This is fine.
Not too long ago, we ran a feature on Australian band An Horse and now we’re lucky enough to have them coming to town for SXSW. Don’t forget that the band’s debut LP Rearrange Beds is out now in stores or on itunes. Follow the jump to read a short interview with Kate from An horse or see some SXSW dates.
Voxtrot are a band beloved in the Austin music scene and everyone around town has been anxiously awaiting some new music from the band. That new music is finally here and has been hitting the internet in the past couple of days. The new song is called “Trepanation Party” and was recorded and mixed with fellow giant in the Austin scene, Jim Eno (Spoon). You can also catch Voxtrot a couple of times during this weeks SXSW Fest.
Download: Voxtrot – Trepanation Party [MP3]
Releasing a CD is bound to be something special for those involved, so Austin band Balmorhea needed something special for the release of their new album, All is Wild, All is Silent. The band chose to use the acoustics of Ballet Austin, offering the most intimate atmosphere possible to its fans. Intimate settings can play out in various ways, as we will see shortly. Follow the jump to read our full show review.
If you get tired of wading through a sea of pretentious fixed gear kids with backwards hair, stumble on into the Bachelor Records showcase at Trailer Space Records around 7PM on March 19th to get your fill of the lo-fi rock & roll sounds of Nobunny and the queer stylings of Hunx and His Punx. Unfortunately, this Austin Town Hall contributor lays his head in Oklahoma and will be finishing up grad school while you’re out getting loaded and rocking your asses off with Nobunny and Hunx. Just be sure and have eight or nine for me.
Download: Hunx and His Punx – You Don’t Like Rock & Roll [MP3]
[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/06_chuck_berry_holiday.mp3]Download: Nobunny – Chuck Berry Holiday [MP3]
With such a direct reference to sadness in their band name, you’d think that Eulogies might just be another one of those sad bastard types. Leading man Peter Walker clarifies that he doesn’t focus on remembering the dead, but rather “saying those things that someone would say only at that moment but wish they had said right now”. Take that idea of true sincerity in the lyrics with a superb backing indie rock band, and you’ve got Eulogies in a nutshell. The band is also about to release their sophomore effort LP Here Anonymous out April 7th on Dangerbird Records. Follow the jump to read a brief interview with front man Peter Walker, see some SXSW dates and hear a tune.
So we here at ATH are finally ready to give you some advice on what you should be doing during SXSW. To do this, we got together and created a fancy SXSW website to guide you on your way. The site features the lowdown on the best Free/RSVP parties for each day starting tomorrow! We’ve included lineups, times, links to RSVP and even a handy PDF that you can print and take with you. If that wasn’t enough, our good friend Bonnie Walton (she’s kind of a big deal) created a food guide for you out-of-towners. Head to sxsw.austintownhall.com now to check it out. We hope you enjoy!
When surfing the ol’ interwebs around this time of year I find all kinds of posts about our famous little SXSW festival that goes on every March. Lucky for me, I chose a career in education so I get to spend the whole week wasting my life away and killing precious brain cells with loud music and alcohol. It seems like every year I come across a music fan or two who really wants to be a part of this party but just doesn’t know where to begin. Do I need to drop the cash on one of those wristband thingies? Do I need tickets? Ladies and gentlemen, I’ll answer those questions and more in our Friday Top 5 focusing on the top myths about SXSW. Follow the jump to read the full list.
When Grandaddy broke up, we all thought we’d never hear from Jason Lytle ever again, but lucky for us, he moved off to Montana to sit back down with his guitar. This new track is set to come out on his forthcoming album from Anti Records. Welcome back old friend.
Download: Jason Lytle – Brand New Sun [MP3]
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Balmorhea, pronounced Bal-moor-ay, is a band from here in Austin, Tx. consisting of principle songcrafters Rob Lowe and Michael Muller. Their sophmore effort entitled All Is Wild, All Is Silent is a beautiful album that touches upon influences from Ludovico Einaudi, Six Parts Seven, Claude Debussy, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Gillian Welch, Max Richter, Arvo Part, and John Cage. The music is mostly instrumental except for wordless singing in peak areas of a song and sometimes in soft, delicate areas almost like that of gospel. Grazing with post-rock, classical, and folk music, Balmorhea reek of romantic music that can take you away to landscapes of the cold arctic to the lush forests of northern america. With this impressive imagery exhibited, it’s only a matter of time before soundtracking films is next on their resume.
Kicking off the album with “Settler,” one can see that this band will be welcomed with open arms to theaters and concert halls across the country in no time. The opening piano line repeats and nestles itself into your head, then with the cello soon chiming in, the drums begin with a nice riding tap of the cymbals and lift-off…
Though I love the arrangements of the longer epics, the shorter songs like “March 4, 1831” and “Elegy” really show off the acoustic guitar playing that digs under my skin and finds a home. These noteworthy melodies give goose-bumps and make me want to jump in the car and take Ranch Road 12 to Wimberly. Spring is on it’s way, and I’ve found my hill country, road- tripping soundtrack.
“Remembrance” is another stand-out with the haunting opening of a finger-picked guitar. A banjo lends a nice descending run which is soon accompanied by a wordless gospel-like chant and again the tension/release formula opens up when the drums begin. There’s never a dull moment, which can be found often in long instrumentals for me, but they keep it concise and to the point with evolving sections.
Balmorhea have a handful of shows for SXSW and then are off to Europe for April and May. Be sure to check-in here or their website for updates on their inevitable North American tour.
In celebration of their new LP, All is Wild, All is Silent, local boys Balmorhea are throwing a release party at Ballet Austin (map) on Friday night. The Wooden Birds will provide your opening band entertainment during the nights events. Doors open up at 9:30 and entrance will cost you only $8. Free loaders take note, New Belgium Brewery & Progress Coffee are sponsoring and will provide complimentary beverages while supplies last! Single track “Harm & Boon” from the band’s debut LP (out now on Western Vinyl) is below.
Download: Balmorhea – Harm & Boon [MP3]
