More New Music From Woodpigeon

Back in December, I shared with you guys a new pop-folk song called “Red Rover, Red Rover” from Woodpigeon that really got me excited for the band’s upcoming album.  Well now the band are giving away this new song “Edinburgh” that’s sort of going in a different direction from what we’ve already heard from the band.  It’s still primarily a folk song at it’s core, but it has more of a full sound than what I’m used to from the band.  Here’s to hoping for more of the same when the band release their new album Thumbtacks + Glue on February 26th.

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Nightlands – Oak Island

Rating: ★★★☆☆

When I first heard Forget the Mantra, the first album from Dave Hartley’s Nightlands project, I was completely enamored.  From the moment I pressed play, it somehow matched my life, fitting in nicely like only few records could at the time.  Now, a few years later, Hartley returns with Oak Island, his newest effort via Secretly Canadian. For me, this is a different beast; yet, it’s solid through and through.

When “Time and Place” opens the record, the song revolves around Hartley’s gently draped vocal, seemingly hanging in mid-air.  Slowly, drums make an appearance just after the 1 minute mark, pushing the song forward ever-so-slightly. Reflecting back, Oak Island begins much in the same manner as the previous effort, but by the time one arrives at the following track “So Far So Long,” one can see that there’s a bit more clarity present: a bit more focus if you will.  That being said, it takes a bit of the mystery away from it all.

Juxtaposed to Forget the Mantra, the layering of the music here definitely has a less ethereal quality.  For instance, “Nico” has somewhat of a flamenco influence with the guitar and drumbeat.  These direct approaches make Nightlands both more accessible, yet less thoughtful. Sure, the usage of horns on tracks like “I Fell in Love With a Feeling” adds a little bit of nostalgic pop grooving, but it’s seemingly open; there’s nothing to be discerned, nowhere to find yourself lost.  Therein lays the one issue I’ve found in this listen, while more immediately approachable, it doesn’t seem to have the longevity that I felt with the first release. 

Of course, there is one issue that still remains for me, which could change the whole game…the title, Oak Island.  Thematically, one tends to look immediately at the references to love (they’re even mentioned in press).  But, Oak Island is a mysterious place, with a mysterious treasure; people have spent their lives hunting for said prize.  Perhaps I’ve faltered here in my quick judgment of Hartley’s work.  Knowing the history of Oak Island, it could be possible that he built obvious hooks atop his detailed layering, hoping to trick listeners into discarding the LP, or at least with comparing it to Forget the Mantra. 

In the end, the album is an enjoyable listen, although a dozen listens finds it a little bit more obvious than the previous release.  Multiple stand-out tracks exist, such as “Nico” or “I Fell in Love with a Feeling,” but their presence alters the overall cohesiveness just slightly.  Nightlands originated by crafting one man’s dream-scape, which flowed from beginning to end.  Oak Island on the other hand seems like a collection of songs, good songs mind you, but with songs that stand alone.  Still, you’ve got to spend time with the entirety of the album to full appreciate it all.  I suggest you start there.

Rocking Number from Lady Lamb the Beekeeper

Most of my experience with Aly Spaltro, who performs under the moniker Lady Lamb the Beekeeper, has seen her working on the softer side of things, with her voice living it up as the most powerful element.  But, on her latest single “Bird Balloons” you’ll find a much more emphatic orchestration surrounding her voice, creating a song that’s both moving and accessible; it also exhibits her playful side, which you’ll definitely appreciate.  You can pick up her debut album, Ripley Pine, on Feburary 19th via Ba Da Bing Records.  It’s not your typical musical affair, which is all the more reason to enjoy it.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/04-Bird-Balloons.mp3]

 

Another Gem from Dog Bite

Man oh man, Dog Bite really has something here.  This is the third single from Phil Jones (not the Man United utility player sadly) and his upcoming record, Velvet Changes, which is being released by Carpark Records on February 5th. Personally, I usually don’t go straight for the electronic looping, but I like the tone of the guitar that quietly lurks in the background.  Plus, the manipulated drums provides a really strong sterility to the song’s structure. If you haven’t been carried away by Jones yet, then you’re going to have no one to blame but yourself when this album goes big time.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/07-Native-America.mp3]

Download:Dog Bite – Native America [MP3]

New Dream Pop From Dream Curtain

It seems almost too easy to call a band dream pop when they use dream in their name so I’ll go ahead and apologize now for that.  This new electro pop sound called “Glowing” comes your way from Stockholm based artist Dream Curtain.  It’s a shout out to our more elctronica, beat driven fans and our resident electronic expert B.Gray.  I know those kids will dig it and I kind of do too.  Enjoy.

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

Download: Dream Curtain – Glowing [MP3]

Much Hyped Rock from Milk Music

Those of you that follow the Internet have no doubt heard of Milk Music; they’re a Washington group known for their live energy and raw sound.  Listening to the newest single from their album, Cruise Your Illusion, which hits the streets on April 2nd via Fat Possum Records.  My first run through the tune revealed a lot more polish than some of the efforts that existed on their earlier EP.  But, the recording itself provides this certain level of grit, living somewhere between the boundaries of Cloud Nothings and Dinosaur Jr–not an entirely bad thing, eh?  I think there’s a lot of promise in this track, but I’m holding out my judgment on the hype until a later date.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Ive-Got-a-Wild-Feeling.mp3]

Download:Milk Music – I’ve Got a Wild Feeling [MP3]

More New Sounds From Snowden

Snowden has another track from the pending full length No One In Control up to stream. This track is a simmering pensive affair, complete with a break down and strong finish. Looking forward to the album due out on Serpents and Snakes “in 2013”.

If you dig it, there are two remixes available to check out at the Snowden Soundcloud.

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Foot-Stomping Pop from Brothers In Law

Those of us who’ve found our lives intertwined with bedroom pop should be rejoicing over the world’s musical fascination with the genre’s reemergence over the last several years.  Even in Italy, Brothers In Law have been crafting their own propulsive blend of atmospheric guitar pop for some time, and they’ve finally got a full-length coming to light titled Hard Times for Dreamers, which is seeing a limited joint release between WWNBB and CF Records (who put out that excellent Sea Pinks record in 2012).  I can’t help but fall in love with this track…sure, there’s a dreamy quality, but I put it on and my arms can’t help but flail about as they spin me around the room in my office. Feel free to fan over this one.

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Contest: Ty Segall @ Mohawk (1/25)

It’s well known that Ty Segall has a lot of fans around these parts.  Not just with the ATH crew, but the man and his band also seem to have a huge following in Austin.  Let’s also not forget that this lineup at Mohawk is loaded with talent in the form of Ex-Cult, OBN III’s, and DJ Richard Henry.  Let the games begin!

Up for grabs: Your name on the promoter’s guest list with +1.

How to enter: Leave a comment with your favorite Ty Segall song and we’ll pick our favorite (really just at random).

Deadline: Friday morning.

Please don’t forget to leave a valid email address so we can get in touch with you if you win.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Ty_Segall_Band_-_I_Bought_My_Eyes.mp3]

Download: Ty Segall Band – I Bought My Eyes [MP3]

More New Tunes from Girls Names

I’d be remiss if I didn’t write about the most recent Girls Names track to come out of the Internet.  I’d also be in the same boat if I didn’t admit that I have no idea where the group is going musically, in an extremely exhilarating sense.  When I first heard this tune, I noted the semi-Orange Juice guitar chops, but was thrown off by the haunting of the vocals.  Then came this progression with keyboard intrusions and a brighter tone to the vocals–it honestly reminded me of The Fresh and Onlys traveling back to the early 80s, which basically equates to a hit in my ear.  Luckily, The New Life will be in stores from Slumberland Records on February 18th, so I’ll finally get to put all the incredible pieces together.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/75326855″ params=”show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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