This is fine.
I hadn’t really been out and about, at least not to a proper show, since SXSW. But, with the Brooklyn act, Caveman, coming to town with their friends Pure Bathing Culture, I thought it would be the perfect time to venture out; it didn’t hurt that they bands would be playing at the Parish, which always has great sounds.
Read on for my thoughts on the bands and your typical excellent shots from B. Gray.
Austin’s music scene isn’t the easiest to break into, let alone stick around in, but Marmalakes have been holding their own for some time. What bodes well for the group is this ridiculously great new single that they just released over the weekend. It starts with this bouncing bass line that gives great tempo to the group’s blend of folk and pop. Personally, I like the changing in tempo that comes in and out of the song, especially the quick to soft to quicker that closes this jam out. One of Austin’s best acts just keeps getting better. Get in on it now.
Download: Marmalakes – Wells [MP3]
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Frank Smith is a band, not a man. I figured you would know that, as the group has been knocking around for nearly 10 releases, but I’m thinking Nineties is their best work to date. It’s got roots in the world of folk music, sure, but it pushes the envelope with more than its share of loud guitars and careful musical accompaniment.
You won’t find a better opener for Nineties than “We All Win;” it opens with little more than vocals and strummed guitars…a few of the notes receive an extra twang in the mix. While it might be one of the quietest tracks on the record, it provides a teaser of sorts, just whetting your appetite. Soon you’ll find the pure pleasure that is “Beaten Sacks of Death.” I love the way the guitar turns at the chorus, taking the Americana roots and gearing it up for a more rocking ensemble. What steals the show, at least in this tune is the accessorizing done musically; the accompaniment draped all provides perfect accentuation at every turn. Oh, and wait for the stomp just after the 2 minute mark; you’ll surely come back for more.
What will stand out to many of the fans of Frank Smith will be the more complete, even louder, presence here. If you look at the middle section of the album with songs like “How Many Ways” and “It’ll Be Over Soon,” you will see the decibels rising in your ear, but importantly, the band’s sound isn’t lost here. There’s a slight drawl on the vocals on “How Many Ways,” and the song opens slowly. However, the group jumps off into a rocking jam; dig the echoing guitar in the background. “It’ll Be Over Soon” nears a full on rock track, though with hints at country nostalgia with slight electric organ touches throughout. The chorus reminds me of how good simple lyrics can come across in this genre, like those great Old 97s tunes.
Even with the louder sound here, don’t sleep on the band’s ballads. “One Day” is probably one of my favorite tracks on Nineties. Everything on this track fits; there’s acoustic strumming, changes in the vocal pitch, gang vocals, piano tinkering, even a distorted guitar breakdown…this song has it all. It all prepares you for the elegant album closer, “Chewing Glass.” The piano serves as the backbone on this number, with the guitar swirling around both vocals and piano. Personally, I like the fact that the lyrics can be easily sung, as is the case with all the tracks on the record. If you’re not affected by one listen to this tune then I have a feeling that something’s wrong with your heart.
I don’t want to make too much of a fuss about a more pronounced sound on Nineties, as I think that’s really unfair to the record. While it may be louder, you’ll find absolute joy listening for the finer touches in the nooks and crannies of the album; you’ll also rejoice that Frank Smith sounds exactly like, well, Frank Smith. I think the band is officially ready to take on the world, so join in on the fun, won’t you?
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/10-Chewing-Glass.mp3Download: Frank Smith – Chewing Glass [MP3]
The word might be out that there’s a fuller sound, and even a more rocking sound, on the new album from Austin outfit Frank Smith. For me, none of that matters at all, especially when you listen to the quality of this latest single, “Chewing Glass.” It’s got the backbone of a piano, with the guitar ringing in the distance; it paints the picture of what I always think of when it comes to Texas defined music, though with a heavier leaning here, slightly. I’m already calling this one of my favorite tracks of the year. The band’s new album, Nineties, is out next week!
Download: Frank Smith – Chewing Glass [MP3]
Over the last year or so I’ve caught several sets from local boys Pharaohs, and they continue to impress with their enthusiastic indifference. Their goal you ask? Well, in my eyes the aim of the group is to throw down like nobody’s business while building their sets with rad hooks and jagged guitar lines. I haven’t caught one set that didn’t make me want to let loose, all the while singing along. You should care about the group, not only because they’re fast becoming an Austin staple, but because their debut record, Babes Booze Bam Bam Baby, is solid track after solid track. If you like what you hear, then head HERE to grab the album from the band…and remember to contribute to your favorite artists!
Download: Pharaohs – Prettiest Girl [MP3]
Finally, it’s over. After over a 100 bands, 100 beers, a few tacos, we’re back to the daily grind. The beast that is SXSW is officially behind us now, so we’ll be spending a bit of time highlighting our own individual thoughts on the festival. We’re not trying to inundate you with the next big thing, we just want to recap what we caught. I’m on first! Read more
Let’s make no mistake about it, the Tame Impala show at Stubbs’ was deservedly sold out! Blowing into town behind the release of two excellent albums, Lonerism and Innerspeaker, the venue was filled with a nice bit of buzz. They even brought friends The Growl along with them from Australia.
Read along for my thoughts and Brian’s rad photos.
As an Austin based website, we work hard to bring you tunes from local bands that are worthy of your time that might not be getting the publicity they deserve. Today my new Austin discovery is a group called Tamarron who is lead by a young chap named Chad Doriocourt. Now not much information can be found about the band, as they are so new, but we can tell you that Chad just finished self-recording a 4 song EP with his bandmates which can be streamed over on bandcamp. Below you can find one of their best songs from that EP “Saucy”. You’ll immediately notice the band have a very raw sort of surf rock sound that could be compared to ATH approved Houstonians Young Girls. It’s a great sound that truly shows a lot of promise for a band that could be a household name around Austin if they play their cards right. Stay tuned for more information about this new and upcoming band Tamarron.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Tamarron-Tamarron-01-Saucy.mp3]Download: Tamarron – Saucy [MP3]
Rainy weather won’t keep us down, especially if we’ve got rock n’ roll on our minds. The Mohawk gradually swelled to capacity with Foxygen and Unknown Mortal Orchestra having a huge draw in town, both touring behind pretty solid album releases in 2013. I even stuck around to watch our friends Tiger Waves do their thing on the indoor stage afterwards.
Read on for brief thoughts and Brian’s rad photos.
We’ve got great weather, so there’s no reason not to get out and catch some live music this weekend. After all, isn’t that what being an Austinite is all about? Here’s our weekend show highlights, which are mostly about Saturday, since we’re throwing a show on Friday night with our buddies at Above the Radar Productions. Where will we see you? Read more
