Tag: austin

Rad Gnar Premiere Are You a Friend

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Our old friends in Rad Gnar are living in the same space as I am at the moment, raising young kids (with another on the way–congrats Ben!). So, as we all do, or so I think, they’re writing songs that reflect those changes, with this tune serving as a reflection of the birth of your first child and the cosmic energies that surround us all. Musically, you’re going to hear the band blend heavier pop rock a la Superchunk with little elements of pop-punk and emo thrown in to create this huge ripping sound; it’s filled with yearning in the vocals and giant guitar-monies, so feel free to fall in love. You can find this track on the group’s Dead Strings EP.

Bayonne Announces New Album

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We haven’t heard from Austin artists Bayonne since 2019 and Drastic Measures, so it’s great to see the multi-instrumentalist and producer return to the fold. This tune incorporates driving rhythmic punches alongside sparkling little electronic notes; you put that next to the vocal recordings and you can practically feel the movement of the song itself beneath you. The song, much like the album itself, has a huge personal touch to it, as it was the last song Roger was able to show his father before his passing, using little soundbites from the family’s old VHS tapes. Temporary Time will be out this May!

Dorio Drops Fresh Single, Light Me Up High

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Our good friend Chad Doriocourt, aka Dorio, has just dropped a fresh single from the forthcoming Strawberry Dream LP. Almost immediately, you can tell that the project is going to be taking on some new levels, driving in more bounce and hooks to Chad’s songwriting repertoire. You can hear the lineage with the band’s early work, as the backing vocals and melodies have always been central, as they very much are, but you’ve got to be willing to get a little funky sometimes, exactly as its being done here. It’s like taking your favorite guitar pop band and giving them a dancefloor remix, gathering you and your friends to have the time of your lives as the night comes to a close. We’ll keep you posted when we have more info on the new LP.

Get Into Fantastic Purple Spots

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The last year or so I have scaled back my 4 times a week ventures to Austin’s clubs, so much so that I’ve missed out on some really great tunes that I would likely adore, such as Fantastic Purple Spots. They dropped their self-titled LP last year, but I’m just digging into it now. I wanted to give you one of the singles from the record, which seems to exemplify why I’m stoked on the group’s sound. This track’s full of melody, be it the musical notes or the backing vocals. But, at the same time, it has that sort of DIY ethos, just operating with enough fuzz underneath to make it seem imperfect (in the best sense!). Honestly, the whole LP reminds me of Austin’s take on Halo Benders, so if that’s your bag, dive into this treat!

Show Highlight: Why Bonnie @ Antones (1.15)

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Why Bonnie is one of those local(ish) bands we feel like we grew up with as we were there from the beginning several years ago, the move away from town, and their rise in fandom over the past year. Of course much of this new found buzz has come after the release of the absolutely stunning, and ATH year end list hogging album, 90 in November. Since the band took their talents to the East Coast, we don’t get to see them live as much as we’d like, but they are back in town on Sunday with a headlining show at Antone’s downtown. Prior to the Sunday show, leading lady Blair was kind enough to answer a few burning questions about her band, their last album, and what the future holds. Hit the jump for Q&A along with ticket link and music.

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Last Week’s Jams (12.5 – 12.9)

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If your one of the seven people that hit up our site regularly (thanks mom!), then you might notice a title change. Nothing big, but just dropped a word because I was tired of pretending to be too clever. I’m not. Alas, we are still out here covering as much music as we have time for, and still trying to figure out how to incorporate the TMZ style drama that makes the cool sites so popular. So, for me, last week had some highlights I was pretty stoked upon; I got to hear solid returns from Lust for Youth and Jackie Mendoza, not to mention another brilliant electropop goodie from Das Kope. We got the announcement of new Julian Never, Galore and Blue Lawyer LPs, which should make everyone in the Bay Area proud. Plus there’s a great show preview/review from J.Wags on Golden Dawn Arkestra, so be sure to check out his work!

The Sour Notes Release Middle Distance

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Sour Notes are one of those Austin bands we all seem to take for granted. They work at their own pace, take some musical risks and for some reason, seem to constantly fly under the radar of what’s deemed “cool” in this silly town. On this excursion, the band completely shy away from vocals, instead building this heavy wall of indie rock sound, filling your cup with textural notes that overflow with nods to all the band’s various influences. Guitars toy with classic guitar pop from the 80s, though there’s an underlying bit of melody and synth washes spilling onto the floor. Always appreciate the band keeping it real real DIY.

Balmorhea Film the Wind Live in Marfa

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Over the last few decades, instrumental music, be it ambient or post-rock or what-have-you, has really made its moment known on the independent music scene. And, Austin’s been home to some of the best, like Explosions in the Sky and Balmorhea. But, what I’ve always loved about Balmorhea is their attention to performance spaces as part of their craft, which the world will get to see tomorrow when their new film, The Wind – Live in Marfa is released unto the world, courtesy of Deutsche Grammophon. RG Lowe and Michael Muller brought along some old friends like Aisha Burns to record the entirety of the record at the Chinati Foundation in Marfa, and the cavernous feel of the space playing into the sound reminds me of the time I caught the group on a quiet night at the Austin Ballet. If, like me, you marvel at the intersection between music and performance, then be sure you get a chance to watch this film. DG will be streaming the incredible performance for free for 72 hours starting tomorrow, with a digital soundtrack following Friday!

Dress Warm Release A Cowboy on Ice EP

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We’ve been keeping a close eye on Dress Warm over here, as the band are an upstart act from our home; they’ve just released their new EP, A Cowboy on Ice. The one song we hadn’t heard as of yet is the nicely strummed “Close,” which wraps up the four-song listen. It operates on a nice little bedroom beat and gentle strum, but then it bursts into life, albeit momentarily as the group pull back to really hit those warm indie rock notes that make guitar pop so enjoyable. I really appreciate the band maneuvering back and forth in this track, mixing up the pacing, allowing the song to really swell into something lasting. Here’s “Close,” but be sure to check out the whole EP.

Half Dream Share New Single, Roses

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Since releasing their Monster of Needing EP back in early pandemic days, Austin’s Half Dream have consistently been act to keep an eye (or ear rather?) on. Well, we’re in luck as today, we get a new single, with the promise that a debut LP is in the works for next year. And, as much as I loved the broad bedroom pop of their EP, their latest works really show how much Paige Berry has grown as a songwriter. This tune has these little guitar notes that hint at twang, but feel like little musical candles flickering behind Berry’s voice. Suddenly, the guitars take off, drums pick up speed and the whole group begins to flex their musical muscle, overlapping a guitar note here and there. Back and forth the song goes, introspective or galloping, all the while, the band just seem to be taunting us with how accomplished they’ve become. Enjoy this jam, and we look forward to hearing more from the group next year.

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