New Video from Cowtown

I’m a big fan of frivolous rock n’ roll…the let your hair down, turn the volume up and let yourself go. Seems like HHBTM Records is the same, which is why they’re putting out the upcoming Cowtown album, Paranormal Romance. I mean, the promo work asks you to imagine Deerhoof covering Devo in the vein of the Minutemen, so it’s gotta be something…artistic, spastic and high energy. The records is scheduled for a release on August 19th, and the video below should entice you, especially as the guitar squall closes the tune out!

Fergus and Geronimo – Funky Was the State of Affairs

Rating: ★★★½☆

Last time out, Fergus and Geronimo seemed intent upon playing themselves into the artier side of the garage rock game, but such attributes will rarely be seen on their newest effort.  They set off to make Funky Was the State of Affairs a complete album, and after spending days with this record, their work has revealed a group intent upon making their own way in the indie sphere, compiling bits of proto-punk with hints of Devo and snippets of enhanced messages for the listener.

“No Parties” is the first traditional song, following the album’s opening bit of quirky messaging.  While there’s a bent towards the proto-punk of Wire, Fergus and Geronimo are intent early on to reveal their notes to the fans.  Themes of mass-consumption and indifference to the greater Earth seem prevalent, and it’s something that only grows stronger as the record progresses.  “Roman Tick” soon follows with a brattier rock n’ roll moment, but this time the boys are aiming their guns at the trials and tribulations of modern dating.  I like the propulsive drum beat and the vocal delivery on this note, harkening back to one of my favorite periods in music history.

You could probably skip around on some of the tunes, or tidbits, from Funky Was the State of Affairs, but you might miss some of the elements that run through the entirety of the album.  For instance, “Roman Numerals/Wiretapping Muzak I” wouldn’t make much sense when listened to by skipping the snipped that precedes it, but when it’s all tied in, it makes for a special moment where listeners can see the dedication to tying everything together. Would “Earthling Women” make any sense if we ignored “Earthling Men?” In truth, probably not, but that’s just one of the special attributes of such an intellectually accomplished effort.

I mean, if you’re looking for solid songs from Fergus and Geronimo, those definitely exist within the woven fabric, and it’s not like you have to search for them.  Aside from the previously mentioned tracks, “Drones” is another solid track you’ll find yourself tapping your toes to while you press play.  Nice work on the high-hat gives the song it’s rhythm, and the vocal delivery is sort of spoken word, matching the pace of the track itself.  This one here is probably one of my favorite songs.  Or, maybe you’re looking with something funkier? You’ll find that in “Marky Move,” a track that opens with handclaps and a bobbing bass line.  Just to keep things interesting, the group throws in a nice horn solo to coincide with the stomping delivery of the lyrics.  These are just a few moments of the clever songwriting present throughout.

Funky Was the State of Affairs is probably one of the first records to be put out there that really sticks to the point.  Fergus and Geronimo set out to make a record with thematic elements that hit the listener from start to finish, and their execution is spot on; each song ties into the album somehow, somewhere.  It might not be the album for everyday listening, but it’s an album that requires your attention and dedication to completing your experience from start to finish.  Should you accept the mission, you’ll be rewarded.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/02-No-Parties.mp3]

Download: Fergus & Geronimo – No Parties [MP3]

Funky Was the State of Affairs is now available from Hardly Art.

FT5: Music Fashion Accessories

We here at ATH hope that all of you had fun over the past 3 months soaking up the Vitamin D, getting wasted, and subsequently wreaking havoc across our city, but now it’s time to get back into the dreaded educational mentality. One of the truly great things about going to school is the first day. You’ll be meeting new people and making a good first impression is all it takes sometimes to get an excellent shot at a get-together with that certain someone you’re sure to see that day. Well, if music has taught me anything, musicians usually know how to dress to impress. I’m sorry to say it, but summer is over. Get some style for the new school year after the jump.

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FT5: Why Fun x3 Fest Is One Of The Best Music Festivals Around

So, last week saw the unveiling of the 2010 Fun Fun Fun Fest lineup by the Fun Fun Fun Fest corporation, and some of us were privilege to the official announcement via a press conference conducted at Austin’s Wyndham Garden Hotel. Complete with corporation adorned ties and suits, a PowerPoint presentation, donuts, fried chicken, and tap water, the leaders tickled and enticed with the revelation of it’s real goal for us and our future. “Prepare yourself for an exponential growth in awesome” was one of the leading lines into the disclosure of the lineup. Now, why is Fun Fun Fun Fest rapidly becoming one of the more popular music festivals amongst true music fans these days? 5 years in and this is what we have to look forward to during Fun Fun Fun Fest 2010.

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FT5: SXSW Myths

0313top5coverWhen surfing the ol’ interwebs around this time of year I find all kinds of posts about our famous little SXSW festival that goes on every March. Lucky for me, I chose a career in education so I get to spend the whole week wasting my life away and killing precious brain cells with loud music and alcohol. It seems like every year I come across a music fan or two who really wants to be a part of this party but just doesn’t know where to begin. Do I need to drop the cash on one of those wristband thingies? Do I need tickets? Ladies and gentlemen, I’ll answer those questions and more in our Friday Top 5 focusing on the top myths about SXSW.  Follow the jump to read the full list.

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