dark pop - Austin Town Hall

ATX Spotlight: Grivo

September 16, 2015 RayRay Leave a comment

Have we mentioned before that Austin is chock full of incredibly promising bands on the rise? No? Well it is. Yet again here is a band from the ATX called Grivo who I’ve seen on some bills around town, but never actually taken the time to listen to. I’m pleased with myself for giving the band a few spins today as I’m rather enjoying what I’ve discovered. The band is describes their sound as primarily shoe gaze, though to me it’s as if they are in a genre all their own. Think shoe gaze blended with dark and melodic pop sounds. You’ll just have to hit play to see what I mean.

Check out more tunes from Grivo on their bandcamp page.

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More From Chelsea Wolfe

July 23, 2015 RayRay Leave a comment

Though I haven’t seen near as much coverage for Chelsea Wolfe as I remember in the past, count this guy as one who is labeling the soon to be released Abyss as one of this year’s gems. Since I can’t legally share the entire album with you, the best I can do is post another one of the stellar tracks from the album “Grey Days”. Once again we are treated to some heavy, darker pop music sure to get you excited for the new release (if you weren’t already).

Abyss is out August 7th on Sargent House.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/215604755″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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Dark New Track From Chelsea Wolfe

April 30, 2015 RayRay Leave a comment

I’ve always had an affinity for Chelsea Wolfe and the dark, brooding sort of pop music that she has created over the last several years. The new song I’m sharing with you today, “Iron Man”, might just be one of my favorite pieces she’s ever put out. It’s a song that’s all about the peaks and valleys, the noisy highs of guitar driven rock after you’re calmed with the lows and hushed vocals. Truly powerful stuff and I suggest you have a listen.

Pick up new album Abyss on August 7th via Sargent House.

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New EP From INVASIONS

June 13, 2014 RayRay Leave a comment

Toronto based band INVASIONS is a group that I’ve posted about on multiple occasions here on this website. Today I’m pleased to share with you news that the band have just recently released their new EP No Darkness on bandcamp. You can get your hands on that for the low low price of only $3 or you can stream the whole thing below. I think most will find that the psych themed pop music being created here is a real thing of beauty. Each song can be dark at times, but then seem to transition seamlessly into some brighter, breezier moments that make this EP worthy of repeat listens.

<a href="http://invasions.bandcamp.com/album/no-darkness">No Darkness by INVASIONS</a>

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More New Music From Clouder

February 18, 2014 RayRay Leave a comment

Brooklyn boys Clouder have been bringing some great music that I’ve taken a liking to over the last month or so. The sound could be described as psychedelic, dark pop complete with Morrison like vocals to complete the picture. It’s an intriguing sound that you don’t hear in the popular indie scene much nowadays and it’s a welcome breath of fresh air. Check out more music from the band elsewhere on the site.

Get your hands on new album Sister Raygun March 4th via Fleeting Youth Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/06-Phantom-Girl.mp3]

Download: Clouder – Phatom Girl [MP3]

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More New Music From Colourmusic

February 6, 2014 RayRay Leave a comment

Our friends Colourmusic have a new album dropping soon that we know you’re going to love, and the singles previewing the LP should confirm our anticipation. You’ve already heard new track “Horse Race” a couple of weeks ago and now we have this driving tune “Dreamgirl 82” for your awaiting ears. I’ve personally had my hands on this one for awhile and it’s already up to something like 50+ plays in my iTunes. I suggest you give the song a listen, making sure you hang out for one of the most epic beat drops in the history of music around the 2:18 mark. Don’t skip ahead to it you assholes! Listen to this one from start to finish and revel in all it’s psyched out, dark pop glory.

New album, May You Merry Rich, comes your way April 8th on Memphis Industries.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/125256173″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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New Single From Clouder

February 4, 2014 RayRay Leave a comment

Brand new upstart Austin label Fleeting Youth Records has been sending me some great tunes recently which should solidify them as a label to watch in 2014. This new track called “Lost in Reverie” by Brooklyn based Clouder is yet another tune from this growing collective. I dig the dark pop sound accompanied by the creepy Jim Morrison like vocals. Stay tuned for more.

Sophomore album, Sister Raygun, is due out on March 4th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/02-Lost-In-Reverie.mp3]

Download: Clouder – Lost In Reverie [MP3]

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New Dark Pop From Mode Moderne

January 14, 2014 RayRay Leave a comment

After a few spins of this great new track “Unburden Yourself” from Vancouver based Mode Moderne, I’m excited to see what their new full length has to offer. The band will of course get the Joy Division label from the get go, but I think the band mix those darker tones with some brighter, more polished pop tendencies. I’ll keep ya posted on how the entire album turns out. Count me as a fan.

New album, Occult Delight, is coming out on January 21st via Light Organ Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/97641723″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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Haunting Folk Themed Tune From Jesse Woods

July 26, 2013 RayRay Leave a comment

Singer/Songwriter Jesse Woods took a very unique road on his path to becoming a musician. His story tells us that he hails from Katy, TX, played some college football at Texas A&M (boo), suffered one too many injuries, and decided to pick up a guitar. Lucky for us, the music currently being created by Jesse is some of the most heartfelt and almost haunting songwriter music I’ve heard in quite some time. I’d liken him to guys like JBM or a darker version of Tallest Man on Earth. Anyone who reads this blog knows that those are two of my own personal favorites. Check out new song “Lazerburn” below and let us know what ya think.

Debut album Get Your Burdens Lifted will be out on August 6th via Guns in the Sun.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/84277678″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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