Pop Gem from Vanaprasta

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vanaprastaSoaring vocals are all the rage, but they’re particularly interesting when the music crafted around them takes an interesting turn, to and fro.  Such is the approach that Vanaprasta seem to have taken on their new tune, “NYF,” with multiple musical journeys being taken within the track.  At times, the voice rises, while guitars echo discordantly in a seemingly empty space, but then there’s these other subtle nuances like the backing vocals and the slightly spirited moment around the 1.28 minute mark.  No word on whether the band will be releasing anything as far as a full-length goes, but they do have some scheduled sets for our LA readers.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/128191615″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Trust Is Playing SxSW

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artworks-000067282197-cquqei-t500x500TRUST is back with some strength.

I think this will be a busy year for Robert Alfons and Maya Postepski. The new record Joyland is due March 4th on Arts & Crafts, just before what I assume will be a very busy SxSW. I have a sneaking suspicion that this track is a preview and not a highlight. “Rescue, Mister” is about as good as this young year gets. Take a listen; dark dancing bliss.

…and that finish. We love this band.

UPDATE: You can preorder Joyland here in double LP, CD and digital formats.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/128330842″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Web of Sunsets Release New Single

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webofsunsetsAs the majority of the country currently battles to stave off the cold, this track from Web of Sunsets seems to come at the perfect time. Drifting along, the song encompasses the warmth that we all seek out, while there’s still a bit of sparseness allowing for the wondering of one’s mind.  On February 14th, the rest of the country will also get to listen to the Minneapolis band’s full-length, Room of Monsters, which will be released on End of Time.  It should further the apparent mastery and craftsmanship in the group’s Americana-influenced sound.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/08_Foreign-Bodies.mp3]

Download: Web of Sunsets – Foreign Bodies [MP3]

Gritty Jam from POW!

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powWhile many of us are lamenting the temporary (we can hope!) hiatus of Thee Oh Sees, we can be happy that John Dwyer is turning his attention elsewhere, allowing for more releases via his label, Castle Face Records.  His latest find is to unearth the young San Fran band, POW!, who offer up this darkened pop number.  The recording has things rather low, which provides for a dirtier sound than many are used to at the moment, but I think that adds to the appeal; the slightly discordant guitar solo really added a nice layer for me.  The band’s debut Hi-Tech Boom will be out on January 14th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/02-Hope-Dealers.mp3]

Tuesday/Wednesday Free Week Previews

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austin-skyline-mark-weaverSo, if you haven’t seen a live band playing in Austin in the last few days, then you’re really missing out on one of the great things about Austin (at least from the music spectators perspective).  We continue our efforts to keep you informed with our list of shows you should check out in the next few days.  Brave the cold and catch some great music folks.

Tuesday: 

Shivery Shakes and RF Shannon at the Mohawk @ 8 PM (Indoors…you’ll be warm)

Speak @ Holy Mountain

Wednesday:

Dikes of Holland at Beerland @ 9 PM

Halaska at North Door @ 10 PM

Isaiah the Mosaic at Red 7 @ 9 PM

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Shivery-Shakes-Single.mp3]

Download: Shivery Shakes – Sidewalk Talk [MP3]

Austin Spotlight: Sleep Good Return

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sixsongsIt’s been almost three years since we last heard from Sleep Good, who won us over with their album, Skyclimber.  But, via an email from the band, they’re currently in the works on two albums.  I’m not sure on the details, but if we go off their latest release that quietly came at the end of December, it’s likely to feature pop gems and instrumental numbers.  Personally, just looking at the titles of the tracks on their Six Songs EP, which may or may not be part of the upcoming albums, the band seems to wholly identify with Austin; they have a song called “Shoney’s” for crying out loud.  Regardless, it’s good to see the band back to work, and we here at ATH can’t wait to hear what more comes our way.  

Take a listen to some new tunes.

New Tune from the Kennsingtons

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kensingtonsThose of you looking to make sure you’ve got your finger on point with the hippest indiepop of the world, you better keep an eye on the first few releases of 2014 from Dufflecoat Records.  The little label of love will be releasing new music from the Kensingtons, as part of a joint EP with The Rileys.  I love the warmth of the first single, as it’s got the perfect amount of ringing guitars and calming vocals that makes the genre one of my personal favorites.  Seems like we’re in for a great year from the label, which only means great things for our ears. I’ll keep you up to speed on the proper release dates.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/125793634″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Solander Is Coming To SxSW

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solander - the woods are goneOK, you have an opportunity to do a nice thing. Yes, this song can be downloaded for free by zero dollaring. Like the previous preview track, it is a gem. Here is an idea, use someone else’s email address for a name-your-price purchase and give it as a gift.

Solander absolutely blew me away at SxSW a few years back. I was lucky enough to catch them at one of the church spaces that are taken over by us heathens and it was a forty-five minutes I will always love. With the harmonies, melodies and craftsmanship of their music, multi-instrumental perfection was delivered and I believe all in attendance waited around to chat with the band. Just wish there had been more of you with me. Luckily, you will have the opportunity see this band during SxSW this year.

The album Monochromatic Memories comes out February 4th on Tendervision.

New Music From Seahaven

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Seahaven7InchCover500pxAfter we’ve all enjoyed a nice little break, it’s time to start talking music again for the upcoming year.  One release I’m pretty pumped about is coming our way from Canadian friends Seahaven.  This track, “Silhouette (Latin Skin)”, is a preview of the new album and I like the updated blues the band is bringing.  It’s a truly “loud” and epic sounding number that does a lot to get me even more excited for this release.

New album Reverie Lagoon: Music For Escapism is coming this spring/summer, but this track will be available on a 7″ 3 song single due out January 21st via Run For Cover Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/123358976″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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