Pop Number from Senalada

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Perhaps my greatest joy in 2019 is just letting go of trying to follow trends or be in the loop, and instead focus on finding the joys in what I already know I love…like Spanish pop tunes. Senalada has this amazing new single that I think you’ll like, and if not, eh, sorry. There’s that slight dreamy tone to the guitar, matched by this wispy vocal before percussion kicks in and the guitar dances down the yellow brick road. The breathiness of the voice really hits home; it’s like every last breath is being given forth for the sake of the listener. This is a great one-off single for those that missed out on Mejores Amigos via Discos de Kirlian.

Slept on James Clarke Five

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My friend Wally at The Beautiful Music recently turned me onto James Clarke Five, as he knew that I’m a sucker for a good pop tunes of any sort. Apparently James Clarke aka Jimmy Hughes has been banging around since the 1980s with The Cherry Boys, but he’s recently been bopping about with his own work. It’s interesting, at times he’s got one hell of an operatic voice, as is apparent in “Married;” it lends itself to that sort of broad pop from classic groups like the Zombies. Though there’s an obvious nostalgia, many of the tracks on Parlour Sounds are so wonderful they fit right along side the various pop LPs in your collection; I mean, check out the move at the 40 second mark in album closer, “Just a Smile.” Indulge in this LP, then thank me and TBM later.

Another Lust for Youth Tune

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We’re not too far off from the release of the latest Lust for Youth LP, and with that, the (now) duo have dropped another teaser track. I think this is their most playful and earnest tune; they clearly deliver their pop sensibility in the first few seconds, but they don’t just drop in and let that hook hit you over the head, instead teasing it out after the 1:15 mark. Even then, it’s brief and exuberant, hitting upon that sensation of yearning. Somehow this tune seems more sterile, revolving more on the tones of the vocals, which is a nice little twist in the album (or so I hope). Sacred Bones drop Lust for Youth on June 7th.

Pleased to Meet You Modern Nature

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When Ultimate Painting abruptly disbanded, I wondered what would come of Jack Cooper. He’d released stuff with Mazes, as well as his own solo stuff, so we knew he’d be okay…though how okay I didn’t know…until now. His new project is titled Modern Nature, a joint venture with Will Young (Beak>, Moon Gangs). Our first listen is a majestic construction piece of slow-core, filled with layers that build upon one another as the song inches its way forward. Tickling guitar lines are aided by great cymbal work and the heavy softness of the vocals; the song moves forward and some horns and electronic flourishes begin to bubble from beneath the surface. This is absolutely gorgeous, and not at all what I would have expected, so I’m all the better for it. How to Live will be put on August 23rd via Bella Union.

KVRX Fest 2019

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Last weekend, we welcomed a new comer to the Red River Cultural District in the form of KVRX Fest. While KVRX has long been a staple in our Austin music scene, this was their first go round of a festival of sorts and they came in hot, booking 40 bands across two stages to tout the title of largest College Radio music festival. Brian and I served as emissaries for the ATH crew and ventured out for both Friday and Saturday of the festival. Follow the jump to see some excellent (as always) photos from B.Gray and some general thoughts on the first run of the fest.

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Stream This New EP From Internal Credit

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Back near the beginning of the year, we had the pleasure of introducing you to Falmouth based scuzz rock band Internal Credit. Not pleased with just the one release on the year, the band recently sent over their new EP entitled Internal Credit II. Similar to the last release, the band yet again feature their very own brand of fast paced, garage slug rock. It’s a short release with each song around 2 minutes so you have to know these guys aren’t about a bunch of BS in their rock n roll. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.

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Mega Bog Share New Weirdo Pop / Jazzy Single

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Nathan’s been a fan of Seattle’s Mega Bog for a long long time, but with this new track/video for “For The Old World,” they’ve definitely earned a new fan over here. This video is medieval inspired, and the grainy, strange happenings that go on in the duration match the jazzy, eclectic pop of Mega Bog. The vocals are both breathy and soft and then soaring and full– I love the smoothness of the percussion that remains throughout the whole track, even when it’s coming to its epic climax towards the end. If you were somehow like me and slept on Mega Bog till now, remedy the error of your ways with this rad video below and get ready for the upcoming LP,Dolphine, which will be out on June 28 via Paradise of Bachelors.

Stream Adult Hits from Blue Jeans

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Pretty sure this brand-spanking new album from Michigan’s Blue Jeans might just be the best pop record no one’s told you about just yet. That’s okay, though; I’m here to help you out with that by giving you a little chance to stream Adult Hits before it drops on Friday courtesy of Bobo Integral. It’s ten infectious numbers that could easily stand alone in your favorite playlist (with a huge helping hand from Fred Thomas in the studio and on the art), but work perfectly when tied in together. Here’s the stream, but hit the jump for my random track breakdown.


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Swim Team Share Are You Into Me

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There’s something really special in the songwriting of Swim Team; there’s this ability to adhere to all the flourishes of indiepop, yet at the same time, sound wholly Australian. There’s a sweetness in the first half of “Are You Into Me,” that eventually subsides as the track pushes further forward, taking a turn just around 1.5 minute mark. The lyrical content here ties right into the title, but it feels even more personal for some reason. This is just a light-hearted way to start your day I reckon, so keep an eye out for Home Time on July 12th via Hysterical Records.

RVG Share Alexandra

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A few years ago I claimed RVG the best band at SXSW; it was a year that acts like Shame, RBCF and Stella Donnelly really broke big…but for me, it was RVG. Romy Vager’s performances were nothing short of mesmerizing, fulfilling all my expectations having spent hours going through A Quality of Mercy. For me, that’s what I hear when I hear “Alexandra;” I hear the live performance, the passion in Vager’s voice. There’s this swelling in the song, a slight bit subdued, but I can picture the band unleashing that sonic blast in my face…and as my mind drifts I fall in love with this tune. This track is slated to appear on the group’s next album, and they’ve got a few N. American tour dates planned for June too (no Austin date, sadly).

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