Fresh Tunes from The Gotobeds

gotobedAdmittedly, I wasn’t into The Gotobeds until 12XU released the rad Poor People are Revolting in 2014; it’s a must have if you’re inclined to have a better record collection than your friends (and if you generally like rad music). In signing up with Sub Pop for the release of Blood/Sugar/Secs/Traffic, they’re not changing things up, churning out gritty riffs, raspy vocals wrapped inside a cocoon of pop sensibility. In listening to their first few singles, including this one, the sounds they’re crafting are destined to remain with listeners throughout the rest of the year…and longer; it’s no bullshit rock n’ roll of the best sort. Stoked to hear the entirety of this album, which is being released on June 10th.

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Hard Hitting Rocker from Empty Markets

12695048_533599350155274_8307557657416101671_oFeedback. Pounding drums. You’re in danger as soon as you press play on this brand new Empty Markets track. This is the newest project of Drew Schmitz (Gremlins UK/Cruddy), and I can’t wait to get my hands on their new LP, Stainless Steel. I appreciated the fact that the band never slows, bringing that pummeling pace all the way until the end of the track; it’s almost abrupt, forcing you to go back and listen again…which isn’t a bad thing in this case. Need no frills rock n’ roll? This band is doing it right. Look for their new LP on 12XU on April 8th. The band’s current line-up also features members of other rad 12XU act, Sweet Talk.

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Striking New Tune from Dark Blue

darkblueDammit. I thought I knew what to expect with a band featuring members for Ceremony and Strand of Oaks got together. But, bless me, I wasn’t ready for this incredibly stunning new song from Dark Blue to come our way. Yes, there’s a hint at the darker edges, both musically and lyrically, but I think the biggest statement this band is making is the power of great songwriting. Say what you want about varying genres and tropes, but when you put something together that combines pop sensibility with seasoned musical vets you’ve got a recipe for something that should supersede all boundaries. The band’s brand new 7″ comes your way today via 12XU.

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ATX Saturday Show Spotlight – 12/19

Austin, I love you.The weekend is filled with Holiday parties and various shows celebrating such a time, but Saturday night is where you’ll find your money best spent; there are two incredible shows that are must sees in my eyes. On one hand, you’ve got the 12XU XXXMas Revue at Beerland, featuring Sweet Talk, OBN IIIs, Flesh Lights, Xetas and more; it’s important to note that all those bands have at some point been at the top in our year end lists. While that’s a rock laden show, a block away you can indulge your pop fandom by hitting up Moving Panoramas, Ramesh and Young Girls over at Barracuda. A few of these acts are on our label (with a new Young Girls LP on its way), so you know we’ll be there…though considering the line-up, I’m looking to bounce back and forth all night long.

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ATX Spotlight: Stream the Sweet Talk Album

DoublePerfectCover_iTunes-300x300We’ve already rocked a few singles for you, but now that Sweet Talk‘s new LP is finally on the streets, it’s time for you to see what a great listen it is. Not that my voice matters too much, but I’d have to say that this is one of the city’s top LPs in 2015. Double Perfect is fueled by high energy rifts, and it holds some interesting musical turns in the album’s continuity, like “Wrong”” moving into “Tightrope” for a change of pace. It’ll also become pretty clear to you that while you can lump the band in with the ATX punk scene, there’s a whole lot of talent behind the guitar work…making the record more than just your average fare. You’d be smart to pick it up immediately via 12XU.

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ATH Spotlight: New Video + Single from Sweet Talk

DoublePerfectCover_iTunes-300x300I’m not going to lie to you; I think the newest album from Sweet Talk is one of my favorite records coming out of Austin this year. It’s a nice blend of power-pop and punk rock, hitting all the wrong notes while leaving you with memorable lines and singalong choruses. The band just released a video for their newest single, “Borrow Your Stuff,” and we’ve got it showing below in hopes you’ll be convinced, like me, that their new effort Double Perfect is something you need in your record collection this year. The LP will be released on October 16th via the esteemed 12XU.

[youtube]https://youtu.be/x6rGo5fzqIM[/youtube]

Don Howland Readies New Record

11046496_1017528231621312_7893327356943083889_oYou’ve probably heard of Don Howland, though without the Internet, you mightn’t be aware of his influence in your record collection. He’s achieved acclaim with Bassholes, but also has done a little solo work as well as being in other acts like Wooden Tit; his last effort was with Bassholes a few years back. But, he’s signed on with Austin label 12xu to release a brand new record, and the single’s definitely worth a few listens. The buzzsaw guitar work knifes its way through the track, while the vocal has a bit of garage distortion to it. Life is a Nightmare is the title of the new effort, and it seems like it’s going to go down as another great contribution to the music world from Mr. Howland.

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ATX Spotlight: New Sweet Talk

ST_25_copyDisclosure: I’m friends with Stephen from Sweet Talk. That fact, however, has no bearing on the fact that the group have just completed what I hope is one of the surprise breakout records of Austin this year, Double Perfect. I’m not saying that from the friend side, but the music side; the guitar driven pop rock he’s kicking out on this record, particularly this song, should be enough to garner recognition as one of the city’s great talents.  Personally, I love the varying vocal inflections he throws out on this track, especially when he’s driving home the message of the track around the 2.11 mark of the song.  You can grab the LP on October 16th via 12XU, and if you don’t, I’ll be rather sad…for you.

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ATX Spotlight: OBN III’s Strike Again

obnYou know ’em, you love ’em, we love ’em: local rockers OBN III‘s. They’ve been making the Austin scene a little more rock and roll for a good deal of time now and they’ve returned once more to hit us over the head with a great rock tune. “4KD” is nothing but gnarly; blistering guitars shred through from the start, and the vocals match this tone while complimenting the fast paced drums. Though a straightforward jam, you can’t help but enjoy the edgy simplicity the band brings to the song. This track is perfect for blasting through these intense summer days. Take a listen.

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ATX Spotlight: New Ghetto Ghouls Album On the Way

11700543_915848105139667_5739135878276486396_oIf you’re an Austin fan, or really just a fan of good rock n’ roll, then surely you’ve heard the great work Austin’s Ghetto Ghouls have been putting out the last few years.  They’ve got several releases with some of the best labels in town (12XU and Monofonus Press), and they’re set to release Collisions, their new effort, on Monofonus next week. The first single we’ve heard perfectly encapsulates the band’s live sound, with tenacious swirling guitar chords wrapping themselves around the emphatic vocals of frontman Corey Anderson.  Not only does the band have an incredible new song, but they’ve got a great release show planned for August 1st at Hotel Vegas with Flesh Lights, US Weekly and Decider.

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