Austin Spotlight: Another Flesh Lights Tune

fleshlightsOur first listen to the newest work of Flesh Lights (Just About Due) had this striking power pop sound that definitely grabbed our attention.  But, their new single, “Middle Age” is a blistering tune, both in its sonic quality and it’s verbal attack on “middle age youth.”    The guitar work here is sublime, especially when the solos blast through your speakers; I’m also partial to the call and response vocals that come through the chorus.  If you’re looking for a rock n’ roll record that never stays in one place, then you better get your hands on Free Yourself; it hits streets on November 4th via 12XU. Seriously. You’ll hate yourself if you don’t buy this LP.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/02-Middle-Age.mp3]

 

Austin Spotlight: Flesh Lights Ready New LP

fleshlightsThe last time I jammed to Flesh Lights, I felt like the band was offering some gritty punk rock.  That grittiness is still apparent in the sounds they’re creating, but on their latest single it sounds like they’ve upped the power pop and hooks.  I’m not going to lie; I was floored by this single right off the bat; it’s got everything you need; you can jam it loud, you can rip off your own guitar solo and every lyric is clean enough to sing along to at the top of your lungs.  With songs like these in their repertoire, it only makes sense that the end of 2014 and beyond should belong to the group.  Look for their latest LP, Free Yourself, in stores on November 4th via 12XU Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/169277357″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Friday’s Local Austin Gigs!

austin-skyline-mark-weaverWe’ve been working harder this year on being sure we get more coverage going, not just internationally, but locally as well.  With that in mind, I wanted to point out a couple of shows that are desperately seeking your attendance on Friday night, in case you didn’t have plans. These shows all offer a bit of different sounds, but each features some of our favorite local acts, so be sure to do your best to support our local scene.  Or, you could go see Widespread Panic.  Seems like an easy choice to me, but it’s your life! Here’s my suggestions on what to hit up:

Flesh Lights, Church Shoes, Sweat Lodge, Ghost Dance, John Schooley @ Hotel Vegas – Doors are at 9 PM – $6

Junior Prom, The Laughing, Migrant Kids @ Holy Mountain – Doors are at 8 PM – Cheap

Genuine Leather, Ponderosa, The Hereticks @ The Parish Underground – Doors are at 8 PM – Cheap

The Couch, Letting Up Despite Great Faults, Major Major Major @ The Blackheart – Doors are 8 PM – FREE!

Here are some jams by Letting Up to get you in the mood.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Letting-Up-Despite-Great-Faults-Visions.mp3]

Old Jam from The Best

theBest-webwebI’m posting this jam from The Best just because, well, I can–you need to hear it. I feel like Austin, and beyond, haven’t had a great chance to fall in love with this band, although the varying parts of the group have definitely had their share of adoring press.  Take members of OBN IIIs, A Giant Dog, Bad Lovers, Flesh Lights and basically any other band that kicks ass…throw them together and you expect big things.  The Black Triangle 7″ came out last year, but there’s still a few floating about, so take a second to check out Twistworthy Records and get your hands on the goods. 

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/3836203″ params=”color=ff6d00&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

My New Best Friend, James Murphy…

We are pretty lucky to live here in Austin. Friday night, the wife and I started out at the friendly confines of The Mohawk, caught a kick ass set from Flesh Lights, chilled at a picnic table, had beer, whisky, and Topo Chico with good people that also love our music scene.

Red7 played host to a DJ set from James Murphy thanks to Learning Secrets. The wife got tix and that means that we became besties with the leader of one of my favorite things, LCD Soundsystem.

Click though for evidence…

Read more

Show Preview: Gun Outfit @ Beerland (4.5)

gun_outfit

Date Friday, April 5th
Location Beerland
Doors 9:00 PM
Tickets Cheap


If you’ve kept your eye on the site this week, you’ll know that one of the LPs that came out this week that I can’t stop spinning is Hard Coming Down from Gun Outfit.  It’s got the perfect blend of modern day indie rock with that nostalgic 90s bent, and I’ve heard nothing but great thigns about their live set. But, as if that weren’t enough, you’ll get to see underground icons, Versus, and one of our local favorites Flesh Lights.  To top it off, the Young and Ghetto Ghouls will be joining in, so you’ll get to see five rad bands for pretty cheap.  And everyone at Beerland is friendly, so there’s that.  Don’t be scared, come rock with me!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Gun_Outfit_-_My_Whole_Life.mp3]

Download:Gun Outfit – My Whole Life [MP3]

Fun Fun Fest Recap: BGray Edition

I usually end up putting in more miles around a festival then those other two guys. That means I usually see and more importantly hear more bands than the average festival goer.

This year, I was able to relax a bit on Friday as I was with out photo pit access. Once all that was remedied, it was full steam ahead. I had plenty of fun chasing the sound. We’ll start with a Top 5 bands and then hit on festival observations.

Read more

FFF 2012: Sunday In Pictures

Final day. Your feet, lungs and liver have taken a beating, but the pain feels good now.

I had a busy slate of things I wanted to check out on Sunday. I started bright and early to catch favorite locals on the upswing and kept after through the headliner. Final installment of shots from FFF7 will bring you Flesh Lights, Ume, Balmorhea, Cult of Youth, Bleached, A Place to Bury Strangers, Class Actress, Trust, Deerhoof, The Promise Ring, Omar Rodriguez Lopez, Black Angles, De La Soul and Edward Sharpe.

Tons of eye candy after the break.

Read more

1 2 3 4