Remember Ashtray Babyhead?

I went through 87 emails last night/this morning, and actually one of those rare days when I didn’t find a damn thing that I loved. Simultaneously, I’ve been working on a weird organization project going through old CDs…and I’m still on the As, which is where I was reminded of how much I loved Ashtray Babyhead (aside from the name). They were one of those late 90s emo/punk bands that just made you feel good to crank up and rock out, especially while skating around campus (akin to Ultimate Facebook). Looking at youtube, there are only about 10 songs, most of which come from the first LP. I found the first two tracks from Radio, which was my favorite, and since there weren’t other jams today, here’s Ashtray Babyhead.

ATX Spotlight: The Bright Light Social Hour

Our Austin amigos in The Bright Light Social Hour have been around the ATX scene playing shows, festivals, and backyard bashes for many many years now. Over that long span of a career, the band has grown a solid and loyal fan base from years of working their asses off. With such a large catalogue of music, it may be bold to say this new track “Ouroboros ’20” is my favorite release from TBLSH, but hey I think it’s 100% true. The new song finds a group who have seemingly fully matured into a sound which can be dreamy and spacey, while also providing some lush, driving melodies. If you’re completely new to the band, this would be a great place to start.

TBLSH plan to release this song on a new album entitled Jude Vol. II on August 28th. Pre-orders are live now.

 

Stream Big Love from Burner Herzog

Out in San Francisco, Paisley Shirt Records is doing a great job releasing tunes we’ve been enjoying quite a bit over here, like the R.E. Seraphin LP from earlier this year. But, just recently, they also dropped Big Love, the latest LP from Burner Herzog. Sure, it’s been out a few weeks, but maybe you weren’t aware, so here I am. Herzog has worked with artists we adore like Bill Baird and Tony Molina in the studio, and he admits he’s been influenced by Tony’s work, at least in how he came about crafting this album. I think my favorite tracks are a toss up between “Prayer Candles” and “Bob Dylan is a CIA Man,” particularly the vocal melodies that sine through in the latter tune. Plus, you get a nice little Silver Apples cover with “You and I.” Let’s all walk together, friends, and listen to Big Love!

Dig Nitty Shares Palm Springs

After a slight delay in production, Dig Nitty‘s Reverse of Mastery now has an official release date with Exploding in Sound, so it only seems fitting that we get another tune to tease the LP. In the first 22 seconds, it’s all about the angelic tones of Erin McGrath’s vocals. But, a quick introduction of percussion adds more spirit to the guitar, and to the track; it feels like Autumn to me, like driving through the East Coast as the leaves on the trees begin to turn colors, sort of lost in the natural wonders of the world. There’s this isolated guitar note too, something that feels heavy, almost ominous…it adds this perfect little contrast to the lighter feel that works with McGrath’s vocals. The LP is slated for release on September 18th.

Archaeas Announce Self Titled Debut

Had some mellow tunes on the playlist for today, so felt like we need something fresh and loud to knock down the doors a little, which works since Archaeas just announced their debut LP today. The band began as the project of Violet Archaea while coming to terms as a trans artists living Kentucky, though its since been fleshed out to a trio. Thematically, the album is a nod to Wild Zero, where Guitar Wolf help a trans heroine save Earth, but it also pulls into play the “anxiety and pressure of living in today’s world.” You can feel that in the song, you can feel the angst, the push back against the shittiness of everything around us, which only serves to drive the song home. Their self titled debut drops on September 18th via Goner Records.

Bendrix Littleton Announces Deep Dark South

You’ve likely heard the work of Bendrix Littleton before, whether it was as one half of Bent Denim, or in the studio with the likes of Hovvdy or Katy Kirby. Today we bring you a new track from the project, another early listen to the work that will appear on Deep Dark South, his new LP for NNA Tapes. This one’s a short whisper, like a quick visit from a dear friend. The guitar notes seems to ravel around your ears, then unravel, while the vocals kind of crawl out from the cavernous depths of the song. I love the way the lyrical content just seems like very matter-of-fact; it’s delivered like quick little notes to a companion. If this is your cup of tea, the full LP drops on September 25th.

Pop Filter Share It Never Hurts Single

One of the album’s that’s high upon my personal radar is the debut from Australia’s Pop Filter, a band that features various players in the scene we’ve grown to love. One of the perks of this band is that they’ve always worked as this collection of great songwriters, with Mark Rogers taking the main role here to revisit a song he begun back in 2014. I love the inviting aura of the song, lightly strummed guitar with Rogers’ sublime melody rising on the crest as a distant guitar cries somewhere out in space. But, just as you hit the 3 minute mark, you get a treat, as the whole band joins in stomping their way to a catchy closing with a reminder that “its better than giving in.” Pop Filter will release Banskia on August 21st via Osborne Again/Bobo Integral.

DUMB Share I Gave Greg Abbott the Coronavirus

My first introduction to DUMB was when Eric Bill and I were working on Slack Capital; it was a compilation filled with 19 incredible songs (don’t forget Slack Cap 3 this year where Bad Boy Croy pops up), but nothing felt more like Austin than “I Don’t Wanna Die on I-35.” Lately Corey Baum has been focusing on his other project Croy and the Boys, but just this week DUMB popped back up with this great track and video. I love how the song seems to incorporate both sides of Corey’s songwriting, bringing in a bit of twang to a classic power pop aesthetic, always sure to instill a solid hook to boot! Plus, it never hurts to have a sense of humor, and I’m only wishing this song was true!

Stream Alpine Subs Sweethaven LP

Having really enjoyed the debut LP from Chicago’s Alpine Subs, we’re back to inform you that they’ve just dropped their Sweethaven LP via Subjangle, and I’m encouraging you to spend some time here. While their debut was this mix between crunchy college rock and jangling guitars, it seems like this round they’re sitting round the campfire with the Grateful Dead, with a pop focus, of course. Listen to “Clear Blue Waters” and tell me it doesn’t sound like its rooted in the Dead’s pre-jam period. To me, it all feels more personable, like there’s this communal aspect drawing us all near, uniting us in the melodic tendencies that are present. I love “Keeping You” and its Nada Surf leanings during the chorus, but have also been gravitating towards the playful swagger of “Live Forever.” Go on and get your listen on below.

Groovy Tune From Psychic Shakes

On this bright and sunny Monday morning, might I suggest you check out this new song called “Suddenly” from Brighton based group Psychic Shakes. Max McLellnm, the musician behind the Shakes moniker, has been on our radar since back in 2016, but we haven’t heard a whole lot from him since. Now it seems McLellnm has moved away from some of his surfier, bright pop vibes, and moved into a more groovy, R&B inspired pop sound. One can definitely find themselves getting a bit lost in the entrancing, mellow vibe of this track.

Psychic Shakes will release a new EP entitled Unsaid sometime later this year on Good Eye Records.

 

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