, using a quiet hush over each song to allow room for small specks of melodic beauty to work through.  The band just released their newest LP, Celeste, and it’s been keeping me nice and cozy ever since I got ahold of it.  Give this a try.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/03-Morning-Haze.mp3]

Download: The Soundcarriers – Morning Haze [MP3]

New Music from Apex Manor

When your band calls it quits, its difficult to know precisely what to do.  Luckily for Ross Flournoy, formerly of The Broken West, he’s got his head on straight, heading in direction of power-pop bliss. His new outing, under the name of Apex Manor, will be releasing their debut, The Year of Magical Drinking, on his his old label Merge Records. The first single offers up a steady back beat, cleanly distorted guitars, and popaholic bliss.  Look out for the record on January 25th in the New Year.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/02-Under-the-Gun-1.mp3]

Download: Apex Manor – Under the Gun [MP3]

New Music from Mammal Airlines

I always try to keep an ear out for what’s going on over in New Zealand and Australia.  Secretly, those two countries are putting out some really great works, so I’m always stoked when I come across a new one that needs some love. My recent discovery comes via Mammal Airlines. They’re putting out their Life of Mammals EP, and it’s got some great tracks on it, with those jangly guitars and a bit of fuzz to rock your socks. Get hip to Oceania folks. And, if you like what you hear, you can get their music for free from their label Papaiti.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/01-Brobama.mp3]

Download: Mammal Airlines – Brobama [MP3]

New Music from The Soft Moon

After releasing two 7″s, it’s time for Luis Vasquez to bring on his debut record as The Soft Moon.  Of course, there’s a lot of dark undertones, created by the ominous atmospherics carrying the faintest hint of melody in the background.  The Soft Moon album will hit the streets on November 16th via Captured Tracks, which is home to other great artists such as Blank Dogs and Wild Nothing.  If you’re looking for that post-punk sound, riddled with haze and smoke, then you’re going to really enjoy the work here by Luis. Take a listen to the newest track.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/thesoftmoontinyspiders.mp3]

Download: The Soft Moon – Tiny Spiders [MP3]

New Music from Pomegranates

Ohio band Pomegranates are just now releasing their new album, One of Us, on Afternoon Records.  I’ve really been enjoying this record a lot, as its got this sort of mellow post-punk vibe to it, but sort of using modern pop fixtures like speedy choruses and atmospherics to add an extra bit of depth to each of the songs. You’ll find that the single has a nice little ring to it, and everything you hear in “50s,” you’re likely to hear on the album as well, with a little extra twist of fun waiting to unfold before you.  Trust me, this is an album waiting to be enjoyed over and over.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/02-50s.mp3]

Download: Pomegranates – 50s [MP3]

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