Gumshoe Drop New Single, Ready New LP

Athens-based Gumshoe have been penning cleverly solemn Americana since 2011, coming to the attention of many with their Christmas single, “Santa Lock Up Trump.” But, the group, led by Andy Dixon, are gearing up to release The Governor’s Brother on November 16th…and we’ve got the group’s first single from that release below. It begins as sort of a wobbly folk number, setting the scene for Dixon to enter with his deep sorrowful tones. Yet, a close ear will find that this balladeer might be more apt to make you laugh than cry, with lines like “I drink Robitussin/And play putt-putt golf.” Plus, I love the twang of the guitar that solos through the track’s latter half; it’s a nice layer of emotional depth added to the tune. Give a listen, have a laugh and relish in the joy of a good Gumshoe song.

Pleased to Meet You: Nihilist Cheerleader

We’ve got some good friends hanging out in the musical haven of Athens, Georgia, and they’ve recently turned me on to one of the city’s promising new young acts, Nihilist Cheerleader. On this song’s angular opening, you’re ready for a barrage of post-punk, but the band already do things differently, instead turning towards a rambunctious rock n’ roll vibe that’s polished by the blend of melody. Flynne Collins bares some vocal resemblance to Marissa from Screaming Females, giving you that feeling that she could unleash on you at any minute, though here she’s fairly restrained. The group’s new album Riot, Right? is slated for a release later this Spring via Perfect Attendance Records, setting the band up huge success in 2018.

Lovable Pop from Nana Grizol

Those of you that press play on the video below will immediately understand why I’m so in love with the latest from Nana Grizol. Something in the songwriting recalls the purity of our forefathers from 90s college rock, like Malkmus. But, with that in mind, there’s clearly more of a message in the lyrical content, as Theo Hilton finally has found a voice for his storytelling. Heavy-hitters from Athens helped Hilton flesh out the songs you’ll hear on Ursa Minor, such as the beautiful burst of horns in this tune. Look for the release on March 31st via Orange Twin.

Get Hip to the Hernies

When an email hits and it names drops both The Glands and Presidents of USA, I’m definitely going to spin it. Luckily, this new track from The Hernies does just what it promises, brandishing a brand of quirky power-pop. I mean, come on, they’re dropping Star Wars references amidst infectious hooks, fuzzing up the world with those riffs. For me, this is what good tunes sound like, and I’m going to keep coming back for more. The band release their new album, If You Can’t Think Then You Cannot Be Afraid of the Consequences of Your Actions; it’s being released by Orange Twin on April 28th.

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Fresh New Eureka California (SXSW Artist)

It should come as no surprise that we’re rapping Eureka California; the group continuously graces our little blog from time to time (well anytime they release new tunes). Today we bring you their latest single in hopes you’ll jam it out, and if you’re on your way to Austin we hope you’ll check them out. This new rocker comes from their Wigwam 7″, which was just released by HHBTM. It’s quick, a touch noisy and certified ear candy. Here’s the SXSW dates for the group:

3/16 – Austin, TX @ Waterloo Cycles (day party)
3/17 – Austin, TX @ Teller’s (HHBTM Records SXSW Showcase)
3/18 – Austin, TX @ Sidebar (Athens In Austin day party)

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Have Some New Scooterbabe

scooterI’ve kept a close eye on the Athens’ act, Scooterbabe. They’re in the midst of polishing off their latest LP, but in the meantime they have a brand new single from the Moeke Records Summer Singles Series to share with you. I think the best thing about this tune is it shows how much the band have grown in such a short time. The guitar work is quite careful, moving in and out of the speakers as the vocals are casually put on display for your ears. This sounds like a modern take on the great sound from early Jade Tree stuff. Keep your ears peeled for more new from these guys; I promise to keep you informed!

Hear a New Scooterbabe Tune

scooterbabeIt’s been a little while since we’ve gotten to write about Athens power-pop trio, Scooterbabe, but they just passed a brand new track our way.  For the first minute of the track, you can feel the tension building via the vocal delivery and the seemingly increasing pace created by the rhythm section.  At 1.15, the track explodes, blasting forth with exuberant abandon, all before settling into the song’s final moments.  It’s always great to hear from these guys. Grab it HERE for NYOP, and please donate so the band can keep making great songs for us to share.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/scooterbabe-I-Want-To-Write-Your-Name-Across-The-Sky-in-Big-Clumsy-Strokes.mp3]

Download: Scooterbabe -I Want To Write Your Name Across The Sky in Big Clumsy Strokes [MP3]

Have You Heard Ruby the RabbitFoot?

rubyI was looking for something rad to toss up today, something that would definitely lift the spirit, yet still hold true to my personal aesthetics (wherever those are). So I’ve been constantly listening to this brilliant Ruby the Rabbitfoot tune that’s been floating around for a wee bit; I started listening in anticipation of her show at the Blackheart on March 13th. It’s a bit songstress, though there’s this careful artfulness to it, like the bubbling guitar chord you hear lurking beneath her vocals.  She’ll be blowing in to town with her album New as Dew, which comes out the week of her Austin visit.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/01-Ways.mp3]

 

Brand New EP from Scooterbabe

scooterEarlier this summer I brought you a discovery, Scooterbabe, who I hit upon by way of looking into Athens Intensified.  The band often get classified as a noisy indiepop act, and that’s definitely present in their sound, though I also hear other elements like Braid or Promise Ring in their newest EP.  If you know me, you know that all those elements are certainly things I’m interested in, so I’m excited to share a tune with you.  I have a sneaking suspicion that there are others who love this sound as much as I do, so head over to the group’s page now and pick up their new EP, along with a great digital booklet.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/scooterbabe-scooterbabe2@gmail.com-03-Last-Year-Was-Alright.mp3]

Download: Scooterbabe – Last Year Was Alright [MP3]

Twangy Rock From T. Hardy Morris

t_hardymorris_01As we move into our early week tunes, have a listen to this great track from T. Hardy Morris.  Now some of you may have heard this one already so just bear with me for a minute.  It’s a great country inspired rock track that is worthy of a few plays despite my tardiness.  Think Blitzen Trapper or Deer Tick with more of a punk rock tendency.  Let’s make it through the week…

“Painted on Attitude” is part of a two song single currently for sale on bandcamp.

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