This is fine.
It’s the perfect time of year for a song like this one from Seattle based Hibou. The surfy and jangly vibe should be perfect to carry you along your way to the beach or possibly the lake. Hit play on “Sunder” and start your summer relaxation off the right way.
Hibou has a new EP entitled Dunes out June 13th.
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While they may have dropped the “King Louie” aspect from their name, Missing Monuments is still very much the project of Louie Bankston; he’s got the pedigree of power-pop genius, but I can appreciate the name alteration. The group has a self-titled album coming out in the fall via my favorite lil’ label, Dirtnap Records, and our first taste has a bit of a heavier punch than some of the previous works we’ve gotten from Louie and the boys. The riffs begin just as usual, but as the song progresses there’s a bent that wears a bit more of a metal edge. Should be an interesting listen regardless of changing names and altered sounds.
Download: Missing Monuments – Answer the Call [MP3]
Warm weather brings varying moods, and while sometimes we curse the heat, in Texas I can say that it definitely brings to mind spritely indie pop, such as the recent work of Skittle Alley. Luckily, the band, who’ve been posting lots of new songs, seem to have something in the works with the very excellent Dufflecoat Records. This new tune is full of warm melody, shimmering guitars and a casual pace that will surely leave you smiling as you listen; that’s interesting as the new release seems to be titled The Memory of a Smile. This tune is perfect to let your mind drift away, and I hope you do, grinning all the way.
Oh, and the artwork was done by Ray Kimura who has done excellent work previously for Alpaca Sports.
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This new song “Trust Issues” by Johnstown, PA group Can’t Dance is something you’d expect to hear during the underground indie movement of the 90s. Within the song, you can clearly hear that the young trio would likely call bands like Built to Spill or Pavement groups that influence their own sound. As a fan of that era and most those groups, I’m getting behind this one and giving it my approval.
New EP Comfortably Dumb is out on June 18th.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/CantDance-TrustIssues.mp3]Download: Can’t Dance – Trust Issues [MP3]
Long have we adored KK and the Shrines, and we’ve been excited since they first announced their upcoming for Merge Records. On the latest single, there’s definitely a bit of restraint, at least for my ears. The song holds back from the typical garage rock pummeling, using an effects pedal to sort of provide a tripped out stomp; I like the clarity of the vocals throughout as well, which is a touch of a change. They’re titling the album Idle No More, and it will hit streets on September 3rd. The release will also see a world-wide tour, though, sadly, there’s no scheduled Austin date.
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Ashley Eriksson is the lead singer of LAKE, and the songwriter of the theme song for Adventure Time. Of course, she’s always been working on the side, and she’s ready to debut a new record, Colours, which comes out on July 16th. She possess a tranquil voice, carefully draped across the top of her elegant piano tapestries. There’s a respect for the the empty space that belongs in music, allowing her songs to achieve some beautiful clarity. She’ll be teaming up with K Records for this release of piano ballads, all which will require a quiet ear and a joy for voice.
Download: Ashley Eriksson – Humming in the Dark [MP3]
I’m really excited for my far away friend Nick and his wonderful label to be celebrating two successful years. Soliti Music has brought us gems from Cats on Fire to The New Tigers to Big Wave Riders, and in honor of that celebration, the label is giving up an 8 track compilation of tunes that are either unreleased or demo versions. They’ve even got a few words about each of the songs, which you can find HERE. But, if you want to get your hands on some great tunes, or perhaps even discover your new favorite band, then click HERE. For now, here’s my favorite track from the label.
Download: Cats on Fire – My Sense Of Pride [MP3]
Joe Steinhardt is working under the moniker Modern Hut, and it’s time we introduce this fantastic new voice to you all. His songs, like the one below, are pretty basic in construction, just using guitar and some minimal backing accompaniment. But, I’m particularly interested in the way his vocals are delivered, not to mention the lyrics that tie everything together. Perhaps you can ascribe similarities to John Darnielle or a more serious Adam Green, which both count as great things in my book. His album Generic Treasure will be coming out on August 17th courtesy of Don Giovanni Records.
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| Date | 6/7/13 |
|---|---|
| Location | Frank |
| Doors | 9pm |
| Tickets | $12 @ Ticketfly |
My apologies first off for the late notice on this show, but we deem it necessary to keep you informed on great shows despite our lack of timeliness. Now that we have that out of the way, let’s discuss our highly anticipated show by veterans and always underrated Texans Centro-matic. These guys have been doing their thing for a long time and it’s hard to believe the amount of music they now have to choose from in the live setting. Opening support is provided by locals Kingdom of Suicide Lovers. Don’t miss out.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/centromatic_flashes_and_cables.mp3]Download: Centro-matic – Flashed and Cables [MP3]
Admittedly, I’m not a fan of Foxygen, at least in so far as the live setting goes. I thought the band was so horrible that I actually walked out of their set. But, that being said, I can’t say enough about the songwriters in that band, especially Jonathan Rado. He’s announced a solo effort for Woodsist, and it definitely harkens back to days of sincere pop. If you didn’t hear the 60s influence on his writing before, you’re definitely going to hear it in this new track. The album is titled Law and Order and should see a release date at some point in the fall.
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