This is fine.
Here’s a new song from Denver based outfit SAUNA who, despite their land locked location, create some fun and intriguing surf doo-wap style pop music. The track below “Please Don’t Go Away” is in the same vein as some of the swooning tunes from Cults, but then other tracks throw more punk your way similar to Thee Oh Sees. Check out the tune below or a few more on their Teen Angst Tape EP via bandcamp.
Download: SAUNA – Please Dont Go Away [MP3]
SxSW is getting closer and closer and this IT Dept. has very little to do with SxSW becasue it is still too far away for me to start getting hyped. O_o
Since we played catch-up in the previous IT post, here is a collection of new tunes for you to ponder. I am throwing out a favorite from Mint Julep, the latest from Bear In Heaven, smoothness with oOoOO, School of Seven Bells minus a twin and an atmospheric closer from Blondes.
Click past the break and you might get rewarded with cheese.
We’ve been in love with Beach Fossils for some time now, so we’re always happy when a new track springs up out of nowhere; today was just such a day. The group’s got a spanking new 7″ coming out on Captured Tracks on February 21st, and we’re here to share the A-side “Shallow.” For me, the guitar line practically own the entire song, though I love those softly places vocals that get to duel it out at the same time. If you’re looking for something to put a bit of pep in the step, then get on jamming to this track. Don’t forget the band will be in Austin for SXSW!
Download:Beach Fossils – Shallow [MP3]
How this band snuck under my radar yet again is beyond me, but I’m glad I stumbled across their new album today. It’s titled Fast Forward, and it just came out this week on Fraction Discs, the band’s Swedish label. Last time out, the band had support from Slumberland Records, but it’s not like they’ll need the extra love, as this album certainly speaks for itself. This time around the record’s got a lot more bounce to it, and the girls seem to have tightened things up just a bit, making it a bouncy collection of really solid tracks. Definitely worth your time and dollars!
Download:Liechtenstein – Ambitions [MP3]
Feel as if I’ve been too mellow this week, so I’m glad I’ve got the opportunity to share this little jam with you. The group’s called The Shrouded Strangers, a Cali by way of Virginia act, and they’re about to release Lost Forever. You can grab the album from the group right now, and I suggest you do so, as it will definitely make your week. Yeah, the track has a thick coat of atmospheric wash atop it, but beneath it all is brewing this incredible sunny pop element, perhaps influenced by the band’s move to the West Coast. This is definitely the sort of track where you can just drop out and play it over and over again. You dig?
Download:The Shrouded Strangers – Featherbed [MP3]
As a music nerd, I’ll admit that my musical favorites always change. You know, the old Top 5 question, well, I change mine, but one constant that I swear will never go away is The Wedding Present and David Gedge. His lyrical prowess always fascinates me, and I can’t say enough about his guitar playing. We’re fortunate enough to offer up a nice stream of a new Wedding Present track from their upcoming album Valentina, which will hit stores in the US on March 20th. One listen to this track and you’ll probably have to go check out the other 7 albums the band’s put out (not to mention Cinerama). They’ll also be playing SXSW this year, so be on the lookout. Going to be a great year for these guys–hope they bring vinyl.
It’s been a slow week for the heavier set of rock n’ roll, but when you get tracks like this new one from Leland Sundries, you can’t really complain. This Brooklyn group is set to release their The Foundry EP on February 21st, and we’ll be lucky if it all sounds as delicious as this jam. For the most part, the music is subdued, gently strummed guitar, but the vocal style has a relaxed approach that recalls, for me, a calmed Stephen Malkmus. Let’s hope this band gets the respect they clearly reserve as their EP hits the streets.
Download:Leland Sundries – Apparition [MP3]
Austin musician, by way of Colorado, James Cooley just sent us this new tune called “Out For Blood” recorded under his moniker Mesita. It’s sort of this folky pop number similar to something that might be birthed if Menomena and Peter Wolf Crier had an illegitimate child together. If you’re not into the whole bastard child reference, have a listen below and form your own opinion. The song appears on a new album entitled Coyote which does not yet have a firm release date.
Download: Mesita – Out For Blood [MP3]
You’ve always got to keep a close eye on the Canucks at Arts and Crafts, as they always discover some real gems that they wish to spread across the globe. They’ve just announced the signing of Bishop Morocco, and they’ll be releasing the band’s Old Boys EP on March 13th. It’s interesting that this came out this week, as it follows closely in the line of The Mary Onettes track I posted earlier this week. It’s got a certain softness to it that strikes at the heart of listeners, and the electronic touches play upon the recent upswing in bedroom recordings. Based on what I’m hearing here, I’ll be jamming to this EP quite a bit.
Download:Bishop Morocco – Old Boys [MP3]
It’s new band hype time here at ATH, and today we’re here to build some hype for newish Austin band Good Field. The band has an impressive resume featuring former members of Brazos, The Early Tapes, and even local legends Voxtrot. Paul Price originally started the band as a solo project but has since expanding to enlist the help of several friends and putting together a 4 track EP (Said EP is actually available to stream for free on the band’s website). At their core, the band is a shoegaze pop group, but they also offer a bit more with catchy hooks that can’t be denied.
Also of note, the band has an album release show planned for Saturday at Baby Blue Recording Studio with Jesse Woods and Sleep Good both offering support. Doors are at 8pm for that one. $5 cover and free keg beer.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/7-These-Dreams.mp3]Download: Good Field – These Dreams [MP3]
