Pleased to Meet Me: Colleens

Colleens - Wild Dreams - Album CoverThis is the second time in a number of weeks that I’ve been introduced to a band from San Antonio that really excites me; this time the band is Colleens.  Based on the few songs I’ve been given, they’re crafting this brooding pop that holds onto a sense of majesty that I don’t recall hearing recently.  There’s light string arrangements in the background, while the main bit of instrumentation is careful guitar picking.  The vocals have this smoky haze to them, reminding me of that great era of pop music that came out in the late 1960s. It’s interesting, to say the least, so I hope you’ll enjoy your introduction to the band; they’re full-length, Wild Dreams, will be out February 4th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/04-No-Flowers.mp3]

Download: Colleens – No Flowers [MP3]

New Music from Black Twig

blacktwigYou’ve got to keep an eye on things over in Finland, with Soliti Music really putting out some incredible acts.  The next slated release from the label is going to be the sophomore LP from Black Twig.  Heliogram is the name of the album, which should see a February release; it’s going to be an exciting piece if it contains songs like the one below.  I love the guitar playing here…it sort of jangles, but it mostly rings in a melodic, discordant manner.  Set it up right next to the softly delivered vocals and we’ve got a gem of a tune on our hands.  Looks like we need to head to Finland!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/02-Pastel-Blue.mp3]

Download: Black Twig – Pastel Blue [MP3]

The Echo Friendly Cover Jay Reatard

echofriendlyI typically don’t talk about covers, or really remixes for that matter, but I figured I had to talk about this one.  Any band that covers Jay Reatard, and does it well, is okay in my book.  Plus, “Nightmares,” the song chosen by The Echo Friendly, is my favorite all time song by Jay.  Hearing it strung out for an added minute, with such a different spin is really something special.  It also goes to show just what a great songwriter Jay was, able to put his own touches to great pop songs; he’ll probably be under-appreciated for too long.  The duo will have their own debut LP coming your way in may, so keep a sharp eye out.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/NightmaresJay-Reatard-Cover.mp3]

Download: The Echo Friendly – Nightmares (Jay Reatard Cover)

Friday Is for Pop Music: Hibou

hibouThis track from Hibou jumped out yesterday, and I wanted to save it for today, so I could send you off in a good mood heading into the weekend.  This track is brimming with dance-floor ready goodness, using catchy beats to really influence the listener.  It’s no surprise, as the man behind the music, Peter Michel, has been working with Craft Spells on tour for some time, so I fully expect this sort of deliciousness. This track is slated to be released on his upcoming full length, which will surely make those electro-pop fans giddy; we’ll keep you posted on the details.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Hibou-Hide-Away.mp3]

Download: Hibou – Hide Away [MP3]

Pop Gem from Paul Cook and the Chronicles

paulThis new tune from Paul Cook floated into my inbox last week, and I wish I had gotten to it earlier.  It’s a smooth little pop ditty from the singer-songwriter, who uses his Chronicles to provide listeners with a look into his life.   Clearly this song is about a lady leaving our songwriter during the holidays, so its fitting that we’re in the midst of our own holiday season.  If you like what you hear, I advise you to spend some time with Paul’s back catalogue; it’s filled with songs just as great as the one you’ll find below.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Paul-Cook-The-Chronicles-Wood-On-The-Fire.mp3]

Download: Paul Cook and the Chronicles – Wood On The Fire [MP3]

New Song Premiere: STRNGRS

1401320_579173582145771_631355653_oWe here at ATH love our rock n’ roll, especially when you get a touch of blues tossed into it; it’s one of those genre defying styles that gets everyone involved.  Today we’ve got a brand spanking new song from STRNGRS, a NYC act that’s quickly pushing out tunes that are well-crafted, not to mention slightly punishing.  On this tune you get a rhythmic guitar working its way through a crunchy blues-rocker, chiming in with a riotous solo to add a sense of juxtaposition, making it more than just your average affair.  If you’re digging what you hear, you’ll have more like-minded tunes when the band release their new EP in February.  Plus, if you want to revisit their old jams, you should hit up their Bandcamp to pick up their first EP.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/04-Outta-My-Mind.mp3]

Download: STRNGRS – Outta My Mind [MP3]

Catchy New Music from Tacocat

tacosI first heard of Tacocat via Finest Kiss, which helps us keep an eye on the good things in Seattle (and beyond), so I was excited when the group signed with Hardly Art.  The foursome offer upbeat pop that’s easy to absorb, using infectious melodies and steady drum work to make the masses take notice. Clearly though, they’re not settled in Seattle, at least not in the Winter, which seems to be the focus of this tune, though it’s relatable to anyone that abhors the cold weather.  You can grab the band’s new LP, NVM on February 25th. FYI…Tacocat is a palindrome, so that’s cool too.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Tacocat_BridgeToHawaii.mp3]

Download: Tacocat – Bridge to Hawaii

Color War Offer Up New Single

colorwarI owe a lot of my musical listening habits to my old lady, who spends her time rocking more of an electronically influenced world.  While I’m not sold on the genre as a whole, I’ve come to appreciate some of these tunes, like the latest from Color War.  It’s a duo, with the work of music producer Billy J working some tracks for Lindsay Mound to sing atop.  On this new single, I really dig the vocal, but I do wish that the beats got turned up just a bit.  There are some interesting bits in there that I’d like to be more forceful, but that being said, I’m nitpicking. Just wait for the closing beat that comes at the 3.40 minute mark and you’ll be hooked too.  You can grab the bands debut, It Could Only Be This Way, on March 4 from the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/01-SOS.mp3]

Download: Color Wars – SOS [MP3]

Manatee Put Up All Their Singles for Free – December Only

manatee_updateAs I’m sure you know, I’m a huge fan of Slumberland Records, but did you know that owner/founder Mike S. has his own band Manatee who put out some rocking tunes?  Well, you’re in luck then, with the band opting to put up all their singles of the last few years for free, or NYP. I’ve previously written about the group before, so I encourage you spend some time grabbing these tunes, or at least previewing; I always encourage you to donate, even a dollar helps a band go forward.  My first preference would probably be for you to hit up Single Payer Class War, which features the jam below.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/01-Mr-Super.mp3]

Download: Manatee – Mr Super [MP3]

More Music from Rodrigo Amarante

Rodrigo-AmaranteHopefully you recognize the name behind Little Joy, which was noted more for the appearances of Fab (Strokes fame), but which wouldn’t have sounded so perfect if not for Rodrigo Amarante.  Tracks from his album, Cavalo, have been floating around the Internet for a few weeks, and this one is my personal favorite.  It has that tropicalia feel, yet maintains a strangeness that allows me to hold onto the fact that I still think I’m cool (I’m not FYI). If you were a fan of the driftwood pop that his full band created, then you’ll surely love what he’s done on his own (with a little help from Devandra and Fab).

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/02.-Hourglass.mp3]

Download: Rodrigo Amarante – Hourglass [MP3]

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