ATX Spotlight: TVs Daniel + Annabelle Chairlegs

It’s the time of year when releases come hard and fast, everyone trying to cram music in between their Fall tours and what not; I mean, we have 3 releases on our label in the next two + months, so you know the rest of Austin is busy. Two things I missed while on a brief beach vacay were these new jams from TVs Daniel and Annabelle Chairlegs.

TVs Daniel is the most recent project from all around rock n’ roller Daniel Fried; he’s also the key element in acts like Video and Bad Sports (amongst others). I love this track for its huge buzzsaw guitars disguised beneath a penchant for anthemic arena rock; the subtle backing vocals are a really nice touch. This track appears on a 7″ for Italian label, Wild Honey Records. It pretty much rules.

Annabelle Chairlegs are everyone’s Austin favorites; they’re the band that all the bands love…they even appeared on the Slack Capital Compilation we put together with Eric of Big Bill and First Human Records. This new single has this swagger lurking in the midst of psychedelic waves; I love the tenacity of the vocal performance. This tune should pop up on a sophomore LP any day now.

Weekend Show Picks: Sunflower Bean, Olden Yolk, RF Shannon, Harlem

This weekend is filled with a ridiculous amount of good shows to catch and seems to be slated to remind you why it is you choose to live in The Live Music Capitol of The World. With an extra day to your weekend, there’s really no excuse not to get out and see some quality local and touring acts. Here are my picks for the next three nights for a killer time out for the holiday weekend.

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Big Bill LP Release Tonight at Hotel Vegas

Austin favorites, and one time ATH Records act, Big Bill have just released their excellent new album Stand By Your Bill. It’s filled with some of the best song’s the group has written to date, and the band aim to share those hits with you this evening over on a stacked bill at Hotel Vegas this evening. The line-up is fleshed out with some of Austin’s finest, such as Annabelle Chairlegs, Pollen Rx and the Infinites. That’s four incredible bands for one low bargain price, not to mention you’ll get your chance to pick up the Big Bill‘s LP on vinyl, released on their own First Human Records. Come one, come all…I’ll see you there!

ACL Weekend Two Wrap-Up

No Spoilers.

Admittedly, all the huge buzz leaks out as all the kids party on Weekend One, so attending Weekend Two for the first time, I was curious as to whether or not it could keep the same vibe from its predecessor. Surprisingly, the fest didn’t seem to miss a beat.

We have photos from around the grounds, randoms and portraits, friends and colleagues, bootlickers and signs. We also have plenty of notes rehashing last week’s favorites and highlighting the changes, so read on for highlights.

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Remember The Ladies: Female Artists To Catch at ACL

Y’all– it’s almost here. This weekend and next weekend are set to be a riotous amount of fun and shenanigans at the 2017 Austin City Limits music fest at Zilker Park. While you’re nailing down those last minute schedule arrangements and figuring out who you’re going to see during your three days of partying, I’ll ask you to to remember the ladies. As the resident lady writer here at ATH, I’ve compiled a list of acts that just so happen to be female fronted that may have fallen below your radar until this point. Follow the jump to get acquainted with some tunes you’ll not want to miss come this weekend and next.

(Heads Up–Solange isn’t on here. Her near-headlining set should already be on your radar)

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The Top ACL Undercard Acts

Unfortunately, a festival has to curate line-ups that cater to that audience, and as such, some bands unfortunately fall victim to the undercard slot…the slot before the day really gets going or on the smaller stages. Whether you see it as a slight, or just one of the many headaches with scheduling a mass festival…here are my highlights for bands on the Undercard slot (pre-2 PM).

Recent things that we loved that fit this description: Lucy Dacus, Slaves, Jose Gonzalez, Albert Hammond Jr., Rey Pila, The Rosebuds, Wild Nothing, FIDLAR, Widowspeak, Pinback, Willis Earl Beal, Gardens & Villa, and on and on…

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Listen to Schwein! on Slack Capital 2

Slack Capital 2 is a compilation of music by 27 of the greatest bands in Austin. All proceeds from the comp go to SafePlace, which provides support for victims of domestic and sexual violence. We’re unveiling one song per day until the the release party on April 14.

Song of the day: Schwein! — “Atma”

Schwein! is the musical moniker of Matt Schweinberg, who plays guitar in Annabelle Chairlegs and runs a home studio here in town (he recorded the glistening “Gold Driver,” by The Diamond Center–another band he plays in–on this very compilation). Given his association with those two bands, the classic rock throwback vibes in “Atma” make perfect sense. The happy surprise here is the song’s pure joy involved– the irrepressible good feeling of devotion. Just wait for those drums to kick in, about a minute into the song. I don’t care who you are, if that moment doesn’t cause you to open the windows and start grooving, you’re probably dead. Add to that a heavy George Harrison vibe (those slide guitars!) and a spiritual bent (Schweinberg told me “atma” means “spiritual friend”), and you have a song whose warmth is a perfect companion to the blossoming of Spring. Here we have a song that makes you want to bop your head and take a deep breath of fresh air in equal measure. –Eric Braden

Pre-Oder Slack Capital 2 HERE.
Join us at the release party on April 14th at Barracuda.

Levitation Fest – The Saturday Preview

levitationSaturday is THE day. No days are bad, but Saturday is chock-full of ridiculous talent. Ultimate Painting and Parquet Courts have been covered and talked about til the Internet was blue in the face…and apparently this Brian Wilson guy is a big deal. Plus, you’ve got perennial indie rock powerhouses in Animal Collective and Black Mountain, but let me point you in the right direction, a little off the beaten path, perhaps. Read more