Local Love: Wildfires Share New Shoegazey Single

wildfiresATX’s very own Wildfires have got a new single out today that is well worth your time. The track, called “The Lame,” is available for you to download below, and it features everything we loved about the band when they released their last single, “Canelo” about a month ago. It’s got this pleasing shoe-gaze esque sound to it from the start when the guitars jangle in to the song. Later on, you get this laid back break down from the group that will have you returning again and again to the song. Take a listen, enjoy, and then look out for their upcoming release,Aguas Frescas Pt. II, which is out August 26th.

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ATX Spotlight: Star Parks

12717670_447276908797074_8975241183673572550_nWhile we all know that Austin is one of the best places to find new up-and-comers in the realm of indie music, it’s nice when you come across a band that really solidifies this notion. Today, that band is Star Parks, who make dream pop with americanainfluences that will melt your heart. The band is about to release their album,Don’t Dwell, this Friday, but before then, you should get acquainted with the band’s sweet sound with “Loose Ends.” There’s definitely a Dr. Dog-vibe going on here, but I’m liking the way the band really builds into the sound, and the vocals compel the track to its various levels. It’s the kind of song the makes you want to get out of your chair and dance around the room, which you’ll be hard pressed not to do, especially when those horns hit late in the track. Take a listen and then preorder their pretty blue record fromPaper Trail Records.

ATX Spotlight: New Single From Growl

18103_564818663621073_9117292441382477635_nLocals Growl and their guitar driven rock have been on our radar for some time, so we’re pleased to see the band releasing a new single. This new song, “Overnight,” shows the band really meshing together, layering each element precisely to make a great garage rock song. It’s an even-tempered jam, not coming in too hot, but slowly simmering into a smooth rumble. Word on the street is that the band is prepping to release a new full length sometime this year… so get excited for that.

ATX Spotlight: Rikroshi

12279037_701757619960805_6624326963952806043_nWe here at ATH are always trying to give you the latest and greatest of not only the world scene, but of our very own city. Today’s ATX spotlight falls on a new(ish) band, Rikroshi, which consists of dynamic duo Tessa Bennetch and Darryl Schomberg II. Together, these two make dark wave, synth heavy, pop music that’s a bit outside the realm of what you’re used to hearing from bands around town. When you take a listen to the track below, “Watercolor,” you’ll see what I mean–there’s a sugary impossibility to the distorted vocals and a bit of drama in the mix created by the start/stop percussion and jagged guitars. They just released their debut album yesterday, and lucky for you, they’re playing an album release this Saturday at Cheer Up Charlie’s. Get to listening and then go out Saturday and support your locals.

ATX Spotlight: Quirky Pop-Punk From Paperback

paperbackOur city is awesome, and we already knew that, but with each additional discovery of yet another solid band, or the reemergence of a band who has been around for a bit, my trust in Austin grows a bit. Paperback, a four piece indie-punk band, are one of those bands making their reemergence to the scene. They’ve got a new EP coming out this Sunday, and it’s bound to be a treat, as you can preview with the track I’ve included below called, “Laughing.” It’s got a nice little bite in the guitars, and the vocals are textbook pop-punk.

They’re playing Hotel Vegas this Sunday to celebrate the release ofNervous Energy. Take a listen to a track below and then head over there and show some love and hear the rest of it.

ATX Spotlight: My Golden Calf

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My Golden Calf is a four piece from our very own city, which formed, as most bands do, after previous acts dissipated and dissolved. Lead guitarist and vocalist, Dabney Dwelle (Quien es Boom) enlisted the help of three friends to create the group and their sound is something along the lines of indie rock with a hint of alt-country/folk spliced into the mix via the rough and twangy vocals. As youll hear from the single below, Either, the band does a good job of blending the two aforementioned genres seamlessly. The track is one that hinges on the constant motion and simmering patterns of instrumentationespecially the ceaseless presence of some kind of piano/keyboard that makes the sound full and layered. And then theres the raspy vocals of Dwelle, which push the song beyond indie rock and into the folk genre. Dont forget to keep your listening ears perked for the release of their debut full length, Perfume Brute, which is due out at the end of February; should be a good one.

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ATX Spotlight: Golden Dawn Arkestra

music_play-2 You should probably already know about Golden Dawn Arkestra in some capacity, as they’re one of Austin’s own, but have you heard this new single, “Stargazer,” yet? No? Well, press play below and get ready to take a journey with this group into past, present and future, or perhaps another dimension. This song starts slowly and mysteriously, the female vocals entering the mix like heavy fog, as subtle guitar winds its way through the song, and the elements begin to join in. Then, the band launches in full force into the 70s swirling disco that simultaneously makes you want to dance and watch a crime-fighting action show. They’ve got a new LP coming out next February, and if it’s anything like this first single, we’re in for a real treat. Take a listen.

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ATX Spotlight: Nic Armstrong & The Thieves

unnamed-4Confession: this is, and this isn’t, an Austin Spotlight post. Nic Armstrong & The Thieves are not native Austinites, but are British bred. Their latest EP, however, Negative Slant was recorded here at our very own Cacophony Recordings, so we’ve finally got some claim to fame on these psych-esque, British blues-inspired rock and rollers. Take a listen to the title track below, and you’ll find the band in a buzzy blaze of glory– stomping piano, slight tinkering of tambourine, and driving percussion all great you with warmth. They’ll playing the next few Wednesdays in their residency at Hole In The Wall, so be sure to check them out. Details can be found here. 

ATX Spotlight: Thrash Through Thursday With This New Spray Paint

230753_562841257061764_83881710_nYea I know this track is already blowing up in internet land, but it’s required we throw some proper love to our local scene. Sometimes, all you’ve got to do to make it to the weekend is turn on some loud jams and blast there and ATX’s Spray Paint have got you covered. Not only do they have this new track, “Thrash Master” for you, but they’ve also announced that they’re putting another album out pretty soon called Dopers (October 23rd). The track below is a riot and a half, a swirling dark wave punk cyclone that spins quickly, verging just on the brink of out of control, but in the best way. Take a listen and feel ready to kick the rest of the week straight in the teeth!

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ATX Spotlight: Jared Leibowich of The Zoltars To Release Solo Tape!

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So you’ve already heard and loved locals The Zoltars, but have you heard the good news that frontman Jared Leibowich is slated to release a tape of his solo efforts at the end of September on Unblinking Ear? No? Well, the song below is a testament to this statement as well as the number one reason why you should get excited for his solo debut, Welcome Late Bloomers. “And You’re Always On,” is a laid back garage influenced tune that features Leibowich’s soft vocals floating over the twangy guitar and subtle piano. Look out for that solo release on cassette and out digitally on Unblinking Ear Records on September 25th.

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