Tag: austin

Stella and the Very Messed Share Big Familiar

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The news of brand new Stella and the Very Messed has been sitting in my inbox for a few weeks, and I’m so excited about this record I couldn’t wait to share the news with you. Stella Maxwell, formerly of Cruiserweight, has been a powerhouse in the Texas music scene for several decades, and despite my love for all her previous works, this new single is just a straight hit. A light strum opens before the drums crash in with a wash of heavy guitar riffs, hitting you right in the face as Maxwell’s voice belts out notes with an assuredness of an indie rock veteran. The way the band pull back to kind of offer a little moment of rest, then blast back just builds this huge wall of power that washes over you again and again. You’ll be able to get yourself a copy of their new record, Big Familiar, this Fall via Double Helix Records.

Thanks Light Share Costa Rica

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If ever a song was justified as existing on this site, it would absolutely have to be the latest track from Austin’s Thanks Light. You see, both RayRay and I have spent time in Costa Rica, myself having lived there for some time, so the thematic reference of the happiness of that country definitely feel like they hit home. They’re offered in a playful style, sort of like a Texas version of “pura vida,” with twanging guitars being bent and stretched beneath a summery heat whilst elegant keys give the track a little more proverbial meat. Just a gentle sway in the breeze, like sitting beachside and sleeping in a hammock, “way down in Costa Rica.”

Gus Baldwin Drops Brand New Single

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From the looks of things, Gus Baldwin is going to have a pretty busy year; he’s already released one album with The Sketch (which we raved about), but now we’re hearing that there’s a pocket full of solo releases lined up. Our first listen is a bit of back and forth banter between what one can assume is an AI robo-date and another character of Baldwin’s design. There’s this plodding back and forth for a moment, then the track opens up into this more garage-psych realm, using stair-stepping guitars and blasts of fuzz to guide us on this journey into the hedonistic realm of skronking horns and swirling madness. One of my favorite Austin acts, you dig?

Whalers Drop Cross My Eyes

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Austin outfit Whalers are not strangers to these pages, and as their singer Gus is currently living outside of the country, the group have opted to sprinkle in some of their recently recorded tunes to fill in the gaps until his return. Speaking of the vocals, they’ve got this grab that borders on a psychedelic romp and a more soulfully weighted pop feel; it’s the rise and fall of each note that allows the group to work in and out of the gaps, filling it with these really incredible moments of lush pop. Honestly, its the last twenty seconds or so that sold me, with this sort of euphoric push to a close, raining melodies and hooks upon me. Always love to hear from this lot!

Pleased to Meet You: Commercial Breaks

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The perks of running this old site for as long as we’ve been at it are that the world, particularly in the Austin scene, comes full circle. For instance, Commercial Breaks, a brand new band with a handful of kick ass demos to share features a couple of brothers, one who I taught…and who I later put out on vinyl when he played drums in Tres Oui. His little brother is part of Austin’s super rad Gus Baldwin and the Sketch, so you can kind of hear a recent history of Austin’s garage tendencies peeking through from behind the curtains, particularly in some of the great guitar wiggles. Obviously, there are some production touches, like the real drums Doran promised, but a song like “The Cloud” has the fuzziness and the pop gifts to whet my whistle! They’re playing their debut show on July 12th with Guiding Light here in Austin at Hotel Vegas! See you there!

Tearjerk Share Wind + Announce New LP

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This brand new Tearjerk track ran on our friend John’s 101X Homegrown show, so if you’re not listening there on Sunday, not sure what you’re doing with your time; the group also played our party with John that we throw as a kickoff to SXSW here in town back in 2024. And the good news is, the band have just announced their forthcoming LP, and in doing so, share this great new jam. There’s a little bit of a Texas country in the songwriting, straddling the country meets indie swagger, but its the vocal change at the first chorus that will have you locked in. It takes this steady stroll through the verse and bursts into higher range, illustrating just how powerful Vanessa Jollay’s voice truly is. Keep an eye out on this one, as the track comes with the announcement of And the Angels Whirr hitting this August.

Living Set Share The City is Right

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Over the last 15+ years of running this here little site, we’ve covered Quin Galavis in a lot of different ways, and been fortunate to do so. He’s one of the rare Austin artists that goes about his business in his own manner, like last year when he released Define Your Time in the form of a book. At the moment, he’s focusing on his new group, Living Set, and their latest single is phenomenal. The tune opens with this beautiful little indie rock riff riding hard, with Quin’s voice working atop; he’s got this little hint of a growl in his delivery that I totally adore. Things start to get really interesting after the 1.20 mark, where the tune embraces a heavy hand and unleashes a wall of noise. But, the group are careful not to entirely pull away from the pop sensibility, with the lightest little backing vocal adding in a textural melody. They go back and forth, back and forth, and every time that punch kicks in on the volume I crank it up a little louder…and I loved the ending fade. Such a great tune, and excited for more to come our way.

Show Preview: Artificial Go @ Chess Club – Tonight (6.9)

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Monday nights can be such a drag, but Chess Club is giving you the perfect opportunity to get out of your house and enjoy a sweet little rock n’ roll show. Cincinnati outfit Artificial Go are blowing into town on the backs of their most excellent Musical Chairs LP (Feel It Records), and they’ve made several lists like the Stereogum Best of 2025…in case that sort of thing matters. Musically, they’ve got a bit of Raincoats, a bit of New Zealand and a bit of Dry Cleaning, but all spun in a truly unique fashion that has this dad willing to leave the house on a Monday night. Bonus points for all the great openers like Wet Dip, Variety, and Guiding Light…all acts we’ve covered on our end. Doors are at 8 PM – $15. See you there!

Premiere: Harmony From Porcelain

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When some folks around here try to claim that the Austin music scene is “dead” or somehow “not like the old days,” I usually just respond that those people simply aren’t paying attention. As an example, locals Porcelain put out this amazing self-titled LP last year that totally rips and should have been seen on even more year ends lists. Making things even more exciting, the band has more new tunes planned this year, including this new track called “Harmony.” It will introduce itself with a pure force of energy, matching gritty vocals with a total alt-rock meets grunge feel. You simply must check it out below.

This song is part of a new single EP which is available for purchase this Friday, July 9th via fellow local label Todo Records.

Levitation 2025 Is Here

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If I’m being honest, Levitation might have outdone themselves this year, and with that, you better get your hands on tickets, as this one might be selling out. I mean, Pavement, Mastodon and TV on the Radio are the headliners…and that’s just getting the bill started. There are acts like Built to Spill and Brian Jonestown Massacre and UMO next on the poster. But, there is some new things rolling out; they’re changing their downtown home and returning a proper festival to Palmer Events Center…right near the grounds of the legendary Fun Fun Fun Fest, so we’ll be interested to see how it all lines up. Check out information and tickets HERE.

 

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