Brooding Pop from Joey Fourr

artreeksA new year means new music from one of my favorite little labels, Art is Hard Records.  They’ve just announced a new compilation titled Art Reeks, which is being curated in conjunction with Reeks of Efforts.  When they tossed out this new track from Joey Fourr I was pretty amazed at how incredible the former Tubelord frontman sounds.  It might be rather early in the year, but this is definitely a track that’s got a lot of longevity in terms of how many times I can play it in a row without getting distracted.  You’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t at least let yourself spin this two or three times today.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/128323671″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Austin Spotlight: Check Out Some Coeds

artworks-000066541982-o0foez-t500x500 There is only so much light and airy electro chillwave I can take before I snap and crave some Nitzer Ebb or Split Second, so TRUST is my go to synth-jams nowadays. But what if you could blend? How about a lovely yet strong female voice and big buckets worth of varying waveforms? While the cool lofty and airy stuff can cause additional coffee consumption, Coeds gets you a big sound that has just enough aggression without being angry. I get hints of Glass Candy, with less disco.

The band is Meredith Muñoz and Ryan Kailath. Meredith has been in a few bands you may have liked. She is good people. Check it.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/122689846″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Single From Bass Drum of Death

Bass Drum Of DeathBass Drum of Death head out on a short tour soon (sorry not coming to Texas) and a celebration is in order with this new single “Black Don’t Glow”.  It’s about what you’d expect from the band, and that’s a good thing of course.  Garage rock sounds, washed out vocals, and wailing guitars are all here, and badass.  Hopefully we’ll be hearing about the workings of a new album sometime soon.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/129438934″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Dark Pop From Mode Moderne

cbd362f71e1718a05ae2976a93d447d2c47c1911After a few spins of this great new track “Unburden Yourself” from Vancouver based Mode Moderne, I’m excited to see what their new full length has to offer.  The band will of course get the Joy Division label from the get go, but I think the band mix those darker tones with some brighter, more polished pop tendencies.  I’ll keep ya posted on how the entire album turns out.  Count me as a fan.

New album, Occult Delight, is coming out on January 21st via Light Organ Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/97641723″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Austin Free Week Reflections

ATH Free Week 14 BannerDespite the debates of recent months concerning Free Week and proper pay, it’s probably best if we look at the unique situation set up by promoters here in town (and Transmission wasn’t the only force putting on great shows!).  For a little over a week, every big venue in town was filling out line-ups with their favorite acts, the newest bands and the old stand-bys. Personally, I had an incredible time, and relished in the environment Austin offers.  

Here’s some thoughts for you, as well as my highlights. 

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New Music from Each Other

eachotherOne of my favorite memories from SXSW a few years back was actually stretching myself to the limit by catching an all day hangover show at Beerland, after spending 7 days rocking and drinking like a champ.  I pushed myself to the max, but I was able to catch Each Other (among others), which was a blessing.  They’ve just announced a new album, and I’m really digging the first number.  It begins with this jagged proto-punk attitude, which normally would be enough to catch my attention, but just after the two-minute mark, they offer this mellow pop opus within the track; it’s quite a special moment.  They’re debut, Being Elastic, will be released by Lefse Records on March 4th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/127557931″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Have Fun with The Crookes

817Here’s a fun jam called “Play Dumb” coming your way from UK based band The Crookes.  The trask isn’t one that you should spend too much time trying to overanalyze with labels and whatnot, just enjoy the beats.  This could be one to watch out for in 2014.

New album, SOAPBOX, will be available for purchase on April 15th via Modern Outsider.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/129345532″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

 

New Liars Jam Coming Your Way

liarsFor as long as I can remember, I’ve admired the work of Liars.  Their records never once sound the same, yet they always have some linear links to previous works.  On their latest they continue to explore some of the more electronically influenced moments of their catalog, but it’s the hook during the chorus that really grabbed me.  It’s built as a danceable moment that could really unite those in attendance at a show, though I’d be remiss if I didn’t wish they threw it down just a bit harder…perhaps that’s awaiting in the live set.  You can grab their new record, Mess, on March 25th, then plan on including it in some year-end lists. They’ll also be appearing at Austin’s Psych Fest.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/125756312″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

FFF9 News And Early Bird Info

FFF9I was very worried. I was a bit vexed by the plans of See Three to renovate Auditorium Shores thereby undermining our friends at Transmission to have their party. Would it be the death of Fun Fun Fun Fest? That spot is perfect for the festival that is three festivals in one.

My mind has been put at ease with the announcement that the City of Austin has in fact confirmed that Auditorium Shores will be available for FFF9. With that, dates have been confirmed and Early Bird purchase news has been delivered. Joy of joys, Christmas is saved.

Fun Fun Fun Fest 9 – November 7, 8 and 9 @ Auditorium Shores
Early Bird Tickets – February 12th @ 9AM CST

Fresh Tune from New Electric Ride

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERALondon’s New Electric Ride get a lot of the psych nod for their work, but I don’t think that’s so much the case in their newest single, streaming below.  This tune harkens back to a period where pop construction encouraged playfulness and creativity, which is precisely what you’ll get when you listen to the tune.  It’s got a this odd organ that wraps itself around the tune, while the rest of the song is focused on the core melody.  It’s hard to not find enjoyable elements within this number.  You can pick it up on the band’s new album, Balloon Age, when it’s release on February 25th via Beyond is Beyond is Beyond.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/128916000″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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