This is fine.
We’re drawing ever closer to SXSW, so we’re trying to make sure everyone gets a chance to drop their name on this here site. Today, we’re happy to introduce you to Penelope Isles, or reintroduce you if you’re already in the know. You’ve got to give it to a band who describe their sound as “incredible.” Read more
A few years back ATH Records dropped Slack Capital Comp, a sort of snap shot at the weird side of Austin; Pataphysics, of course, were part of that. Now, a few years later, there’s new music on the way via First Human Records; we’ve got their first single below. It’s a jittery bit of synth-driven pop music, spastic in the best way, though the story’s woven around the hook-laden line “swiveling around in my computer chair.” I’m also a huge fan of the way the band has always included what I’d call “found sounds,” whether that’s this song’s use of Internet dial-up or the vocal samples; they continue to keep things interesting.
I will have to admit upon bonus listens that the previously released track “Gone” left me a bit flat. This is more like it.
The first of a pair of 2019 releases named Destroyer is due 4/19 on Grouch via House Arrest. About this track, it is a reunion collab with Maya Postepski; she was there for the formation of the TR/ST project, co-writing and touring. I am curious of how they reached the balance here after being solo for a spell. Who brought pop sensibilities, who wanted to go darker?
Austin’s Flesh Lights have been rocking this city almost as long as we’ve been running this blog; I’ve loved listening to the band every step of the way. When they reached out to see if we could help with the release of their new album; I jumped at the chance to be part of their history. Never See Snow is a straight forward rock album, filled with hooks and huge riffs ready to tear through your stereo. But enough of my fanaticism. Just stream the LP below, and if you’re interested in one of their rad blue Cassettes, grab that HERE. The group have a release show on March 1st over at FSG with Dregs and Werewolf.
It’s Friday, so let’s travel overseas with our SXSW Interviews today. Last year, Seazoo released Trunks, and what a listen it was. It was one of those albums you couldn’t put down, and then it makes you wonder how the whole machine works when barely a word was uttered about it overseas. Well, here they are, read all about it.
When Zachary Vito‘s new single came across my radar, it did so with a Teenage Fanclub influence mentioned. I can hear a little bit of that in this single, particularly in the evolution of the song’s central melody. But, more than that, I hear this quiet elegance that seems fragile and wistful, almost as if a great song was written only to watch if fall apart before you. Zachary’s voice also has this personable quality to its softness, reminiscent of E. Smith at his most vulnerable. Word has it that a full-length isn’t too far off, with Bill Ryder Jones handling production.
As much as we love sharing news of national/international bands, there’s nothing quite like the discovery of even more local talent. Today I’m pumped to share with you the premiere single “City Buses” from Austin, TX based outfit First Names. This one is going to be for those of you who like garage rock sounds with heavily distorted guitars, banging drums, and softer vocals. Bottom line, it shows a lot of promise for these young upstarts in our little city. Carry on.
If you haven’t been paying attention to what Forged Artifacts in the last few years, it’s high time you get hip to one of the great small indie labels out there. Just yesterday the label shared a song from the forthcoming Bill Waters EP; I must admit that I’m quite smitten. My ears are probably jaded but I think the first single we hear is fairly reminiscent of 60s pop music; the way the harmonies and guitar lines are wrapped around the vocals. Of course, the latter half of the track is intent upon ignoring standard tropes, so you get to hear a little sonic noodling. The Honey Hi cassette tape will drop on March 29th.
In my never ending quest to find quality music with a rocking sound, I came across this incredible new track “Drink You Dry” from Michigan based group minihorse. It reminds me a great deal of the later work offered by Nada Surf if they added some droning, loud guitars to their repertoire. The repetitive nature of the song with the beautiful compliment of harmonies provided by Anna Burch, create a track that’s sure to warrant multiple plays.
Minihorse will release debut album Living Room Art on April 3rd via Park the Van Records.
If you’re listening to this track, I want you to know that I know very little about this song, other than it belong to Tim the Mute. I can say that I’m a fan of Tim’s work, both as a Mute, and as the owner of KingfisherBluez. This song comes with little details, but it’s the simplicity that draws you in, emotionally. I can’t tell if my ears are playing tricks on me, but the percussive element seems to move between snaps and claps, quiet in the distance. Up front you have strumming and Tim’s voice; the lyrics seemingly refer to a loved one, possibly a parent. I hope this means there’s another LP in the future, but for now, just enjoy a good song.
