Levitation Reviews: Boy Harsher @ Empire (10/28)

I like guitars.

Because of the introduction of technology, synthesizers, and electronic music, the 80s became the decade of exploration in music less organic. A paradigm shift happened on a grand scale in the art of music sometimes for the better, and at times for the worst. The better of that shift has quietly existed, bubbling beneath the surface while electronic music has permeated the industry on a global scale, diehard fans of the true pioneers, at the time considered underground, find themselves embedded in a resurgence of sorts. Whether intentional or not, the three artists on the bill for the first full night of Levitation Fest 21 at Empire Control Room, embody the essence and pay homage to some of the key players in that pivotal movement of music that ushered in a global shift from our analog lives into the digital world. Hit the jump for more and fancy photos.

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Check MILLY Out

I was stumbling through the pages of shows for the week, trying to map out my week, and in doing so, I came across this band MILLY; I’d heard about the band from the Dangerbird Microdose series, so I just sort of dug in and really fell in love with this tune. The band play tonight at Empire Control Room here in Austin. It’s definitely got this vibe that’s on par with what I’ve been listening to the last few months; it has this intimacy, with multiple vocalists playing a role in the song. I love that, but I’m also drawn to the fact that it has this feeling like we’re all sort of fading away, disappearing into the pieces of matter, shattered by the ringing of the guitars here. It’s a cool vibe, so get on it.

Stream MCG’s Outside EP + Show Spotlight (1.30)

mcgEarlier this year I picked MCG as one of the band’s that would rise out of Austin this year (they played our ATX Popfest), spreading the pop gospel across the lands. They’ve been so kind to allow us to share their Outside EP with you as a preview before their 7″ release this Saturday over at Empire Control Room. Not only is the EP a must have for local vinyl collectors, but the show features some incredible local talent, including new act, Lou Rebecca, who we’ve heard lots of great things about (namely Stereolab allusions)…also Major Major Major and Mobley will play. It’s a great night to celebrate another solid Austin release with a bunch of solid Austin bands. Here’s the tracks on the EP, but one is only available if you grab the vinyl version.

If you can’t make the show…grab it HERE.

ATX Spotlight: Allgood Has Me Excited

allgoodIn going through all the local shows, I was looking towards Saturday’s show over at Empire Control Room.  One of the bands, Allgood completely caught my ear.  They have an album, but their latest single, aside from that release, is pretty remarkable.  It lives somewhere in the world between bands like Wampire and Unknown Mortal Orchestra; that basically means you’ll be drawn into playing it again and again.  From my investigation, it looks like the band are fairly recent transplants to town (even though it’s dying), and looking to get out and play some shows, so go check them before they amass a huge following.

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Show Preview: Pree @ Empire Control Room (5/22)

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Date 5/22/15
Location Empire
Doors 8pm
Tickets $5 online/$8 @ Door

It seems like Friday night is yet another one of those nights in Austin with tons of live music options to fit just about anyone’s musical tastes.  Lankford and I may be checking out Hamilton down at the Parish or hopping over to see Sungod at Red 7.  For those looking to see a promising out of town act on the cheap, head over to Empire for a show by DC based Pree.  You should definitely check out my SXSW interview with the band while you’re at it.  Locals fill out the lineup with Silver Ships kicking things off and Auroravore playing right before the headliners.

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Austin Spotlight: The Roosevelts

1401137_608671852502320_1973374008_oSure, I like the heavier side of Austin’s musical world, but that doesn’t mean I’ll turn a cheek when faced with the poppier side of things, which is why I wanted to give a shout out to The Roosevelts.  They’ve released Cold Sheets, their new EP, which offers listeners a glimpse at the band’s blend of Americana and modern pop music; it’s the kind of music that’s capable of crossing musical borders and uniting listeners from all walks of life.  The band will be playing a release show at the Empire Control Room this Saturday, so if your ears are digging what you hear, then I think its best you make it out…assuming your not frozen!

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