Last Week’s Jams (6.2 – 6.6)

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Going to be a bit of an off week, as RayRay is out on vacation, and I head out on the latter half of the week, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t crush it last week. I was finally able to let the cat out of the bag about new music from Heavenly/Swansea Sound; RayRay dropped the premiere for new ATX powerhouse, Porcelain. Oh, and B. Gray was coming through with sick photo work from Kilby Block Party and OMD, so we’re really just trying to make your musical world better. There’s a bunch of sweet jams, though I’ll admit I’m really loving the Slow Summits new tune, as well as the cover by Glass Spells. Stream below and feel free to comment on what you loved and what we missed!

Show Pics: OMD at ACL Live (6/3)

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I have said it before and will say it again, I will see Orchestral Maneuvers in the Dark any chance I get. The depth of their catalog and their shaping of new wave, synth pop, 80’s Top 40 and beyond.

This show had to be rescheduled due for several, not the least of which was a shoulder replacement for Andy McCluskey. Only natural given the perpetual motion machine that he is on stage, not an inch of it left untouched by the end of the first three songs. Paul Humhreys is the rock, anchoring most tracks with glorious hooks and occasionally stepping out to provide his vocal. They love these songs so much and it shows. The crowd can’t help but be persuaded.

Walt Disco and I missed our chance to connect because they were among the early Sunday Kilby Block Party performers that were bucketed on by rain. Luckily, I knew I’d get to catch them opening at ACL Live a couple weeks later and they showed why they garnered a best of SXSW 2022 award from RayRay.

Click through for a coule more notes and pics.

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Swansea Sound Announce New 7″

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Not to be outdone by their labelmates (and bandmates) Heavenly, Swansea Sound are also announcing a brand new 7″ today; their lead single features the age old debate on whether you love Oasis or Blur. I’ll own up, as I like Blur’s singles, but the deep cuts from Oasis are just better. The tune’s a scuzzy fuzz filled number with Hue dominating the lyrical work up front, with Amelia serving as the counter-foil. Interestingly, the song has a bit of a heavier feel, almost like a Sabbath-esque march to it, though they open that up to their traditional hooks and commentary when they switch into the chorus. The AA side features a tune in Welsh, sung by Catrin James, who does all the group’s artwork! Look for the 7″ on July 18th via Skep Wax.

Hot Mustard Prep Monster Season

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After a sugary start to your morning, thought it would be good to switch gears a little bit with this new Hot Mustard single. The band, featuring members of TV on the Radio and Antibalas on this tune, have a new LP dropping on Friday the 13th, and I suggest you turn this tune up while you’re finishing getting ready for your day. It’s an instrumental piece, filled with delighting melodic sways, sort of like the blowing of the winds as the title suggests. That said, there’s some bent guitars that dance and fire off into the Spaghetti Western horizon, all the while horns add to the structured sway and the rhythm section locks the tune into a groove that’ll seep into your soul. Monster Season hits next Friday!

The Slow Summits Offer Dream On

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I wanted to keep true with the pop feels this morning, and Sweden’s The Slow Summits is the perfect little treat to keep the mood right in the morning. Those of you who love acts like Cats on Fire or the Luckmsiths are going to find this track super exciting, as the dulcet vocal tones carry that majesty at the core, and while the caramelized melody works its magic, the rest of the band adds a solid bit of energetic kick. Pulling your ear into the first verse, you’ll hear these quick cymbal hits, marching the tune forward. But, what I love about things is that they switch the approach in the middle of the tune, turning it into a slightly different direction so it doesn’t take on that formulaic feel. It’s fresh, and just a taste of Every Intention, which drops on July 4th via Subjangle.

Heavenly Return with Portland Town

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We have been sitting on this news for some time, it’s finally the day that we can share there is a brand new Heavenly tune ready to take over the world! The legendary indiepop group has been quiet for the 29 years, though a string of reissues and a handful of shows seems to have relit the fire. It takes ten seconds for the band to lock into a proper bounce, punctuated by stuttering guitar licks and a solid snap on the drums. Of course, Amelia’s voice, as we’ve known, has all the hook and magic one would want, particularly when it switches tones in the chorus. This is the most delicious pop tune you’ll hear today; the new 7″ is available via Skep Wax on July 18th!

Glass Spells Share Nunca Es Suficiente

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If you are like RayRay and myself, perhaps you find yourself infatuated with the Latin American culture; it that’s the case, you wouldn’t have been able to ignore Natalia Lafourcade’s “Nunca Es Suficiente.” But, while I love the OG version, I’m definitely bumping this new cover from San Diego’s Glass Spells. Anthony Ramirez’s synth craft adds a different vibe, punctuating the natural melody, which ends up cranking the dreaminess of the tune. That’s fitting as Tanja’s voice seems like it was built to maximize that mood, embracing the balance between the song’s beauty and the dark-wave the group are known for crafting.

Bones Shredder Drop Daylight Video

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One would think that with a name like Bones Shredder you’re going to encounter a ferocity unlike any you’ve heard, but in the case of this new single, you’re going to be wrong. When I clicked play on the jam below, there were moments where I thought that I heard my old favorite Alkaline Trio coming through the speakers…and that’s there, albeit a little less macabre. But, the more you get it, the more the band just sounds like a classic pop rock act; they’ve got hooks and melodies and this softness that sucks you back into the tune. Ah, the glories of great pop rock. This song appears on the group’s new LP, Morbid Little Thing, out this September via Sunken Teeth.

Constellation Myths Share Shadows on the Wall

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During the summer I typically ramp up my rock coverage, as I’m generally looking to get a little bit of energy and burst into my day, but maybe I’m growing old, as I’ve been indulging in this Constellation Myths track, feeling more like a campfire ballad. Andy Arch’s voice here reminds me of Will Johnson, kind of raspy, but with the ability to wrap itself around each little bending steel guitar note; he gets some added support too by the harmonizing with Molly Seamans, who blankets the tune with a hint of softness. Musically, the song’s slow burn is perfect for those nights where you can feel the swell of humidity, and the sweat of the song runs down your speakers as you seek solace in this complicated world. Their album The Cost of Living is on its way this year, so be on the lookout.

 

Premiere: Harmony From Porcelain

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When some folks around here try to claim that the Austin music scene is “dead” or somehow “not like the old days,” I usually just respond that those people simply aren’t paying attention. As an example, locals Porcelain put out this amazing self-titled LP last year that totally rips and should have been seen on even more year ends lists. Making things even more exciting, the band has more new tunes planned this year, including this new track called “Harmony.” It will introduce itself with a pure force of energy, matching gritty vocals with a total alt-rock meets grunge feel. You simply must check it out below.

This song is part of a new single EP which is available for purchase this Friday, July 9th via fellow local label Todo Records.

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