Tag: austin

Holy Wave Share Escapism

Leave a comment

Austin’s Holy Wave have long been known for crafting these entrancing psychedelic rock tunes, but as they prepare for the release of Interloper, it seems they’ve gradually begun to grow their sound. Now, don’t think their intention to alter moods and states of mind has changed; this song still illustrates a sort of purposeful trance, though it’s being spun more through the window of dream pop. The wash of atmospherics that coats the tune creates this light fog through which you can make out audible pop moments. It’s filled with all these little musical nuances, proving that the band have gone far beyond my expectations; this seems like the band at their very finest! Interloper will be out on May 8th via Reverberation Appreciation Society.

Margin Walker Issue Show Bonds

Leave a comment

Our friends in Margin Walker have been putting on great shows almost as long as we’ve been running this site, and we know with the quarantine, they’re all struggling. It’s hard when what you love gets put on hold, but lets put hope on the horizon. MW is doing the same, issuing Show Bonds. They’re like gift cards for shows you want to go to in the future; there will be a future! This helps out Margin Walker and all their employees, and it will also help you out too! If you’re one of our music-loving friends with a few extra dollars to spend, think about spending it on show bonds. Buy your Show Bonds HERE.

Brother Sports Share Distractions

Leave a comment

Let’s start Friday off with a catchy little tune from one of our favorite Austin acts, Brother Sports; you’ve gotta keep it local in times like these, rights? Musically, you’ll find the band offering up a nice blend between the Growlers and the Strokes; it’s all about the sharp stab of the guitar lines to really drive the song’s energy forwards. You’ll find that surfy semi-growl in the vocals, holding tight to some garage rock tendencies while still offering up a healthy dose of pop sensibility. I feel like we all could use some solid distractions in our life, so why not start today with a tune titled “Distractions!”

Why Bonnie Share Athlete

Leave a comment

We here in Austin have known about how much you’ll love Why Bonnie for some time, and now that they’ve got a new EP on the horizon, it’s only fair that we hip you all to that too…in case you hadn’t heard. Perhaps my favorite thing about this single is how it illustrates the band’s ability to move between their quieter inclinations to full on raucous moments; it perfectly captures their live force, which isn’t always easy to pull off. I think the song’s fade out also adds a nice little layer, putting the finer details into tune with little odd notes like bending strings and violin accompaniment. Voice Box is out April 10th via Fat Possum Records.

Mean Jolene Share Dark Harmony Video

Leave a comment

Last fall, we teamed up with Resurrection Records to co-release the sophomore LP from Austin’s Mean Jolene; Try Harder was an excellent follow-up to Salty, with the band taking on a streamlined focus after some line-up changes. One of the standout tracks, and my personal favorite “Dark Harmony” today gets the video treatment, directed by the band’s drummer Adam, and edited by guitarist Stevesie. The thing I love about this song is the sort of understated anthemic nature; it’s like they’ve slowed down this big arena rocker so they can draw you in with the sweet voice of Jolie. It’s hard not to be charmed by this one, especially when accompanied with the band at their exuberant best in the video. Go grab the Try Harder HERE.

Indigo Bunting Return with Two New Tunes

Leave a comment

Please do not sleep on Indigo Bunting; they’re one of the last hidden gems in the Austin music community. Sure, they’ve popped up here every time they drop something new, but the city by and large is sleeping on what might be one of the best acts in town. Today, they quietly share what might be their two best songs to date, so we’ve got to share them with you. “I Fell Through” is this drawn expansive brand of psychedelic pop viewed through a folk kaleidoscope; you should have this tune on repeat all day long. But, just because they can craft the dreamy side of things, don’t think they won’t switch it up on you and bring a buoyant number your way, like “Detail of Preceding.” This number has these lightly jangling guitars and this feverish vocal delivery that might make some folks think of Panda Bear. Fuck, this band rules. Listen.

RG Lowe Announces Life of the Body

Leave a comment

While he rose to popularity as one of the founding members of Balmorhea, Rob Lowe, aka RG Lowe, is no stranger to the solo effort, having released Slow Time in 2017. He’s back now with the announcement of Life of the Body, his follow-up, and once again on Western Vinyl. The angelic tones established in years of choir is omni-present throughout this tune, but the length and accompanying flourishes harken back to his other work. I loved the loud burst at 2:21, even if its merely a second; its about the thoughtfulness in Lowe’s craftsmanship. These are songs that go above and beyond the expectations of your average pop fare; Life of the Body drops May 22nd.

Holy Wave Ready Interloper

Leave a comment

Austin’s Holy Wave have been around for a bit, building their status as one of Austin’s premier psychedelic bands. With the announcement of the band’s new album, Interloper, we get to hear the band expanding their sound beyond our expectations. Honestly, they’re dealing more with this intoxicating krautrock, where they’ve fused these propulsive electronic elements with their more traditional bits. It’s created this organic atmosphere that seems out of this world; it feels like they’ve taken the experimental aspect of their sound and shipped it off into space…with just the slightest hint of melody in the vocals.

Half Dream Share Strange Lover

Leave a comment

We’re sort of in love with Half Dream over here, especially after the moving “Celia” dropped a few weeks ago. It would be really easy for us to wax poetic about the power of Paige Berry’s voice; you’re going to be blown away again within the first 15 seconds, particularly by the angelic tones that tease you into the track. For my two cents, the success of this song comes in the balancing act between the band’s more forceful performance and the delicacy with which they approach the interludes. Just before the 1 minute mark drums ring out announcing a brief foray into sonic bombast, only to recede into the whispers briefly for Berry’s voice before galloping to the end. Such juxtaposition crafts a sort of push and pull within the song, building your emotional investment as you listen. They’ll celebrate this new single with Rattlesnake Milk and our own Mean Jolene Friday night at Hotel Vegas; Monster of Needing comes out on April 2nd.

The Hermits Share No Replacement Video

Leave a comment

Almost exactly a year ago we were fortunate to put out the excellent self-titled LP by the Hermits. And, the great thing about great songs is that they never die, so the band wanted to share their video for standout track, “No Replacement.” This is one of my favorite tunes from the record (and their phenomenal live sets); I love the way the guitar seems to skitter back and forth, unleashing this crashing wave of psychedelic noise right in your face. For me, the band has always seemed to be just this creative blanket of weird draped over a really heavy pop band, and I couldn’t be happier to have had even the slightest hand in getting this song (and the rest) into the world. We’ve got a handful of copies of the tape left over HERE, but be sure to just stream the LP as much as possible! Plus, keep an eye out for shows…as the live band now features a new Hermit; there are four Hermits!

1 2 3 … 102