Fuzzy Pop from The Laurels

Lyndal-Irons_Laurels_IMG_8056.111030We’re getting close to the Austin Psych Fest, and with that we’ve got news regarding one of the great acts that will be making their way into town: The Laurels.  You know how we love Australia, so it’s only fitting that we spread some love on this Sydney group; they’ll be releasing their new album, Plains, on April 16th.  You’ll find the new single here quite a gem; it has a quality that walks the fine line between psych rock and regulation pop music.  The vocals seem to float away, there’s some fuzzy guitar playing, but the rhythm section is solid through and through, especially the drumming. Now’s the time to start getting ready for Psych Fest folks.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/84419364″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Psych Fest Day Three: Photos and Thoughts

It is Psych Fest Day Three. I have empty memory cards and I am well-rested. My brain is no longer trying to swell out of its cage.

What’s to do? Well, there is a little band I call Thee Oh Sees. Again, not a true fit for Psych, but who cares? They are going to put down jams. I was also excited to see the return of Dead Confederate. Can they catch the magic of their first release?

Click that box over there and read words and have photo overload.

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Psych Fest Day Two: Photos and Thoughts

Day One was fun.

Day Two, however, was met with a splitting sinus headache and stories of crowded photo pits with iPhones and friends of the friends of the bands that got in as “Press”. Such is the festival atmosphere. It is like an insurance conference where normal human beings sometimes get a little nuts.

Regardless, we had a punch list and we were going to punch it. Head past the break for a few notes and plenty of pics.

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Psych Fest Day One: Photos and Thoughts

Day One at Psych Fest was pretty laid back, and I’m sort of grateful that the crowds haven’t completely caught on to this unique festival; you have to go though because the people watching alone is worth the price!  This was my first time to both venues, and I was rather impressed with both the sound and the set-up, so that bodes well for both venues as Austin’s musical landscape moves into the future.

Past the break, Brian and I will share some insight into bands that played and plenty of images from Day One…

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New Tunes from the UFO Club

What do you get when you combine bits of The Black Angels with pieces of The Night Beats? The UFO Club! Reverberation Appreciation Society has been spreading the news that they’ll be offering up a limited edition vinyl collection for a split 10″ that will feature tracks from the UFO Club, as well as a few from the Night Beats. This released song is hauntingly dark, and I dare say that it probably delves more into the psychedelia than Christian Bland’s regular gig.  It’s one of those tracks that just sort of takes you through this twisted tunnel of heavy vocals and bits of guitar noise.  Definitely give this a try, and if you like it, you can stream the whole album HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/02-Chapel-In-My-Mind.mp3]

Download: The UFO Club – Chapel In My Mind [MP3]

Austin Psych Fest @ Seaholm (4/29-5/1)

Date 4/29-5/1
Location Seaholm Power Plant
Doors 900p
Tickets $100 Weekend pass/$40 day pass

As many of you well know, this weekend is the ever growing new festival known as Psych Fest put on by some great local companies and bands.  This year’s event has expanded into a weekend long expedenture with an impressive lineup of local and national touring acts.  Bands that stand out to me that I know are great live include Beach Fossils, Atlas Sound, No Joy, This Will Destroy You, Fresh and Onlys, Bass Drum of Death, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Black Angels, and Rocky Erickson to name a few… The huge list of all bands playing during the weekend can be seen on the Psych Fest websiteA few tickets appear to still be available for the weekend so saddle up for a great weekend of music at Seaholm!  Also stay tuned this week for some previews of bands you can check out during the festival.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/the_black_angels_-_young_men_dead.mp3]

Download: The Black Angels – Young Men Dead [MP3]

Austin Psych Fest Preview

In 2008, Austin Psych Fest was just a one day event meant to display the collision between the visual and musical.  Two years later, the fest has grown into a three day ordeal.  It still holds to its mission of gathering bands that are pushing the envelop of expanding your mind on various levels, which makes it more than just a festival of great music.  It will take place this Friday thru Sunday, and it features some incredible bands we know you’ll love.

Friday features great acts such as The Raveonettes, Warpaint (so good live) and Indian Jewelry.  Saturday you want to get there to see local favorites The Black Angels.  Sunday’s line-up is ridiculous: The Black Angels, The Dutchess and the Duke, Warlocks and Yellow Fever.

Be Sure to go and grab your tickets and spend your weekend at the always enjoyable Mohawk.  Keep it local, keep it rocking.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/01-reservoir-park.mp3]

Download: Dutchess & The Duke – Reservoir Park [MP3]

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