Bright Pop from Sw/mm/ng

swimmingSummery spirit is in full swing around here, and this track from Sw/mm/ng is the perfect way to keep that mood going.  But, while there’s definitely a light-hearted tone to this new single, the band takes on a stronger emotional strategy, similar to the work that the Walkmen completed.  Part of that attitude comes in the rhythmic pounding, while the rest is completed by the careful drawl that’s present in the vocals.  If you’re enjoying this (and you should) then pick up the band’s new album, Feel Not Bad, on August 29th when it’s released by Old Flame Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/02-Some-Dreams-Come-True.mp3]

Download: Sw/mm/ng – Some Dreams Come True [MP3]

 

ATX Saturday Night Spotlight

Austin, I love you.As mentioned yesterday, there’s tons of things about town this weekend, so you should definitely consider yourself lucky.  Sure, there’s no pun-off this weekend, and old Emos has long removed their troth, but plenty of other great places in town will take care of you.   Hit up one of these shows, and enjoy your weekend. Don’t drink and drive. Or bike. That seems dangerous too.  Read more

New Song from JE Sunde

jesundeI’m finally getting a breather after all this World Cup watching (haven’t missed a game), so I wanted to relax a bit, which is why I wanted to run this track from JE Sunde, who works in The Daredevil Christopher Wright.  I’m really stuck on how great his vocals are, but the intricate touches such as flute, piano and non-traditional percussion really push the song into another realm…it’s perfect for letting your mind drift off.  This track will feature on his album, Shapes That Kiss the Lips of God, and it’ll be released by Cartouche Records on July 15th.

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Army Navy Bring More Great Indiepop

armySome people want their music to have an edge of danger or attitude, but me, I like tracks that sound, well, pretty.  Army Navy are one of those acts who’ve been tossing out these sort of gems since their inception, and their latest single is right up my alley. The California act is set to release their third LP in just a few weeks, and if this doesn’t get you indiepop fans excited, then I’m not quite sure what’s going to do the trick.  There’s crisp guitars, great melodies and overall emotional appeal that generally just makes you feel good about yourself.  Get the feels.

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ATX Friday Night Spotlight

austin_live_music_retailrAustin’s got a busy weekend ahead of us, and it’s not because of a festival (for once).  There’s album releases, benefit shows and celebrations of all sorts, but with so much to choose from, we’re here to take a look at some of the more vital shows on your Friday night line-up.  It’s likely some of these will go to capacity, so if you’re looking for a ticket, do so now. Here you go folks… Read more

Pleased to Meet You: Niagra

niagraApparently I’m not as up on my avant pop music in the Italian scene as I used to be, as I’m pretty impressed by Turin’s Niagra. The duo construct these rather interesting pop pieces that, from what I’ve heard, compile all sorts of electronic elements (beats, loops, samples) to serve as the background for their varying approaches to pop songwriting.  Here, the vocals have this soft touch, which works in direct contrast to the pulsating music they’ve used.  This fall they’ll be releasing their album, Don’t Take It Personally, on Metronome Records on September 8th; it definitely won’t be your run-of-the-mill electronic pop record.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/02-Niagara_Fat_Kaoss.mp3]

Download: Niagara – Fat Kaoss [MP3]

 

Kick Back with Wax Witches

10407365_876274032399540_1545523233211221811_nIt’s not like Burger Records really needs another band in their stable that’s going to blast out some summery tunes, but it looks like that’s what they’re doing with this new tune from Wax Witches; it’s the project of Alex from Bleeding Knees Club.  There’s a bratty vibrancy to the tune, fueled by amped up guitar work and simple pounding drum work.  If the line “summer’s here/lets have some fun” doesn’t get you amped about the increasing temperatures (or I guess declining since one of these guys is from Australia), then you’ll just need to run to your stereo, pump this up loud, and get yourself in the mood. Centre of Your Universe will be out on September 9th, which is too late for summer time here, but at least we’ll have this jam to rock.

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New Tune from PS I Love You

friendsI kind of sort of want to move to Ontario.  Well, not really because I can’t cut it in the cold. But, that being said, this track from Ontario’s PS I Love You is really fitting into my listening rotation.  There’s something oddly pleasing about the vocals…there’s this weird little hiccup in the pronunciation, and it catches just right.  Speaking of catch…those guitars have a nice little hook going on too.  Their new record For Those Who Stay is filled with such bits, with the bands typical penchant for darker melodies present throughout.  Be on the look out for it on July 22nd via Paper Bag Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/07-Friends-Forever.mp3]

 

Listen to TOPS

TOPSThis is a case of the blogger who judged a book by its cover and turned out to be an asshole.  The photo I received of TOPS had this brooding 4 piece, two guys/two girls. I expected based on the photo that the band would bring some sort of noisy power pop or some erratic dance ensemble.  But, this track is really something quite special; if you don’t listen to it, you’ll be bummed.  Every note and chord hides this subtle beauty or perhaps a soft bit of innocence; I cannot stop listening to it.  Their album Picture You Now will be out later this year, but you can grab this song on a 7″ from Arbutus.

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