Variety Share Pooling Rain

I feel like I’ve only got a handful of bands on my radar in the Austin scene at the moment, and Variety is definitely high upon that list overall. On their latest single, they offer up hints of what could make them exciting as they continue to flesh out their sound. Their first two singles have been right up my alley, but I love how this track seems to almost work in contrast to those early tunes. There’s this harrowing feel, accented by gunshot snare work that almost seems industrial in nature. Guitars snake around, carefully bending behind the buried vocal work. I love how the song’s allowed to breathe within the vocals, building in this natural emotive quality you won’t be able to pull away from below.

The Juniper Berries Share the Home Team

We’re less than a month away from the release of Death and Texas, the new record from Austin’s The Juniper Berries, and I think today’s single might be the finest piece on the LP. You’ll hear the core of the song working with Josh Stirm’s vocals riding atop the muted strum of an acoustic guitar; you’ll definitely hear some similar notes to Elliott Smith, both in the tone and sincerity. I love how the arrangements behind the strum and vocals help lift the song beyond mere fireside ballad, giving more depth to the emotional feel that will surely pull you into the band’s world. Feel free to lose yourself in these 3 minutes, and be sure to order a copy of the group’s LP; Death and Texas is out April 19th.

Strand of Oaks Announces Miracle Focus

Tim Showalter has described his new record Miracle Focus as a record that represents “a temple of peace in my life,” so when listening to the first single, it’s interesting trying to piece together the puzzle in where this would fit in a record; you’ll find that it’s the opening tune on the album, which perhaps hints at its mesmerizing blend of soulful vocals and wash of electronic atmosphere. His voice, for longtime Strand of Oaks fans, is always going to be the draw, and this approach sees him moving that even further into a croon-adjacent voice; I think of moments of Cohen or Cave (also Patrick Wolf, but not sure that’s a household name), just letting their notes drip with emotion. It’s going to be really special when this all gets put together; Miracle Focus is out on June 7th via Western Vinyl.

Blushing Share Seafoam Video

We’re really excited for Blushing and their new album, Sugarcoat, as we’ve long been in the band’s corner cheering their successes. They’ve got a brand new video out today, and it’s one that shows the group flirting with a little bit of the band’s range, sonically speaking. Sure, you can hear the guitars encircling overhead, building on their classic dreamy textural repertoire, yet as that washes through, I was drawn to the vocal work on this chorus; it even encourages the guitars to stretch a hint too, taking on almost more of a darkened pop goth feel. That vibe gets furthered around the 2 minute mark with an almost spoken monologue whispering through. Sugarcoat is going to rule, and it’s out on May 3rd via Kanine.

Eastside Suicides Reissue Debut LP on 20th Anniversary

There’ve been a lot of punk acts in the Austin area over the years, but one that I always had a particular fondness for was Eastside Suicides; they only had one proper release, but owned nights over at Beerland for sometime. Today, word comes our way that Desolate Sounds Records will be reissuing their debut on its 20th anniversary, adding in some remastering and a few bonus tracks. While a lot of the punk scene here is written with “weirdness,” I liked how the the group just encompassed a classic rock n’ roll sound; the tunes have the same bravado as the Dolls as the Stooges, with their performances matching that enthusiasm too. So, if you’ve got an itch for old school, let’s celebrate! The newly retitled Streets Got Yo Baby will drop on May 10th.

SXSW Meet the Band: HMS Morris

People, it’s the last business day before SXSW kicks off this weekend and into next week. We will be shutting this ‘ol site down while we are out finding the next big thing so this will be some of our last coverage. Hopefully this has been fun for everyone to catch some differing perspectives of bands coming into town. Our Friday interview set comes by way of another Welsh band, HMS Morris. Hit the jump for all them usual deets.

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SXSW Meet the Band: Minas

We are nearly there people. SXSW starts next week and I think we MIGHT be ready for things to get wild. Hopefully our short interviews have made you feel somewhat more prepared as you enter into spring festival season. Our latest, and possibly most thoughtful interview to date, comes by way of Welsh based artist Minas. You can check out all the responses, music, and festival dates after the jump.

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Fantastic Purple Spots Share Vibrations Now Video

It’s been just over a month since we helped Fantastic Purple Spots get their Vibrations Now EP out into the world, and today we’re here to encourage you to revisit those jams by checking out the band’s self-created video. The video takes the same visual art that the band used for their EP cover art, only this time, there’s movement, with the psychedelic notes signaling movement within the visual journey. It’s almost as if you’re witnessing the ebb and flow of the vibrations alluded to in the title track. Have a nice little trip below! And be sure to stream the whole EP over HERE.

Good Looks Announce Lived Here for a While

When Bummer Year came out a few years ago, everyone in Austin was glad you could all finally understand our adoration for Good Looks. They’re the friendly band’s band, the band you want to hang out with, the band you want to book shows with…and ultimately, a band we’re all hoping finds success. Today, you get to hear a fresh new tune from the group’s sophomore LP, Lived Here for a While; I love the way it kicks off with a nice punch of energy, letting a second guitar line turn the song into this rhythmic jaunt through sunny days. It’s interesting to find so much joy in a song where singer Tyler Jordan’s dissecting his own heartbreak…not to mention all the hardships the band’s endured (Jake Ames injury, burning vans)…but there’s something uplifting and promising about the way the lyrics see us all moving on in life. Can’t wait for more folks to fall in love with the band; they drop the new LP on June 7th via Keeled Scales.

ATX Spotlight: Sundozer Shares Still Life

I was just having a conversation this weekend about some of my favorite new bands in Austin, and while often folks drop the same big names, we always have great new bands existing just under the surface. ATX based musician Christian Luis French is a great example who currently makes music under the moniker Sundozer after many years with other projects. The music has a sort of underground, garage psych feel too it, but with the speed and energy turned way way up. None of that contemplative, mellow psych stuff here. Have a listen to new single “Still Life” below and let us know what you think.

Sundozer will release this track as part of a new EP entitled Death Bloom, which is due out on March 28th.

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