Premiere: Fresh Single from Draag

draagonDream pop’s everywhere these days, but in order to stand out from the crowd one has to offer something slightly different, which is why I wanted you to hear this new Draag single.  Rather than simply rely upon the atmospheric wash that coats many a dream-pop tune (it is here), the band also has opted to employ this underlying groove from the rhythm section that seemingly offers hints at a tune that’s just a few production moments away from a dancefloor remix. For my ears, it’s a fresh approach, whilst still holding true to the styles of the sound itself.  The band will be releasing their Tracy Lordz (how we miss her) EP.

Mellow Groove from Paperhaus

paprsWhen I think of DC, I always go straight to the punk roots of the city…still in love.  But, when listening to Paperhaus, I hear a band far from that…aside from the DIY aesthetic that has allowed the band to grow, crumble and rebuild. There’s this catchy groove, using a nice guitar pluck for some emphasis that works to offset the band’s slow-moving pace.  It reminds me of Austin’s Abram Shook running on-stage to join Built to Spill; I guess that’s a weird analogy, but I’m sticking to it. They’ll finally be releasing their debut LP, which is self-titled, on February 10th. Enjoy this ditty.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/paperhaus_soslow.mp3]

Download: Paperhaus – So Slow [MP3]

Introducing Telephantom

10349194_813275075400291_8705944154510680169_nOne of the great things about running your own site is you get to write about whatever the fuck you want, especially your friends bands.  Here I am today introducing you to my friend Nick’s band, Telephantom.  Nick plays drums in Young Girls, but this new act he’s working with is pure synth pop.  There’s obviously an energetic push in the front with that hooky synth line.  The more I listen, the more it reminds me of this band Soviet who I used to dance to all day long in my room.  Not sure what the future recording plans are for these guys, but they’ll have a show in Houston this Saturday at Fitzgerald’s…you know, if you’re out that way.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Telephantom-Silence.mp3]

Download: Telephantom – Silence [MP3]

Chastity Belt Signs with Hardly Art

chastityI’m always happy to throw a shout out to our longtime friends over at Hardly Art, especially when I get excited about one of their new signings.  In this case, the label has signed up with Seattle’s Chastity Belt, who are bringing a nice dose of indie rock to the proverbial table.  There’s a jagged edge to the guitar riffs, though that’s often touched upon by some distortion; it’s backed by a strong vocal performance that comes across as a relaxed nod to 90s girl groups.  I also love the switch of pace that occurs here and there, throughout. Look for the group’s new album Time to Go Home on March 24th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Time-to-Go-Home.mp3]

Download: Chastity Belt – Time to Go Home [MP3]

Friday Rock with Pet Cemetery

petkittyFelt like the folks over at Art Is Hard Records had been quiet for a few week, but as expected, they’ve been saving one of their best tracks for their infamous Pizza Club, where you can get rock n’ roll by the slice.  Today’s tune is from Pet Cemetery, one of the many spin-off projects coming from the label.  It starts off with this driving distorted guitar riff, giving you a traditional bit of indie rock.  For me, the song takes off when vocals begin to lightly creep in, similar to what you had on early POBPAH singles.  The mix could be louder, but the song’s damn good.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/giants-MASTER.mp3]

Download: Pet Cemetery – Giants [MP3]

Southern Fuzz Rock from The Blank Tapes

blanketapeFelt like I had one direction pushing this morning, musically speaking, so I had to soften things up with this sunny bit of rock n’ roll from The Blank Tapes.  This song is the first single from the group’s new album, Geodesic Dome Piece, and it looks like the blend of psychedelia and roots rock will clash heads throughout the entirety of your listen.  You’ll hear cascading guitar solos working over the smooth bounce of the vocals, drawing out the maximum bit of soul searching for listeners.  Look for the LP on January 13th via Royal Oakie Tapes & Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/01-Way-Too-Stoned.mp3]

Download: The Blank Tapes – Way Too Stoned [MP3]

Enjoy New Music from ZKPR

zoosSome days, especially Wednes days, you really need something playful.  Something spirited to kick start your afternoon, so I wanted to toss out this sweet little ditty from Chicago’s ZKPR (not to be confused with Zookeeper).  It’s an energetic song that you can find on the band’s recent album, Tall Men with Feelings, which just saw a release yesterday.  Just a little pick me up of fun for your afternoon, so hope you enjoy it.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/01-Otter-Rock-Cafe.mp3]

Download: ZKPR – Otter Rock Cafe [MP3]

Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith: Check It

katyIt’s really difficult to create something mesmerizing when you’re limiting yourself to the use of one instrument, but that doesn’t seem to be the case with Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith.  Her new effort, Euclid, has her spending studio hours working with a Buchla Music Easel synthesizer, throwing in really light touches of vocals in the distance.  That being said, this track’s more than just your average affair, showing an artist working to craft her own genre altogether.  For me, those little vocal moments really make the song something special, utilizing the gift of voice as another instrument in her textural work.  Look for the new record on January 20th via Western Vinyl.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/04-Sundry.mp3]

Download: Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith – Sundry [MP3]

Can You Dig ScotDrakula

sdWednesday’s are always good for some crunchy rock n’ roll, which is perfect since we’ve got this rad track from ScotDrakula to offer you today.  The Australian three-piece have some similarities to everyone’s favorite modern garage-rockers, but this, like Natural Child, seems to be more inspired by the history of Nashville songwriting.  There’s still some grit coming forth in the howl of frontman Matt, so you’ll definitely get your rock n’ roll dosage for the day.  The group are releasing a double-cassette on December 16th via Fleeting Youth Records, which will include their album Burner and their Break Me Up EP, which is where this tune finds a home.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Stupid-Everything.mp3]

Download: ScotDrakula – Stupid Everything [MP3]

Austin Spotlight: New Music from Abram Shook

coverIf you read our Top 15 Austin Albums of 2014, you hopefully saw that Abram Shook made our list, as he deservedly should.  But, I come today not to talk you into adoring his latest work, Sun Marquee, rather to look forward to what he’ll be offering in the future. In between LPs, Abram has decided to release some free digital tracks in a series, and we’ve got one of those tunes for you to listen to today.  I love the piano’s bounce here, giving the song an unenviable hook that few can create.  Of course, he coats the track in his trademark Western croon.  Be sure to donate a buck or more to the cause, so Mr. Shook can deliver an expected collection of new hits.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Abram-Shook-Series-Seven-1-01-1964-Side-A.mp3]

Download: Abram Shook – 1964 [MP3]

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