Hear a New Jam from Luke Reed

Luke Reed was in one of my favorite bands, Bent Shapes; I’ve always raved about their tunes on this here site. But, now Luke seems to be focusing on solo work; he’s got a brand new track that was just released today that follows the critically acclaimed reissue of Won’t Be There. This is the sort of dreamy pop we all adore, heavy on the synth washes and vocals that seem to just hang out there in the air. It doesn’t hurt that there’s a solid groove to the track, pushing the pace through to the charming chorus. As of right now, just a one-off single, but let’s hope Luke unleashes more on us this year.

Luke Reed Reissues Won’t Be There

While Luke Reed may not be a household name as of yet, you’ve likely devoured the music he’s helped craft in his other projects, Bent Shapes and Mini Dresses…I know I have. He released Won’t Be There last summer, and now the album’s getting a larger reissue via The Native Sound. It almost sounds like the track will take a folkish turn in the tones during the opening seconds, but Reed soon moves into heavenly pop territory. It reminds me of the quieter side of indiepop, the kind of pop best suited to soothing introverts…or other reflective types. Don’t sleep on this one, please; it hits this Friday.

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Top 50 Albums of 2016

top50You’ve all been waiting, anxiously. Waiting for our arbitrary list of the opinion of four folks who run this site, and what we think were the best albums of 2016. It’s really really important. We’re going to make our site great again with this list. We’re going to win, bigly. But really, it’s just a list of the stuff we loved the most that we covered throughout this year on our site. The comment section is open, so feel free to tell us where we’ve gone wrong or what we’ve got right or anything else fitting. Read more

Show Preview: Bent Shapes @ Mohawk (4.26)

13002472_1743728915872333_1976087033947776178_oI looked at the Austin schedule for Tuesday night, and there’s no where you need to be more than at Mohawk to catch Bent Shapes. They’re touring on the back of their recent release Wolves of Want (Slumberland Records), which has gotten praise from all the Internet heavies. They’ve got this blend of pop-rock that’s so infectious you can’t find a way to turn it off. Plus, the show’s relatively early, so you can still make it home in time to catch some zzz’s. Joining the band will be local up-and-comers, Ponyboy and the Horsegirls and perennial indiepoppers, Rose Selavy.

Doors to the show are at 8 PM, and your presence is required.

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More Bent Shapes Never Hurt Anyone

bentWe’ve followed the work of Bent Shapes since thy began working with Father Daughter Records, but I think this is possibly my favorite song the band’s written to date. It’s not quite jangly, but not quite punk…maybe it’s just pop rock…of the best sort. You’ll hear infectious hooks aided by the dueling male/female harmonies, sharp guitar work. I also appreciate the prolonged guitar solo, holding onto it for a few more moments where others would have pulled back. They’re working with Slumberland Records now, who will be releasing Wolves of Want on March 11th.

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Even More From Bent Shapes

bentshapesMy one regret of yesterday is that I ran out of time to post this track before I had to head to the day job; it’s truly a gem of a song that will make your day. To remedy that regret, I’m posting it now, so bear with me if this is yesterday’s news to you. Bent Shapes should be on your radar by now, as their forthcoming record,Wolves of Want, will be upon us rather soon on March 11th. From the sound of this single and the previous one, the band’s got a winner on their hands. “Realization Hits,” is the single below and its got that perfect springtime anthem vibe to play with the windows down; it’s jangly rock with a hint of punk underneath and infectious nature that will have you singing right along. I’m telling you, jam this track and then go preorderWolves of Wantvia Slumberland Records.

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In Case You Missed Them: Bent Shapes, Florist, Tacocat

bent shapes

We get beat to the chase in posting rad tracks sometimes; it happens. So it’s possible that you’ve already come across these tunes in some capacity in internet land, but they’re damn good, so I’m posting them anyways.

The first track that I have for you comes from Bent Shapes, who grace the delightful Slumberland Records label with their well executed jangly rock tunes. “New Starts In Old Dominion” is quick paced and white hot, an explosion of pop-punk goodness. Their new album, Wolves of Want, will be out March 11th.

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The second track is from Florist, and it’s quite the change up from the usual, floristrun of the mill, kind of song. “A Hospital + Crucifix Made of Plastic” is a sleepy and simple tune, centered around the vocals, which sound young and unassuming. There’s an earnest and sincere feeling to the sound here that will hold your interest for its duration.

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unnamed-10Lastly, I have a bit of punk rock to throw your way with Tacocat’s latest single. Seattle’s Tacocat have announced their latest LP, Lost Time, and with that announcement they’ve got a brand new, catchy as hell, high energy track called “I Hate The Weekend.” I’m digging the sugary vocals’ juxtaposition with the raw guitars. Stay tuned for that LP coming out April 1st via Hardly Art

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SXSW 2014 Interview: Bent Shapes

bentOne of our favorite acts from 2013 aims to kill it again in 2014.  Boston’s Bent Shapes play energetic rock n’ roll, making their album Feels Weird (Father Daughter Records) an exceptionally rewarding listen. We haven’t been able to catch them on tour yet, so we’re excited that they’re making it all the way down to Austin this year. Catch up with the band by reading our interview below with Ben. Read more

Pop Number from Andy Sadoway

andyYou’d probably know Andy Sadoway better for his role in Bent Shapes, but don’t let that influence whether or not you listen to this track; you’d have a hard time seeing the similarities between the two.  This first single from his forthcoming Str8 Shooter EP has a summery strumming approach, rather than the angular ferocity associated with his Boston act. It’s a short taste of what you can expect from his new release, which will be getting a digital and cassette release courtesy of friends Father Daughter Records on March 25th.  You might even find yourself yearning for a bit of tropicalia after a good thorough listen.

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Top Songs of 2013

best songs ath 2013We’ve put our pretty little heads together ladies and gentlemen to bring you our favorite songs from this past year.  It was a difficult task with our ever growing staff, but we feel like this list best represents the diverse taste of our staff.  Love it or hate it, it’s ours to call our own.  Hit play and put your head down or dance or shimmmy or drool or whatever works. Most of all we hope you hear something you missed, something you want to buy or something you want to see live.

Scroll past the playlist for full the run of the bestest songs ever this year.

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