This is fine.
One of our favorite acts from 2013 aims to kill it again in 2014. Boston’s Bent Shapes play energetic rock n’ roll, making their album Feels Weird (Father Daughter Records) an exceptionally rewarding listen. We haven’t been able to catch them on tour yet, so we’re excited that they’re making it all the way down to Austin this year. Catch up with the band by reading our interview below with Ben. Read more
I’m most definitely a sucker for some good crisp power-pop, which is one of the reasons I love the work of San Francisco’s Cocktails. It doesn’t hurt that some of their work for Father Daughter Records was recorded by Matthew Melton of Warm Soda. These guys are high up on my list of bands to catch at SXSW, and after reading a few words from the Patrick Clos and Lauren Matsui, maybe you’ll feel the same. Read more
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When you first look at Flagland‘s new record, you’re probably going to find it a bit daunting; it’s 20 songs, which for some might be a lot, but don’t let that deter you. Love Hard deserves your listening ears. The listen is all over the place, but while that might be tiresome to a few, it actually makes the entire journey quite fun.
“Superlove” casually opens the adventure with a strummed guitar and calming vocal, before the rough edges start to shine a little bit. Those gritty bits make their way as the opening to “Searchers,” but stick around for the pounding drum and maneuvering bass line that leads the way for a nice bit of distorted guitar work. While the rhythm bounces along there’s some stuttering vocals to clear the way for the knifing guitar bits. Then you’re jumped into a fast-paced rocker via “Swingin,” which resembles a quickened Southern garage tune. But, Flagland slows things down for a bit.
“Happiness” is more of a pop song disguised as an anthemic guitar tune. There’s a touch of frailty to the vocal performance, and to show they don’t mind being their own act, they even toss in some space-age samples. The tune hops a long to catch little end. Then you’re quickly given another slow burner via “Not a Joke.” It sounds like a catchy garage demo, but I mean that in a good way. Personally, I’d skip a song or two and find yourself at one of the stand outs of Love Hard, “Monster.” There’s a familiarity to this track, though I can’t quite put my finger on it (early Liars may haps). Regardless, it’s a pummeling tune that definitely provides your angst with an outlet.
You see, Flagland doesn’t stay in one place for long, and while I admit that I know that’s troubling for listeners, it’s made the listens enjoyable because you’re not inundated with a monotonous style. One of my favorite tracks as you move to the latter half of the record is “Sugarcube.” It blurs the lines between pop-punk and power-pop, catchy in every sense of the word. It goes along well with “It’s Your Time,” which might be the best song that J Mascis forgot to write. Vocals are pleasant while the distorted guitars have a heavier tonal quality; the last time I played the record, it was my favorite jam of that round.
It’s refreshing to come across a record like Love Hard. Sometimes you get bogged down with one sound or one sonic direction from a band, but Flagland aim to keep things interesting. They add snippets and quick songs to keep the pace of the record moving forward, then fleshing out your listen with longer numbers. If you’re tired of the same old thing, then you’ll want to pick up this album.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/12-Sugarcube.mp3]Download: Flgland – Sugarcube [MP3]
We’re just a short few weeks away from the highly anticipated new album from Flagland. Today they return with yet another hit from Love Hard, which is one of my favorite tracks from the record. It’s one of the record’s longer songs, but it’s one of those that reminds me of the youthful excitement we all enjoyed, when riffs were sharp and lyrics were shouted. The entire record holds onto that sentiment, screaming for you to partake in its carefree exuberance. You can pick it up from Father Daughter Records on February 25th.
Download: Flgland – Sugarcube [MP3]
You’d probably know Andy Sadoway better for his role in Bent Shapes, but don’t let that influence whether or not you listen to this track; you’d have a hard time seeing the similarities between the two. This first single from his forthcoming Str8 Shooter EP has a summery strumming approach, rather than the angular ferocity associated with his Boston act. It’s a short taste of what you can expect from his new release, which will be getting a digital and cassette release courtesy of friends Father Daughter Records on March 25th. You might even find yourself yearning for a bit of tropicalia after a good thorough listen.
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As Austin is surrounded by some awfully dreary weather today, it’s perfect that this Small Wonder tune came into our inbox. It’s a soft ballad draped around the backbone of a piano. The song broods for over six minutes, offering a sincere bit of beauty that’s enforced by the trading of vocals between songwriter Henry Crawford and Susannah Cutler (no relation to Jay). It’s a listen that reminds me of my first run through with Majical Cloudz; you find it hard to tear yourself away from your stereo. You’ll find this song on Wendy, which just got a digital release via Father Daughter Records.
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As Flagland have continued their rise in our musical world, they’ve offered various musical forms. They’ve been soft, brash and explosive, but this latest tune recalls the sharp-edged sword that once was Liars. It’s darkened post-punk with bursts of rasping lyrics that force you to turn down your stereo so you won’t wake the neighbors. You’ll be able to get their new record, Love Hard, via the consistent Father Daughter Records on February 25th. Be prepared to have a little fun with your listening habits; it’s all over the map in an enjoyably spastic way.
It’s clear that over the last couple of years, gutiar music has returned, though I suppose it never went away completely. Happy Diving are the latest act to come our way, offering up a heavy dose of guitars, while still having these hidden moments of pop sensibility lurking in the sound of the vocals. Just imagine a loud swell of hooks and noise combining into an effortless wave meant to destroy your ears and you’ll get the picture being pushed out by these East Bay Boys. They’ll be releasing their self-titled EP digitally via Father Daughter Records next week, with a cassette version to follow later in February.
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Here’s an interesting new track I’m digging called “Comfortable Life” coming your way from Brooklyn based trio Flagland. The track is fairly average for about 1:56, until things really open up into a truly special moment. I won’t tell you anything else about it so you can be just as pleasantly surprised as I was near the end. Don’t ruin the ending! Seriously, stick with the song the whole way through and enjoy the badassness.
New album, Love Hard, is due out February 25th on Father/Daughter Records.
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I wrote about the work of Amanda Harper and her project, Running in the Fog, a month ago, and it’s time we revisit her work, as she’s got another single that went out recently. This newer track is quite similar to “Desire,” but I think there’s a really interesting shift that occurs around the 2 minute mark. There’s a really slight shift in the electronic beat, creating more of a shimmering quality to accompany Harper’s voice. Be sure to check out her Silver EP, which comes out next week courtesy of Father/Daughter Records.
Download: Running in the Fog – Sail [MP3]
