Hooray for Hooray for Earth

racyIf I were to sit around and pick my top few singles for the month of July, this new track from Hooray for Earth would definitely be in my top two or three.  There’s multiple components of the tune that keep me coming back to it: I love the seeming rise and fall of the guitar chords; I love the contrast between the verse and chorus, soft then loud (that’s a new tactic, right?).  Shit. I could listen to this song two hundred more times and probably never grow tired of it; it’s a pretty perfect pop number. Their album Racy will be released by Dovecote Records on July 29th; I have a feeling I’m going to love it.

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Wunder Wunder Finds a Home and Offers Dream Single

wunderwunderThe duo of Wunder Wunder has found a home, in LA, and with Dovecote Records. Their debut album for the record is said to be informed by the group’s move from Australia to LA, but if you’re asking me, it’s got a more European vibe to it.  The harmonies in the song have a nice windy breeze to them, while the electronic beats bubble and bounce beneath the mix.  It’s a great track to kick on while you’re relaxing this July 4th with your friends and family. Look for Infinite to win you over on July 15th. Plus this photo of the two has a cat. People love cats.

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Ski Lodge – Big Heart

ski-lodge-big-heart-1Rating: ★★★★½

Admittedly, I’m a huge indiepop fan, so Ski Lodge didn’t have to do too much to win me over.  But, that being said, I was looking for consistency; I wanted Big Heart to be great through and through.  Some records, sadly, fade off in the end.  Lucky for me, and for you, Big Heart isn’t such an album; it’s consistent, consistently good.

“Anything to Hurt You” kicks things off right, bubbling and bouncing its way through, providing the perfect exuberance to balance out the soft croon of singer Andrew Marr.  There’s bright guitar licks too, plucked furiously, as if Marr can’t quite catch up; it’s an interesting effect, and one that works out successfully here.  Immediately following is “Boy,” which seems to have gotten lots of air-time and praise.  My ears see this as a warmer indiepop nod, with a sprawling chorus that highlights the softer side of Ski Lodge‘s music.  While I adore those mellow moments, I like when the band picks up the pace a bit.

There are several occasions when they do speed things up in just the right place on Big Heart, allowing for a change of pace.  The first time comes after the two previously mentioned tracks with “Looking For a Change.”  It might just be the way the guitars or played, or maybe it’s the drums, but there’s a new energy, although Marr’s vocals still provide that emotional pull fans will adore.  They pull it off again later in the album by way of “Just to Be Like You.”  The guitars here have a bit more of an angular approach, leading one to pull out your best Molly Ringwald dance moves before your bathroom mirror. Trust me, I did it.

Throughout, Ski Lodge seems to be scattered, but in a contained way.  They’ve provided glowing indiepop, backed by joyful numbers, all leading into the beautiful closing number, “I Can’t Tell.”  My first run through, I didn’t think this track fit.  But, I’m wrong.  It demonstrates the group’s willingness to push the boundaries of a genre that, while amazing, can grow a bit stale through excess exposure. Perhaps in closing the album, they’re giving us a picture of a future; I prefer to think of it as a statement of grandeur.  The goal to reach pop perfection is loftier here, and much appreciated by this listener, serving as a moment of finality.  Big Heart is over, and there’s no other way you could end this LP; it’s just perfect.

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More Sweet Tunes from Ski Lodge

Ski LodgeSki Lodge seems to be riding the waves of praise from all over the place.  First, they had the Internet buzz, then our friends Literature gave them the stamp of approval and we, of course, gave them our love after catching them over at Holy Mountain a few weeks back. They’ve finally locked down a firm date for the release of their album, Big Heart; it’s coming your way on August 20th via Dovecote Records.  And, in honor of the announcement, they’re streaming another new track with it’s warm indie pop melodies and spirited guitar playing.

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More New Pop Music From Ski Lodge

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Here’s a tasty little pop number called “Just To Be Like You” coming your way from NYC based band Ski Lodge.  We brought you one of their sweet jams “I Would Die to Be” way back in June so we’re excited to share this new pop track with you.  This song appears on new single from the band due out April 16th on Dovecote Records.

In other news, the band just announced that they’ll be coming into town for SXSW next week.  Shite, I should have put them on my SXSW watchlist…  Check their facebook page for some SXSW dates & times.

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More New Music From Jonquil

The new EP from Oxford band Jonquil, One Hundred Suns, has been getting some pretty heavy rotation here in the ATH offices.  Locked within that EP, you’ll find some rather tasty subtle pop tunes that get better and better with each listen.  Lucky for you readers, that EP is now available for purchase on Dovecote Records.  The band is also currently giving away this new tune “Get Up” to celebrate the release.  It sort of cracks me up that the press release for Jonquil reads that they are “Paul Simon’s take on The Smiths”… spot on!  Don’t forget that album track “Fighting Smiles” is still streaming elsewhere on ATH.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/02-Get-Up.mp3]

Download: Jonquil – Get Up [MP3]

New Music From Jonquil

I’ve really been enjoying this new track called “Fighting Smiles” from Oxford band Jonquil.  The track will appear on the band’s first ever stateside EP entitled One Hundred Suns which is available November 16th on Dovecote Records.  Have yourself a listen to their version of feel good pop music below and let us know what ya think.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/Jonquil-Fighting-Smiles.mp3]

Download: Jonquil – Fighting Smiles [MP3]

New Music From Hooray For Earth

New York based outfit Hooray For Earth are getting ready to release their new EP Momo this summer on Dovecote Records.  The band is supporting their upcoming release with this new single entitled “Surrounded By Your Friends”.  I’m thinking it will get you kids ready for the dance floor this weekend.  The Momo EP will be in stores June 1st.

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/friends.mp3]

Hooray For Earth – Surrounded By Your Friends