This is fine.
As we prepare for SXSW, let us not forgot all of the great local bands that will be performing all over town that week. I know some of us Austinites tend to stay away from our local friends since we see them so much during the year, but let’s at least promote their greatness to the world. Today I’ll be doing so by sharing some interview responses from recent discovery and ATH favorite Big Bill. Follow the jump to see what they have to say. Read more
While those who listened to David Novick’s last release were probably enamored with his outdoor folk stylings, you’ll be happy to hear that he’s also capable of winning you over from the confines of a bedroom. Listening to the tune, I already thought it was a stellar track, resembling the best part of Papercuts, but I was completely sold when the female voice enters just before the 2.5 minute mark. For my two cents, I’ll never grow tired of music like this; it offers a purity in pop songwriting, with minor touches of otherworldly creativity. Your Sister’s Hand will be released by God? on March 18th.
Download: David Novick – Beneath The Line [MP3]
If it needs to be said again, I’m a huge fan of L.A. based rockers Criminal Hygiene and their noisey, gritty, punk rock twanged sound. I believe my fandom began around this time last year when I was jamming the band’s debut, self-titled LP. Then SXSW came, and the band secured my allegiance with their high energy and raucous live show. So with all of that out of the way, the point of the post is to share with you this incredible new track by the band called “Withdrawn”. I’m hearing a bit of a more polished and focused sound from the band here, but of course they haven’t lost their punk edge. Personally, I think this is a tune that shows us a band who can really make something of themselves in the future. I’m in.
This track is on a new EP of same name that can either be streamed on bandcamp or purchased via vinyl format from Cultist.
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We’re trying to get you ready for BurgerMania at SXSW, which will kick off on March 15. It’s one of my favorite days during SXSW…they fit in as many great bands as they can, including rad Austin acts. Here’s another rad band that will be part of the various events sponsored by the label, Boy Toy, hailing from Brooklyn. Take some time to read what they had to say before they make their way South. Read more
I have a confession to make. I asked to go to this show to shoot Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. I was really more excited to see Chad Valley. That said, I ended up being quite impressed with the Dale Jr. Jr. on the eve of their big Daytona 500 win. How did they get there in time? Jr.
There was a rabid crowd that showed up early to reserve a spot to dance in the more personal small venue version of Emo’s, thankfully now divided by a proper curtain bisecting the room at the soundboard to tighten up the sound a bit versus the camouflage net previously used.
Read on for a few more notes and plenty of pics.
While I thought the first single from the upcoming Cloud Nothings illustrated some vocal restraint, it’s clear that I was far off, as Dylan Baldi’s not afraid to unleash on this new tune. Sure, the song begins with a slow build-up, but even then you can hear that familiar rasp in Baldi’s voice. At the 44 second mark, the song takes off, leading up to Dylan’s forceful howl coming through. My favorite part comes near the end of the track where the band lets go furiously, as they’ve been known to do in their live shows. And, as always, Jason’s drumming is just RIDICULOUS. Here and Nowhere Else, the new record, will be out on April 1st via Carpark Records.
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Man, you’ve got to get down with this new track from The Ukiah Drag. Each time I indulge in a few listens, I hear little variances in what’s coming through. On the surface, you get the appearance of a soulful Western storyteller, but listen carefully. There’s all sort of discordant noise and brooding working far off in the distance of the track; it’s the kind of thing that could turn a good song into a great song in the live setting as the band works the crowd. I’m excited to hear what these guys have to offer, and you’ll get a chance too; their Dirt Trip/Poison Ivy 7″ comes out via Wharf Cat on March 4th!
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I’m loving all these great interview responses that we’re getting, so we’ll continue to run out the great interviews we’ve been running via the Internet. Today we’re bringing you Swimming, a Fayetteville act specializing in brilliant pop music that’s built to get your toes tapping. I’m always down to support an act from Arkansas. Read the group’s responses below.
When the first notes of this new track from Hikes started maneuvering in and out of my headphones I was pleasantly surprise. The band employs a math rock staple to open the tune, reminiscent of old Pinback tunes. But, they don’t stick here for too long, choosing to throw in a more collective pop piece by combining male and female vocal pieces; the odd time signatures and guitar work do stick around. You can find yourself an owner of this tune, as well as 13 other great tracks from undiscovered acts via the Secret Peaks Winter Compilation from Graveyard Orbit. Order yours HERE.
Last week this great track from Australia’s Ausmuteants started floating around; I immediately dug the tune, but got side-tracked with other silly things like SXSW interviews. I like the keyboard touch that’s swaying in the track; it gives it this touch of something different that you’re not finding in like-minded punk acts. There’s a pulsing rhythm created by the steady drumming, but the vocals have really stuck with me throughout my time with this song; they have this nasally quality that’s actually fitting with the tune, and not at all abrasive. Goner Records, always reliable, will be releasing Amusements, the band’s album, on April 1st.
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