SXSW 2014 Interview: Cocktails

601398_405080359582896_591050954_nI’m most definitely a sucker for some good crisp power-pop, which is one of the reasons I love the work of San Francisco’s Cocktails.  It doesn’t hurt that some of their work for Father Daughter Records was recorded by Matthew Melton of Warm Soda.  These guys are high up on my list of bands to catch at SXSW, and after reading a few words from the Patrick Clos and Lauren Matsui, maybe you’ll feel the same. Read more

More Jams from Odonis Odonis

odonisOf all the bands crafting noise-pop music at the moment, perhaps none have my heart more than Odonis Odonis.  The Canadian act are preparing for the release of Hard Boiled Soft Boiled, and this new song is just another reason that I’m backing the band to grab a huge following in 2014.  I love the way the guitars screech through the speakers, while a slight bit of pop sensibility gurgles beneath the noisy wash the group has created.  They’ve also created a nifty little video for the tune, which you can check out by jumping HERE. You can hear the whole record on April 15th via Buzz Records.

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La Sera Releases New Tunes

Upload_SxSWthoughts_2012_03_14-13_49_12After news of the finality of Vivian Girls, it would only make sense that Katy Goodman and her project, La Sera, would get more of a focus.  She leaked news via a Youtube clip earlier in the week, and now we get our first full listen to one of the tracks.  It’s definitely a more rock n’ roll approach, which fits with Goodman’s known adoration of classic West Coast punk like Black Flag and the Wipers. After hearing this track, we’re completely giddy in anticpation of her new record, Hour of the Dawn.  It’ll see a release of May 13th via the good folks at Hardly Art.

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SXSW 2014 Interview: Mutual Benefit

473217_390909804286889_152677526_oOf all the names on the list for SXSW, perhaps none has had a greater run-up than Mutual Benefit.  The work of the band has surely paid off with the praise heaped upon Love’s Crushing Diamond.  The band make their way to Austin riding that wave, with promise to live up to, and beyond, the hype that’s been ascribed to them.  Here’s how they answered some of our questions on their way into our city.  Read more

SXSW Party: Fleeting Youth Records Showcase @ The Owl (3/13)

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We here at ATH tend to stay away from overloading you with information about SXSW parties, shows, free booze, etc.  If you need that sort of info, I’d recommend showlistaustin or maybe even Do512.  Now what we will do is post about a show when shameless self-promotion is needed.  Today we’re happy to announce a show we (kind of) helped put on with our good friends over at Fleeting Youth Records and Modern Vinyl.  Local and national talent fill the lineup, free booze is included, and of course no silly badge is required.  More deets:

Show time: 2pm – 2am

Location: The Owl Gallery

Lineup: Habits, Clouder, Mumblr, Krill, LA Font, Big Bill, Gunther Doug, Two Inch Astronaut, Grass is Green, Butter the Children, Basketball Shorts, Ghost Wolves, The Chelsea Kills, Bent Shapes

We’ve profiled quite a few of these artists via our SXSW interviews which can be read here.  More info on the Event page.

Have Fun With The Rich Hands

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We’ve been hyping up local San Antonio boys The Rich Hands for awhile now and we’re excited to call these almost locals ATH approved.  You may have heard their style before, but I think the guys are providing a fresh take on the indie-pop genre.  Expect quick, guitar driven songs complete with short and catchy choruses to make music in your ears.  I can’t find any reason not to like this.

New album, Out of My Head, is due out May 6th on Burger Records/Fountain Records.  Also, check our SXSW interview from the band elsewhere on the site.

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SXSW 2014 Interview: CYMBALS

1401742_756613981021666_1001563622_oCYMBALS are riding high after the recent release of their latest album, The Age of Fracture. They’re heading into to Austin to play SXSW, and they’ve got a special day lined up on Wednesday, March 12, opening for the Pains of Being Pure at Heart during the Force Field Day Party.  Check out the band’s thoughts on the festival as they prepare to blow into town.  Read more

PUJOL Continues His Garage Pop Career

pujolYou’ve likely heard about PUJOL on these pages before, as we’re always clamoring for whatever new music Daniel Pujol is working on. He just announced that he’ll be releasing KLUDGE, his newest album,on May 20th with Saddle Creek.  The Nashville artist still holds onto his DIY garage aesthetics, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that his songwriting is taking a liking towards a more pop-centric writing style.  It doesn’t hurt his songs though, as you’ll clearly see this one as just another hit from one of our favorite songwriters.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/03-03_Pitch-Black.mp3]

Download: PUJOL – Pitch Black [MP3]

Each Other – Being Elastic

eachRating: ★★★½☆

It seems over the last few years that a great deal of the bands I’ve taken a liking to have put less emphasis on the meaning behind the title of their completed works.  I can’t, however, say that about Each Other.  Their newest effort, Being Elastic, fits entirely in line with what one might think when reflecting upon the album’s name; it stretches all over the place musically.

“About the Crowd” begins with this fuzzy bass line lurking beneath the vocals.  The pacing seems like a mild stutter-step, until you reach the 1.5 minute park, where the guitars begin to chime in with more of a euphoric circle pit direction that perfectly meets the vocals.  From here Being Elastic moves into the more post-punk driven “Send Your Signals,” which is driven by the tight percussive quality and angular musicianship.  At times, the band slows things down to a more drawn out tempo, finishing off the track with this soaring pop vocal that’s indicative of the band’s efforts to move all over the place within their tracks.

Throughout the listen, Each Other moves in and out of varying genres.  “You or Any Other Thing” is one of those tracks that encapsulates precisely why the group’s so intoxicating.  The tune drifts in with dreamy folk harmony, but at various points, things are flipped upside down as the song takes an approach that seems like the obvious clash of influences like Q and Not U and The Wrens.  To me, it seems like the perfect way to make a nod to past greats, while still showing a progressive attitude in the songwriting. It seems like an easy enough formula for success, but I like how the group is capable is switching the approach, as they do on “Fine Time.” This number has a softer opening moment, then it jumps off into a jangling romp that is bound to pick up the spirits of listeners.

You do have to be careful where you skip around on Being Elastic, as you’re likely to get the wrong impression if you land on certain tracks.  “Seeing Doubles Dreaming Troubles” is dominated by an upbeat chugging that only slows down long enough to suck the audience in before bounding off in an enjoyable fashion.  It’s a complete juxtaposition to tracks like “The Trick You Gave Up” or “Or Else,” both which rely upon an extremely mellow mood to deliver their message.  Your best bet is just to enjoy the diversity from start to finish.

And there you have it folks; you have a record that’s as diverse a listen, sonically, as the name would imply.  Being Elastic offers a glimpse into the life of a band that’s not sold on one dynamic, and in taking that in stride, Each Other have released an album that demonstrates the vitality that comes with maximized creativity.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/08-Your-Ceiling-is-My-Floor.mp3]

Download: Each Other – Your Ceiling is My Floor [MP3]

Great Track From PAWS

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I’ve been rather enjoying this great new track called “Tongues” by Glasgow band PAWS.  When talking labels, I’d dare call this one an indie pop tune with a washed out, punk rock overtone.  I find myself hitting play time and time again once the play meter hits the end.  Great track.

New album, Youth Culture Forever, is due out June 2nd on Fat Cat Records.

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