Fun Fun Fun Fest Preview: The Promise Ring

It’s two weeks away from one of our favorite festivals, if not, our favorite Austin festival, so it’s time to take a look at some of the acts we’re really anticipating taking the stage.  For me, the first nostalgic nod has to go to the Promise Ring.  Yeah, I was 17 during their hey-day, so it makes perfect sense that I would have fallen in love with their music, labeled as emo at the time (though with no association to the current range of emo).  Their highlight, in my eyes, definitely has to be Very Emergency.  Whether you want to label it with a genre or not, it was a great pop record, and one that still holds a special place in my heart.  Unfortunately, I never had the chance to catch the group live, as I was living in Oklahoma (the land of no shows) during my peak of adoration, so I’m overly excited to see these guys.  Glad Transmission got them to break out and bring the rock.  Whether you’re nostalgic or just curious, this is a must see band for my two cents.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/01-Happiness-Is-All-The-Rage.mp3]

Download:The Promise Ring – Happiness Is All The Rage [MP3]

They’ll be playing Sunday on the Orange Stage at 6:05 PM.

Cool Old Jam from The Barbaras

Well, this is an old song, but it’s probably going to be brand new to those of us outside of Memphis who hadn’t heard of The Barbaras.  Legend has it that Jay Reatard recorded the band, which featured Steven Pope (of his then touring band), but in anger told the band he scrapped the recordings.  After his unfortunate demise, these tunes resurfaced on some of Jay’s old recording equipment, and the great people at Goner Records are going to be releasing the collection, The Barbaras 2006-2008, on October 30th.  This track’s definitely made its way onto my daily playlist, and it has a mellower tone than some of the other tracks, just showcasing the songwriting of the group during their prime. Take a listen.

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More New Music From Wild Smiles

Only about a month ago, I posted a sweet new tune from Chris Peden and his new project known as Wild Smiles.  Last time I really enjoyed the hazy summer feel to the tunes which is still apparent here with a major rock riff mixed in as well.  Right around the :50 mark this song turns in to quite the rocker.  It’s one hell of a jam.  Stay tuned for more from this promising artist.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Care-about-me-mm2.mp3]

Download: Wild Smiles – You Don’t Care About Me [MP3]

New Jam from The Sea Life

There’s tons of bands out there with the “sea” being used in their name, and here’s yet another one to add to your list, The Sea Life.  The DC group has just released their newest album, In Basements, which is really a great listen.  After a few EPs, the band really has come into their own, sounding confident and tighter than ever on this release.  The track below has this great guitar line that flirts with 90s alternative nostalgia, but the fuzzy vocals provide a more modern spin on things.  You’ll find other tracks similar to this, but also more creative pop tunes holding this release together.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/The-Sea-Life-In-Basements-02-Surf-Rock-Nine.mp3]

Download: The Sea Life – Surf Rock Nine [MP3]

New Heartfelt Tune From Steffaloo

This subdued little number “Cant You See” from singer/songwriter Steffaloo has been getting me through a lazy Sunday so I thought I’d share it with you on today.  It’s a quiet song that’s going to take some repeated listens for you to really appreciate it, but I’m sure after a few spins you’ll pick up on the beauty it creates just as I have.

A new album from Steffaloo entitled Would You Stay is coming out tomorrow on Mush Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Steffaloo-CantYouSee.mp3]

Download: Steffaloo – Can’t You See [MP3]

Have A Nice Weekend

We have a brief break from festival shenanigans. Hard to believe we are done with the “old” ACL. Fun Fun Fun starts in a day under two weeks.

Here is a track I heard a few days ago that is perfect for the middle bits. Perfect for morning coffee or the last thing to listen to before going sleepy time. It is a another new one from Teen Daze off of The Inner Mansions, a release due on 11/6 that I am really looking forward to…

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New Twee Pop from Baffin Island

It’s Friday, and it seems like most of the world has taken off releasing music for the CMJ festivities in New York, but locally some of my favorite people are still working hard, like A Layer of Chips.  They ran this new single from Baffin Island, off the group’s new self-titled EP, which is being released by Wee Pop.  The group is made up in part by members of The Hermit Crabs and The Very Most, creating a gentle sound that fans of Camera Obscura and the like will surely adore.  It’s simple, it’s warm, and it’s definitely a great hit for a Friday afternoon.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Baffin-Island-We-Were-Meant-to-Meet.mp3]

Download:Baffin Island – We Were Meant to Meet [MP3]

New Music from Life Size Maps

The interesting thing about the modern day in music is the combination of electronic elements, atmospherics and other such things amidst the the more traditional instrumentation.  If you’re one of those folks, like me, who takes a liking to such things, then perhaps you’ll dig this track from Life Size Maps.  They’ve just completed their Excavate EP, and it’s definitely an interesting listen.  It’s heavy on the guitar edge, but the rest of the music surrounding that is a mix of various electronic flourishes that add more depth to the EP as a whole.  I quite like this, and if you do too, it’s free on their BANDCAMP.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/01-Abstract-Speed.mp3]

Download:Life Size Maps – Abstract Speed [MP3]

Sorry I Missed This: New (ish) Album from Dappled Cities

Man, what’s wrong with me?  I’ve been so swamped with US releases that I totally forgot to check in on Dappled Cities.  Long ago when we were a fledgling site with big ambitions, the group played our very first SXSW Show, and we were grateful to have them.  Apparently the group’s been working hard, just getting home after touring in support of  their latest LP, Lake Air.  I’m not sure how that slid under my radar, but better late than never, right?  It’s an energetic pop tune, sincere and bright, just as I remembered the band years ago.  Excuse me, I’m going to go immerse myself in this album. Do the same, won’t you?

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/50987564″ params=”auto_play=false&show_artwork=false&color=ff7700″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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