Tag: austin

ATX Spotlight: Xetas Prepare The Tower

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Admittedly, Austin’s music scene has gotten a great deal of ridiculous music out there, but I don’t think it’s prepared the world for Xetas (who should already be a household name). From the moment it kicks in, the band aim to hit you with that animalistic rock n’ roll; they perfectly capture their tenacious live energy…one of the most forceful performers in the ATX scene. But, what I really love comes at the 1.13 and 2.51 marks, as they turn into this powerful chorus that brings about a noisier ode to pop punk. It pretty much seals the deal…this band is ready to take on everyone. Look for The Tower on April 14th via 12XU.

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ATX Spotlight: Brand New Alex Napping

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I was going to hold this one off until tomorrow, but why wait with good tunes? Alex Napping is one of the many great Austin acts, and their new LP Mise En Place is hinting at a great release come May 5th. Singer Alex Cohen steals the show, or at least the front of the mix, floating airy vocals atop the noisier guitars chugging behind her. The accents coming from the backing vocals are perfect too, filling in all the space that remains in the track. Balancing heavy riffs and hook-laden melodies isn’t easy, but this group seems to have a knack for walking that fine line. Look for their new LP via Father Daughter Records come May!

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More New Music from The Octopus Project

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This brand new Octopus Project is a pretty big jump, sonically, and it should be clear in the track’s title, roughly translated to “watch out” or “beware.” It opens with a fuzzy bass, shattered by guitars and crashing cymbals; it’s not like the band we’ve come to known…until you get the lyrics. While the song seems heavy-handed, the light feel of the vocals sort of reminds me of a happier version of Angus from Liars; it’s a touch post rock, fueled by an artful exploration. I’m a big fan of bands going out to mixing things up, making the forthcoming Memory Mirror something we can all look forward to (hits on April 7th).

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ATX Spotlight: Brand New Popper Burns

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Friday we were thrown hints of the brilliant new LP coming from Austin’s Popper Burns; they’re one of the most underrated acts in town, though one of the most beloved by those of us who’ve watched the band’s rise. We heard one of the new tracks on Slack Capital, though you now get the studio version of “Apollo 11.” You’ll also get to hear “Prized Roses” dancing its way dangerously with these discordant guitar notes and steady percussive propulsion. Patti Melt has this spoken word vocal delivery, bursting forth with anger when it’s called for by the song. These songs are dangerous, yet intoxicating, walking the fine line between exhilaration and accessibility. Pure Disgust could be one of the most important pieces to come from Austin when it hits this July.

ATX Spotlight: Enchanting Tune from Wiretree

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Wow. I did not expect to fall in love with this new Wiretree so quickly. This song, while brief, is the perfect bit of pop music. In seconds, it builds anticipation, leaving plenty of space for the vocals to sweep you off your feet. I love how some vocal notes are accentuated by piano notes and pronounced strums. There’s such a lightheartedness to it that it reminds me of the Wrens, though with a touch more polish. Before you know it, the song wraps up, and you rush back to hit play again. Rest assured, your ears aren’t fooling you; this song is that good!

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ATX Spotlight: Brand New US Weekly

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Listen up. US Weekly has been gradually building a huge following in Austin, and with the announcement of their debut album, they’re ready to break through to a larger audience. I love how you can feel singer Chris Nordahl stalking the stage with his vocal delivery, bringing the band’s live energy through on this recording. You’ll also get to hear the band disrupt your ears with discordant guitars and an underlying tension fueled by Kent’s drum rolls. Their full length album hits the streets on April 22nd via Night Moves, ready to take the rest of the country by storm!

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ATX Spotlight: Stream Tammaron’s New EP

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Austin’s been offering up a lot of great tunes as of late, and while this was on my radar last week, I just didn’t get a chance to get it on the web. Tamarron is one of our favorite acts, and their Let’s Get Out EP. You’ll hear a great deal of psychedelic vibes on this four track jammer, but don’t forget the band’s ability to wrap it up in an accessible dosage of pop sensibility. The EP’s title track alone is remarkable, and begs to be listened to on repeat for days and days. Just as the weather gets a bit warmer, these guys kick out great warm vibes to take us into Spring.

Show Preview: Moving Units Cover Joy Division @ 3Ten (Tonight)

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It looks like I’ll have my electronic dancing shoes on a lot this week, hitting up my second electronically influenced show tonight at 3Ten. Why? Well, for starters, Moving Units will be playing a set filled with Joy Division tunes (and an original set too); you never get tired of hearing those tracks, no matter who plays them (as long as they do it well). But, an even bigger highlight for me is that Soviet is kicking the night off. I remember catching the band a long time ago at SXSW, and played the song I’ve got below for every friend that came into my life; I always tried to turn them onto the great dance tunes. Doors are at 8 PM, and you can maybe grab tickets and dancing shoes right HERE.

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ATX Spotlight: New Desert Culture

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Just another day in Austin, with another great song coming out of our fair city…this time by way of Desert Culture. On their latest single, the band seem to have that swinging psychedelia, though I think there’s an element of polish that seeps through. That comes during the chorus, and as that settles, the guitar notes seem to take on a loftier turn that holds onto some Southern swagger while still keeping some pop sensibility within the song. Daniel Vega’s and his band will celebrate this new release with a show tonight at Hotel Vegas…if you’re looking for something to do.

Show Review: The Radio Dept @ Mohawk

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I’m sure if you’ve ever read our site, you know how much I was looking forward to the Radio Dept blowing into Austin on a crisp evening. My anticipation was pretty high, and for the most part, the band was successful in their delivery to a grateful crowd.

Photoguy Comment: During their set, fans would randomly raise their hands in an effort to catch the music. I love that feeling. It happened a lot. It also rained just after their set was done. That was cool.

Thoughts and B.Gray photos follow.
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