Trippy Bit of Pop from Sunbeam Sound Machine

sunnyThis track is really beautiful. There’s this great warmth to the harmonies, and the construction is perfectly fitting.  I’m not sure how I feel about some of the warbling on the percussion, but I can put those feelings aside as I fall head over heels into this song.  There’s tons of little sonic touches, and the song seems to fade in and out of your speakers, creating this emotional pull that will find few detractors.  Sunbeam Sound Machine will release its debut album, Wonderer, via Dot Dash/Remote Control this November.

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Top 50 Albums of 2013

albums banner 2013 procMaking our year-end list of Top Albums is never something we take lightly.  We realize that it’s rather arbitrary in the grand scheme of things, but we realize that our role is to at least toss out our opinion, however meaningless it may be. In the long run, we had to take the tastes of several people, and whittle it into a list of 50 great albums that we think are vital to your listening experience.  We know it’s a matter of personal tastes, but the records below are reflective of our tastes and our site, so don’t get mad, they’re just opinions. But, feel free to tell us where we went wrong, or what we might have missed.  If you click on the album titles, you can also read our full reviews of each album, save the ones that we didn’t get to in time. Sorry we don’t like Kanye.

50 – WampireCuriosity
49 – Dot DashHalf Remembered Dream
48 – Mantles  – Long Enough to Leave
47 – The Appleseed CastIllumination Ritual
46 – Bad SportsBras
45 – Part TimePDA
44 – Dick DiverCalendar Days
43 – Math and Physics ClubOur Hearts Beat Loud
42 – Veronica FallsWaiting for Something to Happen
41 – Eat Skull – III
40 – The Lonely WildThe Sun as It Comes
39 – The Love LanguageRuby Red
38 – Gun OutfitHard Coming Down
37 – Cate Le BonMug Museum
36 – Daughn GibsonMe Moan
35 – Andre ObinThe Arsonist
34 – ArpMore
33 – Gap DreamShine Your Light
32 – The Black WatchThe End of When
31 – Ty SegallSleeper
30 – The StevensA History of Hygeine
29 – Of MontrealLousy with Sylvianbriar
28 – Mirror TravelMexico
27 – Local NativesHummingbird
26 – Girls NamesThe New Life
25 – GRMLNEmpire
24 – Small BlackLimits of Desire
23 – AudacityButter Knife
22 – Mikal CroninMCII
21 – Chelsea WolfePain is Beauty
20 – FoalsHoly Fire
19 – Radical FaceFamily Tree: The Branches
18 – Youth LagoonWondrous Bughouse
17 – Terry MaltsNobody Realizes This is Nowhere
16 – Shout Out LoudsOptica
15 – Kurt VileWaking on a Pretty Daze
14 –  BraidsFlourish//Perish
13 – Crystal AntlersNothing is Real
12 – TyphoonWhite Lighter
11 – Ski LodgeBig Heart

10 – GamblesTrust

Admittedly, this album makes nods to folk troubadours of Christmas’ past, but what grabbed me from the moment I heard this record was the sincerity in what’s being created.  In leaving us with a stripped down listen of folk tunes and incredible poetry, we’re asked to look into the history of American songwriting tradition; it’s been awhile since it was executed so well.

9 – The GrowlersHung at Heart

I’d put this album on any list for one song alone, “Someday.”  But, it just so happens that the rest of the album maintains the sensation that’s established on the opening track.  I’ve heard it referenced as a surf-psych opus, but what’s been assured in my mine is what an incredible listen we’re all be treating to when we put Hung at Heart on our record players.

8 – Wax IdolsDiscipline & Desire

Hether Fortune seems to scare people.  Her work is in your face, never making an excuse for who she is or what she believes.  That attitude carries on into her music, allowing listeners to experience a musical world void of any pretense.  The songs on this album are angular, dark and abrasive; the vocals have Hether dominating the scene of modern lady rock warriors.  If you don’t dig it, she doesn’t care, but I do because this record rules.

7 – Parenthetical GirlsPrivilege

While many of the songs on this effort leaked out before under various EPs, the whole masterpiece exists in the way it was tied together as a complete work.  It’s operatic and grand at every corner, but it’s also undeniably a pop record.  The emphasis might revolve around the more artful spectrum of pop music, but this is an album you can play for everyone in your family, and they’ll all find themselves swept up in the wonderment of Privilege.

6 – The NationalTrouble Will Find Me

What else really needs to be said about The National.  They consistently make great albums that are lauded then often overlooked, but we didn’t want to do that to one of our favorite acts.  I mean, if they played 8 shows in 8 days, we’d be at every one, and the DJ set after party.  Their accolades and recognition are warranted, and it’s especially clear on this, their latest release.

5 – LegsPass the Ringo

When listening to Pass the Ringo, I thought of one thing: this is the sort of record that makes a small label, like Loglady Records, a household name. It’s spun around garage rock and psych rock structures, whilst still maintaining an accessibility that few people working in that genre achieve.  Some albums can play in the background of your house, and might be happy to do so, but Legs created something that made me stop and listen at every turn; I’m thankful for that.

4 – Warm SodaSomeone for You

Someone For You came our way in January.  On my record player, it hasn’t left since.  This is one of the most rewarding power-pop records I’ve gotten my hands on, and trust me, I’ve gotten my hands on a lot of great records. Each song is filled with innate hooks and garage rock grit, encouraging you to tap your toes for the entirety of the record.  You’d think after a full year our interest would have waned, but with time we’ve only grown to appreciate the record even more.

3 – Coma CinemaPosthumous Release

At the moment, there’s not too many people releasing music that’s the quality of Mathew Cothran and Coma Cinema. There are elements of the bizarre, similar to the work of early Elf Power, yet there’s this intimacy that artists like Eliott Smith were able to create with their listeners.  You wrap that up and put it in a package of pop sensibility, and you have an album that can’t be ignored.

2 – Bubblegum LemonadeSome Like it Pop

In today’s musical climate, we buy into the fact that artists have to be doing something strange, or something that’s vastly different from their peers.  But, in the grand scheme of things, we often forget what it’s like to take enjoyment out of the music.  This album was one of the many reminders that music, when it’s good, can be quite special.  Every song here is a single, and worth your time; it’s the best thing Laz has done, and I feel like he’s just really getting started.

1 – Magical CloudzImpersonator

This album is about Devon Welsh.  From the first instant I heard his voice, it took hold of me. Throughout the year, Impersonator, consistently played on my radio. His voice was mesmerizing, captivating audiences on several occasions in Austin, convincing us to be as quiet as a mouse, so as to hear every note.  The unique quality of the album will reward listeners for years to follow.  It made us believe in great music again.

 

Dot Dash – Half-Remembered Dream

DotDashCoverArtRating: ★★★★☆

This day and age, bands tend to get caught up in fighting for, or against, the status quo of musical movements within the indie scene.  But, some bands just decide to go on their own, writing songs that are full of heart and self-expression; Dot Dash is one such band.  Their third full-length, Half-Remembered Dream, is an ascendency into pop perfection, making nods to the pass, while crafting songs that stand on their own in today’s landscape.

“Here’s to the Ghosts of the Past” opens the affair with a strong riffing guitar; it’s occasionally bisected by a noisier down-stroke on the guitar, creating a sound that’s built for fans of guitar pop.  The warmth of the vocals hold you close to the song, drawing you into what might otherwise be a noisy piece of pop.  That gentleness remains throughout most of Half-Remembered Dream, and it’s made more noticeable on the following track, “Hands of Time.” While the opener had guitars as the hero, the voice takes precedence on this tune; it’s close to a ballad, at least as close as you’ll get from this DC outfit.  There’s a change in pitch just after the 1 minute mark that’s a really nice touch too.

Personally, I enjoy the fact that Dot Dash always seems to be messing with.  On “Do Re Mi” they craft this brooding intro, hinting at a darkness that I wasn’t expecting, so I start to immerse myself in that mood.  But, they abruptly start, choosing to blast off into this heavy-handed piece of powerful guitar pop, starring this sparkling guitar line.  You’ll find varying melodies within this track too, which is one of the reason’s I’ve always appreciated the band; they’re not some one-trick pony.

I think one of the sad things about the music world is that truly great songs get dismissed due to label association or hype, but if you do anything today, try to take a listen to “Shopworn Excuse.”  For me, this is the band at their absolute best.  There’s this certain gleaming polish to the guitar sound, and the vocals take on a completely different tone than I’ve encountered from the group to date.  It’s almost a homage to twee, but done via adaptation from Dot Dash.  It’s followed up a few songs later by my second favorite track, the album’s closing moment: “The Sound in Shells.”  I love the shimmering guitar sound that cascades through the speakers, fighting against the reserved pop sensibility expressed in the vocals.

Odds are, unless you’ve been following the hip cognoscenti such as The Big Takeover, or perhaps even ourselves, you might not have heard of Dot Dash yet.  That’s okay, but this band is begging for your ears.  They’ve got polished guitar pop that maintains a sharp edge, all the while juxtaposing it with the incredible melodies that are naturally created by the vocals.  You’ll do well for yourself today if you go spend some time with Half-Remembered Dream.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Dot-Dash-Half-Remembered-Dream-01-Heres-to-The-Ghosts-of-The-Past.mp3]

Download: Dot Dash – (Here’s to) The Ghosts of The Past [MP3]

Yet Another Hit from Dot Dash

dotdashWhen it rains it pours, and in this case, it’s raining hits for our friends in Dot Dash.  The DC group has just released their latest LP, Half-Remembered Dream, via The Beautiful Music, and the latest single is just another reason why more people should put everything down to fall in love with this band. There’s a bit more of a punkier element on this track, but the warmth of the vocals, which dominates the new record, really does wonders to keep the song perfectly balanced throughout.  If you’re in need of a new album that combines great melodies with power-pop guitars, then go get your hands on this year’s hottest ticket.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/03-Bloom_Decay.mp3]

Download: Dot Dash – Bloom/Decay [MP3]

Fresh Pop Rock from Dot Dash

dotdashdcI’ve written about Dot Dash on several occasions over the last few years, raving about their last LP, Winter Garden Light.  I’m excited to let you all know that the group is back with their new album, Half-Remembered Dream.  The first single from the album is just pure rock n’ roll; I love the band’s style of guitar playing, but I’m really impressed with the vocals this time around.  They have such a soft quality to them, providing a nice little juxtaposition between vocals and instruments; this track reminds me of Nada Surf to a certain degree.  The album was just released by The Beautiful Music, but you can also pick it up from the band.  Here’s to a band you might not know, but definitely need in your musical collection.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Dot-Dash-Half-Remembered-Dream-01-Heres-to-The-Ghosts-of-The-Past.mp3]

Download: Dot Dash – (Here’s to) The Ghosts of The Past [MP3]

Top Albums of 2012: 100-51

It’s really hard to narrow down a list of Top Albums of 2012, especially when you have four contributors with different opinions.  We gave the reins to Nathan.Lankford and Nicole Baumann on this one, since they write the majority of the album reviews, but we all have a little representation within this.  Now, we do realize that our site has specialized tastes, so please realize that these are our OPINIONS.  You’re welcome to disagree, and, in fact, we encourage that process.  Also, we’re doing a Top 100 because so many records came out this year, it wouldn’t be fair to narrow it down.  Not to mention it might lead you to discover some hits you hadn’t heard about yet. Oh, and we don’t really like Frank Ocean or hip-hop…just a personal choice…here’s the first segment.

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Dot Dash – Winter Garden Light

Rating: ★★★★☆

When I first stumbled upon DC’s Dot Dash, I had the impression that the group was aiming follow in the footsteps of their namesake, which might have been true on the first record.  But, with Winter Garden Light, the group has altered their sound, creating a warmer collage of pop tunes infused with melody and excellent guitar sounds.

From the instant that “Faraway” blasts through your stereo you can see that the softer side of Dot Dash is about to break through.  Terry Banks’ vocals have a softer tone on this opener, and the guitars seem to have a brighter quality in comparison to the earlier work of the group.  But, at times you can still hear the jagged edge of the band in their sound, fueled by the buzzsaw guitars near the end of the song.  At first, I had to alter my perception of the group, but after the opener, “Countdown” sold me on the group’s progress. Light backing vocals add some emphasis to Banks’ voice, which soars during the chorus.  I feel as if there’s an Oceanic vibe in the guitars, and once it’s combined with the group’s pop leanings, it comes close to perfection.

One of the songs that really sticks out on Winter Garden Light is “Live to Tell.” Beginning with a sort of spoken word atop minimal percussion and faint guitars, it then jumps into a swirling bit of guitar that captures you emotionally as Terry moves into his singing stance.  But, what I really like is how the band juxtaposed this track in the sequencing with “The Past Is Another Country,” which is one of the heavier hitters on the record.  While there’s a punk rock urgency to this number, it still holds some semblance to great pop writing, especially in the vocal approach. Together, these two tracks are a perfect one-two punch that demonstrates the bands abilities to go back and forth between traditional indie rock and lofty pop.

Personally, when listening to Dot Dash I like the element of restraint they’ve shown in their songwriting.  Amidst today’s musical landscape, they somehow manage to hold back on just filling your ears with walls of controlled feedback on the guitars.  You can see hints of all-things-gaze in tracks like “Lateral/Vertical” or even “Two Octobers,” but they hold it down in the mix, which really allows for the other elements to push through.  Using such techniques shows me that they’re not aiming to be just another band behind Pains of Being Pure at Heart, but rather a group with their own definitive sound, albeit one you can trace back through various lineage.

At the end of the day, I’m happy to have stumbled upon Dot Dash, as they have proved to me that they’re a group with their own distinctive voice.  It’s great to have influences, and even to wear them on your sleeve, but when you make it your own, that’s when you’ve proved your mettle.  In my eyes, Winter Garden Light is just that sort of record, giving you glints at the band’s record collection, but begging you to look at them as their own entity.  Consider that mission accomplished.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Dot-Dash-Winter-Garden-Light-01-Faraway.mp3]

Download:Dot Dash – Faraway [MP3]

 

New Jam from Dot Dash

Over the summer I stumbled upon DC outfit Dot Dash, falling in love with their post-punk stylings.  They had everything I loved about the genre, but that all stemmed from their old record.  Luckily, the band is back with a new album, Winter Garden Light, which has the group forging into new territory.  While they still hold onto some semblance of post-punk, there seems to be a bit of Flying Nun nostalgia in the guitars, giving the group a sunnier sound fueled by sincere melodies and hooks.  I just got a hold of the record, and I’ll have a full review up next week; for now, you need to hear the opening track just to get a taste.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Dot-Dash-Winter-Garden-Light-01-Faraway.mp3]

Download:Dot Dash – Faraway [MP3]

New Discovery: Dot Dash

It’s hot outside, finally. I’m hanging inside getting my Olympics on and trying to discover new tunes. My favorite hit today comes from DC’s band Dot Dash, a band who win in their Wire reference alone, but they’ve also got the hits to back it all up. Honestly, I think this tune from their most recent record, Spark>Flame>Ember>Ash, has a bit more of a Jam/Futureheads feel to it, but they’ve got some other tracks on their Soundcloud that give way to the reference point. It’s all like a mod/punk blend of goodness that really deserves a lot of respect (and love); I miss people making music like this.  Check em out.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/01-The-Color-and-the-Sound.mp3]

Download:Dot Dash – The Color and the Sound [MP3]

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