Spanish Music from Juan Wauters

juanwautersIf you know the homies at ATH personally, you likely know that we speak a little bit of the Spanish; one of us  might even teach a little bit of the Spanish to kids.  That being said, it makes it easy for us to understand the lyrics to the new single from Juan Wauters, who’s stepping away from the Beets for the release of North American Poetry.  I won’t let you in on the lyrics, as that might take away the fun for you, but the title is translated to “I listen a lot.”  The music is definitely relaxed guitar, with a focus on the recording of the actual strumming as it echoes in the mix.  You’ll have a chance to get the album on February 4th from Captured Tracks.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/04-Escucho-Mucho.mp3]

 

Mac DeMarco Is All Growns Up

macdemarcoEvery one has been raving about this new Mac DeMarco tune for the last 24 hours or so, and I’ll admit that I actually find this quite deserved.  While he’s still playing his own style, you can tell by listening that there’s a majority in his vocal approach, not to mention in the lyrical content of the track.  It’s quite refreshing to see an artist you enjoy put all the pieces together in order to come out with something that’s really compelling, rather than just forced popularity.  It’s a special jam and I look forward to the release of Salad Days via Captured Tracks on April 1st.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/129507506″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Captured Tracks Signs Axxa/Abraxas

axxaI’m continuously impressed with the growth of Captured Tracks.  What was once a label heading in one direction, they’ve expanded with their Re-Issues (The Servants, Flying Nun, etc), and they continue with their recent signing Axxa/Abraxas.  This definitely continues the label focus on guitar playing, but there’s something different going on in the way the music is crafted, offering up more of a swinging sensation via the band’s psychedelic influences.  It’s good to see a roster grow, especially when the music is as exciting as that being created by this band; the label will release the band’s self-titled debut next March.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/120157278″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Music from Blouse

blousesI’m really digging the sound of the new Blouse tracks; this is their second official single for their upcoming record.  While the vocal delivery is seemingly spoken-word for the majority of the track, it takes on a more airy delivery during the chorus.  I really think it’s a good touch, especially considering the rest of the music is subdued, aside from the random bits of water droplets splashing in the background.  Eventually, the song fades away into nothing, which is a nice added touch.  The new record, Imperium, will be out on Captured Tracks on September 17th. Game, Blouses.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/96773923″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Minks – Tides End

minks-tides-endRating: ★★★½☆

Those of you who reveled in the shadowy electronic pop of the first release by Minks might find this hard to swallow, but for all intents and purposes, Tides End is a pretty straightforward pop record.  Gone are the hazy vocals and coats of atmospherics, though the lyrical material still maintains a bit of darkness.  While some of the winter layering of the previous effort might have been shed, the core aesthetic remains the same, leaving listeners with a shimmering album for any time of day.

It’s hard not to notice the immediacy of the beats and the glittery touch as soon as you press play on Tides End.  “Romans” bursts forth with a beat built to pick up the feet on the dance floor, before Sonny Kilfoyle gently croons his way into the mix.  By the time you make it to the chorus, you’ll definitely notice similarities to surf-pop wunderkind The Drums (just my opinion). Still, this album succeeds in its ability to completely depart into a more accessible pop spectrum, such as you’ll hear on “Everything’s Fine.”  Ringing bits of guitar accentuate the beats, and you’ll find it hard not to get stuck with the simple chorus in your head. Personally, I like the slight bit of restraint, as the beats aren’t pounding down your door; they’re airy, yet full of merriment.

Really, you could write about any of the new songs from Minks in the same manner, praising their thoughtful approach to songwriting, allowing for the hooks to bloom, rather than be buried beneath over-processed studio touches. There are, however, a few songs that step outside the boundaries set forth by Kilfoyle on this release, such as “Painted Indians.”  It playfully drifted in, as many of the songs do, but then the forceful entry of the lyrics were surprising, in a good way.  It provided a touch of variation, even as the verses received the calm smoothing vocal Sonny seems to prefer on this go round.

My first go round, I definitely gravitated towards “Margot” as my favorite hit on Tides End, but the more I listen, and the more I notice the care in every twist and turn, the more often my favorite tends to change. Right now, I’m really digging the oddly exuberant “Doomed and Cool.”  Sure, there’s an obvious nostalgic bent, even with the guitar tones, but I’m not going to knock anyone for loving old school pop music.  You should probably listen to “Ark of Life” as well, just in case you’re looking for your favorite new love song.

I think a lot of people are going to be on the fence with Minks after this listen.  Their first album was dark, yet enchanting.  Tides End, well, it’s simply enchanting.  There’s no mystery to the pop sensibility, and in many ways, that makes it much more enduring, and endearing. And, if you’re looking to get snobby, one can go through the whole record twice, and not feel like you’ve listened to the same thing…such are the careful touches that were put into the production and writing of this record.  I assure you, given time, you’ll find yourself really enjoying the listen from start to finish.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/02-Everything-s-Fine.mp3]

Download: Minks – Everything’s Fine [MP3]

Stream A Single Dropped By Widowspeak

Widowspeak just released a preview track of their pending EP. The song is called “True Believer” and if you like the Widowspeak, you will be pleased. Very pleased.

It has the drawn out tempo, as though it was recorded at pace and slowed down to keep your busy brain in check. Vocals and guitar interplay in lovely layers.

The EP will be called Swamps and is due late October via Captured Tracks.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/99556038″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Holograms Bring Us Scandinavian Punk

hologramsI’ve really been digging this new track “Flesh & Bone” from Stockholm based experimental punk group Holograms since it dropped yesterday.  It makes me think of what might happen if you mixed the hardcore tendencies of a band like Iceage with the more atmospheric qualities of a band like We Were Promised Jetpacks.  If that’s a terrible comparison, check it out for yourself and make your own description.

New album, Forever, will hit the streets on September 3rd via Captured Tracks.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/87462744″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Danceable Jam from Minks

MINKS-Tides-End-COVER--720x719The growing catalog of Captured Tracks has several bands that wear the flag for everyone, but there are some forgotten gems that I don’t think people really give enough attention to, such as Minks.  The last effort from the project, By the Hedge, was a special listen, though I don’t recall too many people taking notice.  With the upcoming effort, Tides End, I’m hoping that things are about to change.  It’s the purest form of bedroom pop, with an underbelly of danceability that will surely attach itself to listeners.  Be prepared for another under-appreciated record on August 6th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/02-Everything-s-Fine.mp3]

Download: Minks – Everything’s Fine [MP3]

More New Widowspeak

We like Captured Tracks. We like Widowspeak.

“Thick as Theives” is the latest new track to hit the intarwebs. Haunting, sparse, pretty, the guitar string screech that lets you know they sound the way they sound. The album, Almanac, is out in a couple weeks, 1/22 to be exact. We look forward to it.

Stay tuned for an album review…

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/74013073″ params=”show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Another Sweet Gem from Widowspeak

As we get closer to the release date of the upcoming album from Widowspeak more tunes are slowly coming to light.  Musically, my first listen to this track made me think the band would be much more forceful, and sonically, I think I’m right.  But, Molly Hamilton’s voice still has that sultry hushed tone to it, even while an edgy guitar cuts in and out of the track.  I get the feeling that the group is really going to just throw their hands in the air and seek any direction they desire on Almanac.  You can get your hands on the record come January 22nd of the New Year.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/70842870″ params=”show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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