Stream the New Tam Vantage EP

settinIt seems like stepping away from Pop Singles isn’t going to slow things down for Melbourne’s Tam Vantage. He’s been cranking out great track after track for about a year now, and he’s finally got the full Setting Sun EP for you to listen to, if you’ve got the time to love great music.  There’s a bit more power on these tunes than perhaps what I was expecting, though there’s still an underbelly of Australian pop that supersedes that edge.  My favorite track on the listen is “Marry Me,” but I’m sure everyone will have their own pick.  Get involved in the Tam Vantage movement, as he’s been on a roll and doesn’t look to stop anytime soon.

Martin Gore Announces New Album

Photo Copyright Travis ShinnI make no bones about my love of Depeche Mode. I even cried at a show a few years back; I miss my Maggie dog, they got me with the sad doggies on the video screen during “Precious”, it was an emotional time, family stuff, whatever, man enough to admit it.

Anyway, the driving force behind Depeche Mode has always been Mr. Martin L. Gore. You will see that name on the writing credits for every song, only joined by David Gahan a few times. The guy is a prolific songwriter, I even have a rather rare “solo” album where Gahan still provides vocals. Depeche Lite? But Martin’s latest project is truly solo, instrumental electronic music and the preview track is wonderful. Solemn and melancholy, as could be expected, it works as a great prelude to the album called MG due in April on Mute Records because you want it to be five minutes longer.

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This Twist Single Has Perfect Timing

twitsIf you’re outside of Austin reading this, I’ll apologize for being whiny, but the weather here’s pretty miserable.  Rain, cold…so un-March. But, with shitty weather comes fitting music to provide an escape.  On the new single from Twist, the track opens with little more than guitar and vocals; it doesn’t pick up immensely, though it does pull in some electronic beats to fill in the sound.  For me, it’s the perfect storm to match that going on outside my window at the moment, providing a dense bit of pop that’s both calming and unsettling.  No words on a release anytime soon, but at least we’ll have this track.

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Nerd Pop from Robot Princess

RobotPOur friends over at Fleeting Youth Records (buy local!) passed this tune from their latest signing, Robot Princess, my way, and I’ve been rocking it pretty loud.  I’m a huge fan of the playful style that fills the various verses in the track; it’s got nerdy narratives, which is a huge bonus for a dork like myself.  The chorus has crunchier distorted guitar, harkening back to glory days of good old college rock.  The label will be releasing the bands Teen Vogue LP and their new Action Moves EP together, in what I can only assume is a rad package on March 24th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/11-Action-Park.mp3]

Download: Robot Princess – Action Park [MP3]

Have You Heard Ruby the RabbitFoot?

rubyI was looking for something rad to toss up today, something that would definitely lift the spirit, yet still hold true to my personal aesthetics (wherever those are). So I’ve been constantly listening to this brilliant Ruby the Rabbitfoot tune that’s been floating around for a wee bit; I started listening in anticipation of her show at the Blackheart on March 13th. It’s a bit songstress, though there’s this careful artfulness to it, like the bubbling guitar chord you hear lurking beneath her vocals.  She’ll be blowing in to town with her album New as Dew, which comes out the week of her Austin visit.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/01-Ways.mp3]

 

New Video From Andrew St. James

UntitledAndrew St. James has quickly become one of my favorite songwriters to break out over the last year, making an appearance on both our year end albums list and the year end songs list.  Since first hearing his tunes last summer, the guy has had a song or two on just about every playlist I create, whether it’s for mellowing out or needing a breezy tune for a warm weekend afternoon.  His approach to songwriting is so simple and honest, yet full of life and mesmerizing all at the same time.  If you’re into the singer/songwriter genre, St. James is the most promising act currently out there.  Oh yeah…. went on a tangent there…. ASJ also has an awesome new video for his song “Stageline” which appeared on the previously mentioned The Shakes from last year.  Check it out after the jump.

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Pure Pop from Fred Thomas

fredFred Thomas has made his mark throughout the last decade with Saturday Looks Good to Me (I still adore Every Night).  But, as he steps into his own, I think he’s making a statement as one of the great pop songwriters we’ve got around.  There’s no frills and hiding behind studio tricks, instead just rocking this song with his voice and his guitar.  I’m always amazed how much people can accomplish with so little, and there’s a lot here for great pop fans.  Look for his solo effort, All Are Saved, which is being released by longtime label Polyvinyl on April 7th.

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Do I Like This Streamlined Pop From On An On?

10960327_10152750308033105_3030398931147536978_oShort answer: yes, yes I do. I have a love/take-it-or-leave-it relationship with this kind of music, but Minneapolis’ On An On have stolen my heart with the crisp and clear production on “Drifting,” which you’ll have to take a listen to below. This is the band’s first release in two years, and while the song may seem like a simple and plain track at first, before it reaches its end, it sharply changes direction and brings a real emotive punch. Indulge yourself and enjoy some straightforward alternative pop music with a hint of folk.

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Wand Show Off Exploratory Angle

WandThe first single off Wand‘s newest album was an all-out rocker, displaying the band’s live energy in a recorded manner. But, their new single has a different side to it; it holds onto some of the heavier edge of the live setting, but the band explores some of that negative space in their own way. There’s a darkly driving pulse to this tune, but it brings out that experimental attitude along the way, which should make Golem one of the album’s you’re most looking forward to come this March (In the Red, 3/17).  You can also check the band at SXSW, and read this rad interview I did with them a few weeks back.

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