New Badass Rock From The Thermals

thermals

I don’t really have a whole lot to say about this song other than it’s by The Thermals and it has that sense of no B.S. rock n roll  we’ve come to expect from the band over the last 10+ years.  It rules.  Duh.

What you might not know is that a new album is coming from the band on April 16th via Saddle Creek Records entitled Desperate Ground.  Also, a free download of this tasty tune can be had on the band’s website in exchange for your email address.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/77323617″ params=”show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Free New EP from Body Language

LH-008_BL_GrammarEP.152626In preparation for the release of their new album, Grammar, Body Language have decided to be really cool.  They’re not giving you some slow-loading youtube preview, rather they’re giving you their entire new Grammar EP for FREE!  All you’ve got to do is trade in your trusty email address.  According to the band, the new record continues the band’s experiments with blurring the lines between pop, disco and R&B.  The results are pretty interesting, and I’m particularly interested in the track below.  There’s a central hook, with some carefully placed electronic grooves; it borders just on the edge of “shaking it,” but possibly just more of a toe-tapping head bobber tune. Grab the EP HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/02-Whats-the-Point.mp3]

Download: Body Language – What’s the Point [MP3]

Rowdy Rocker from Bad Cop

_epcoverb600.152158I feel like we didn’t bring you enough rock n’ roll last week; so I’m doing my damndest to make up for all that this week.  I wanted to toss out this new (ish) tune from Bad Cop, who are re-releasing their I Can’t Slow Down EP to the masses.  The opening track, “Animal,” is just straight-up rock n’ roll; it’s not garage or punk, just blues-fueled stomping rock.  But, that doesn’t mean you’re not going to find yourself an endearing hook in the chorus, because the Nashville boys give you just that.  The spirit is alive with these boys, and thank goodness for that!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/01-Animal.mp3]

Download:Bad Cop – Animal [MP3]

Thr!!!er Is Coming

Naming your album Thr!!!er is a bold move chk chk chk. Or !!!. Or whatever.

If you want to get a sample of the goodness that awaits, you can download the track “SLYD” for the low-low price of your email address. It is a dancy sample driven groove, shocking right? To pair with this new track is the announcement that they will play The Mohawk on May 25. Tix go on sale later this week (2/15), so get on the for sale page and start refreshing.

Channeling my inner-Al Czervik – “LET’S DANCE!”

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/chk-chk-chk-Slyd.mp3]

Download: !!! – SLYD [MP3 via Email Registration]

More Glamorous Pop from Warm Soda

Warm_soda_FRONTsmall_1024x1024.144844Barely a few weeks ago I brought you a rad little number from Warm Soda, and they’ve tossed out another one that deserves equal notice. “Waiting for Your Call” starts out with this chugging guitar progression, with a bit of background twang. It builds until the band twists your arm into a moment of pop goodness, aided by the soft vocal delivery.  The guitar knifes in and out of the track, each time being accompanied by precision drumming and that smooth vocal hook.  If you know what’s good for you, you’ll be going to pick up Someone For You on March 26th via Castle Face Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/06-Waiting-For-Your-Call.mp3]

 

Show Review: The xx @ ACL Live (2/11)

When The XX announced their Austin show, tickets were virtually gone within minutes, forcing the band to add another show immediately.  Such is the demand and the hype associated with the British group after the release of their album, Coexist.  They brought friends Austra to town with them, giving listeners a glimpse at the operatic IDM realm. 

Read on for some thoughts on the evening and pics.

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The Stevens Sign with Chapter Music

2312597976-1I’ve had my eye on Australian band The Stevens for a bit now, and I’m really happy they’ve found an incredible home on our favorite label, Chapter Music.  In honor of the signing, the label will be releasing their self-titled six-song EP on 7″ on April 13th.  I love the way the guitars have this heavy-handed post punk feel to them, but then they take that notion and turn it into a softer little ditty.  It’s a great effect, providing you with this catchy song you’ll want to play over and over again.  Congrats to the label and the band for a perfect union!

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/78015646″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Show Pics: Another Holy Mountain Night (2/9)

Got another big batch of pics for you, this time from the show we helped out with over at Holy Mountain.

Pretty random lineup, Grape St. shimmied their way in first and put down another solid set of jams with some schtick and banter. Residual Kid played above their age group again; I think these kids should consider quitting their day jobs. Finally, The Calm Blue Sea gently took things by the scruff of the neck only to slap us around a little with their wall of sound.

I’ll talk briefly and share pics after the break.

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Another Gem from Paperfangs

paperfangsOne of my best kept secrets (unfortunately) is my undying love of this new album from Paperfangs, Past Perfect.  This Finnish three-piece are crafting these really subdued electro-pop tunes.  In my mind, I immediately feel as if they’re akin to PB&J, but I think their musicianship here is much more interesting.  They’re not using gimmicks, just blissed-out harmonies with warmth lurking in the background.  Their latest single is certainly one of the stand-outs on the record, demonstrating the sincere pop approach the band will utilize in winning your hearts.  Take a nice long listen, and fall in love with the group: they’re album comes out via Soliti Music on February 22nd.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/9.-All-Girls-Are-Grey.mp3]

 

Wake with Kurt Vile

homepage_large.104606d2I can almost assuredly say that by the year’s end, everyone at the ATH offices will have admitted at one point or another that Kurt Vile‘s upcoming record, Wakin on a Pretty Daze, is one of our favorite album’s of the year.  It seems outrageous, I agree, but such is the power Kurt holds over us, especially with this new single he’s just released.  There’s something to his simplicity in songwriting that maximizes his emotional draw between himself and listeners.  It sounds like almost anyone could write these songs, but no one could do it so effectively.  The album is out on April 9th via Matador Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/kurtvile_-_wakinonaprettyday.mp3]

Download:Kurt Vile – Wakin On a Pretty Day [MP3]

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