Introducing: Spark Alaska

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10378268_642703239139167_1186790207573229985_nAs I’m sure many of you know by now, we are sent tons of music on the regular and much of it will never make its way to this site.  Then that rare tune hits the inbox and we’re reminded why we do this in the first place.  This inspiring track called “Little Ears”, from Syracuse based Spark Alaska, is giving me that musical reminder.  I’m immediately reminded here of a similar young man named Conor Oberst and some of his earlier work.  It’s intimate, pop driven, and hard to forget.  Enjoy it with me.

Spark Alaska has a new album called Longest Winter currently available on bandcamp.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/147906735″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Single from Hard Left

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hardleftSurely everyone knows of the great Slumberland Records, but did you know that the founder Mike S. was a hard-working musician himself?  He’s spent time in Manatee, and now he seems to have formed a rad little rock n’ roll band that deserves some attention, Hard Left.  They’ve only got one recorded song, and they’re operating under the guise of ‘terrace glam,’ though if you ask me it’s got more of a proto punk with a political bent.  It’s good to see people who run great labels out there putting their money where their mouth is.  Sorry, I can’t play anything.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Hard-Left-Whats-That-Sound-.mp3]

 

Show Preview: A. Sinclair @ Mohawk (TONIGHT!!)

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asinclairOut of the ashes of two great bands, come two new great bands.  And perhaps it wasn’t even ashes, but a change in direction, which has brought us A. Sinclair (frmly Frank Smith) and Otis the Destoryer (frmly the Couch).  Both bands will be releasing EPs tonight over at the Mohawk, which is a definite reason to show your face.  A. Sinclair are offering up their Pretty Girls EP, and Otis the Destroyer are offering us the Dark Arts EP.  We consider both bands to be two of the top acts in town, though admittedly that list is growing and growing.  Plus, because you have to have great openers, the bands have chosen Chasca and the Docs to open the night up.  You should definitely stop by this evening…there isn’t a better option out there.   The show starts at 10 inside, right after the Red Fang show.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/05-Throwing-Up-On-The-Ground.mp3]

 

Another New Track from Ablebody

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ablebodyWe’ve shared many a great Ablebody tune with you over the last few years, and we’re back with yet another great tune to endorse the band.  This is the B-Side of the group’s new After Hours 7″, and I think that it shows a different side of the band…it’s less pop-centric.  The guitars have a darker tone to them, and the final mix makes them swirl, wrapping the song in a nice wash that enables the tune to be a sure-fire hit. If you didn’t/don’t catch the act on tour wit PoBPaH, then you can order the 7″ directly from the band, HERE.  Enjoy.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/144858659″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Fresh Music from Comet Gain

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cgThere’s a secret cult out there, like me, holding every Comet Gain release to the highest esteem.  No matter what incarnation of the group, the songs always fit perfectly into my listening rotation.  Recently, Fortuna Pop uploaded this gem of a tune, which can only mean that long awaited next album from the group is just around the corner.  There’s a maturity in this track…it’s like City Fallen Leaves, but without the lo-fi aesthetic.  Regardless, I’ll devour this song, and probably play it as many times as I can before the record finds its way into my hands.  Won’t you do the same? I’ll keep posted on the more finite details as I get them.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/147130437″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New EP from The Phoenix Foundation

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tomslunchIt’s been almost a year to the day since we last heard from The Phoenix Foundation.  They return this week with the Dave Fridmann (Tame Impala, MGMT) stamp of approval; he handled a lot of the production duties on the group’s most recent recording, Tom’s Lunch EP.  This mini-release offers up more five songs of splendid pop goodness, with just a hint of bounce.  I can definitely see Fridmann’s style imprint, but the songs had to be there in the first place, right? I bet you’ll agree.

New Music from Frog Eyes

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blackoutbeachAdmittedly, Carey Mercer’s voice requires some adjustment; it’s so unique and powerful that it puts people on notice almost immediately…you either love it or you don’t. Me? I dig it.  I’m excited to see what the next Frog Eyes album, Carey’s Cold Spring, will sound like in full.  Interestingly, his voice is really high in the mix here, which means the focus for this track, and possibly for the album, will be on his lyrical wordplay.  That’s always been something special in his writing, which is why he’s been a favorite of mine for some time. The record will be released on June 17th via Paper Bag Records. Give this a try and see if it’s to your liking.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/137039009″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Bouncy Pop from COOPER

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COOPER-2You need something on this hump day to help give a little pep in the step? This anthemic piece of pop music from Montreal’s COOPER is going to be just the thing to do it.  It’s a pretty simple song in construction and structure, but the hooks and the vocals are undeniably catchy, allowing for listeners of any sort to find themselves attached to the track. There’s no word on what else Kate Cooper is working on, but you can grab this single from Mom + Pop as we speak…then you can play it on repeat as often as you wish.  Don’t deny the hook.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/149587915″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Austin Spotlight: Harvest Thieves Ready 7″

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harvestthievesIf you’ve been keeping track of the Americana music scene in Austin the last few years you’ve surely heard of Harvest Thieves.  If you haven’t, then now’s your chance to join us as we prepare for the release of the band’s upcoming split 7″ with Sam Cassidy.  On the local act’s side, you get this sensible piece of rock n’ roll wearing hints of country heritage on the sleeve; there’s a nice bit of piano working in the background too, helping fill out the sound.  If, like us, you’re enjoying what you hear, then you should check out the group’s release show on June 5th over at Holy Mountain.  They’ll be joined by other great local acts such as A. Sinclair and Lowin.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Harvest-Thieves-Escape-From-the-Paper-City.mp3]

Download: Harvest Thieves – Escape From the Paper City [MP3]

 

Synth Pop from Lust for Youth

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lustyAdmittedly, the last few years I’ve always let B.Gray cover our electronically induced pop music.  But, that being said, bands like Black Marble, TRUST and now Lust for Youth have really begun to sway my opinion.  This new single from the latter is the perfect example of why I’ve begun to make that switch; it’s hard for anyone to listen to this track and not get excited about the band’s up-coming record.  There’s not too much dabbling in oddities, instead just a straight-forward presentation of good old synth pop.  You can expect more like-minded songs when the band releases International via Sacred Bones on June 10th (that’s one busy release day!).

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/06-Armida.mp3]

 

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