LA - Austin Town Hall

Edgy Pop From TheBulls

August 14, 2015 RayRay Leave a comment

This new tune “Rumors”, from L.A. based TheBulls, caught my ear today as something you peoples might enjoy for your weekend playlist. You’ll definitely hear some bright pop sensibilities with just enough edge via grungy guitars and hushed vocals to keep things interesting. Think Metric, but with a more simple and focused sound. I’ll buy that any day of the week.

TheBulls will drop Small Problems on August 28th via Diet Pink Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/207975434″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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Gateway Drugs Are On My SXSW Radar

February 19, 2015 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

I’ve been neglecting my SXSW homework as of late, but as the RSVPs roll in, I reckon it’s time to really dig into the goods, right? Lately I’ve been jamming to Gateway Drugs, the LA act who are set to tour with Swervedriver. That alone would be enough to warrant my attention, but the group has grabbed my attention with their sludgy smooth style. There’s a sultry element via the established mood; it lurks behind the darkness that’s embedded in the tune and enforced by Liv’s vocals. This is their latest single, just released, which is prepping you for their visit, as well as their new album, Magick Spells via Cobraside on March 3rd.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/190669050″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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Is That Lord Huron I Hear?

February 11, 2015 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

I sure hope it’s Lord Huron! Okay, it is, but I feel like ever since I was turned onto the band, I’ve heard far less than I really wanted to hear…I guess not everyone writes at Ty Segall speed. The LA group has always had this organic spirit, pulling in various resources to complete their sound, rounding out the folk backbone of the song into exuberant bits of well-constructed pop tunes. The group has just announced that they’ll be releasing their new effort, Strange Trails, on April 7th via IAMSOUND Records. I’m excited for this; I always enjoy the work they complete. Look for them on tour this Spring, including a Stubbs spot here in Austin.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/189343721″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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Pop Punk From Spaceships

October 14, 2014 RayRay

Spaceships is an L.A. based band who create some interesting power pop melodies with a hint of punk/grunge rock to give their music more of an edge. Below you’ll find new single “Good Gradez” to give you an example of what their music sounds like. It’s easy to like music and I’m sure you’ll be singing along in no time.

Spaceships have a self-titled EP due out November 4th via New Professor Music.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/167731949″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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Chilled Groove from Dirt Dress

October 1, 2014 nathan.lankford

I honestly don’t really know how to pigeonhole Dirt Dress (I know you’re probably thankful for that); they definitely have this groovy vibe with those sunny Cali vocal recordings, but I don’t feel like the music they’ve crafted on this latest single really has a lot of compatriots. It’s actually kind of refreshing, and I love the fact that the guitar seemingly wobbles out of key, though clearly its done with purpose. You’ll enjoy the mini-pop explosion near the end with its touch of horns and keyboards. Look for their new Revelations EP on November 4th via Future Gods.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/166819592″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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Great New Track From Criminal Hygiene

September 6, 2013 RayRay Leave a comment

Los Angeles based homies Criminal Hygiene are a band that really made a name for themselves in the ATH musical guidebook during SXSW last year with their rowdy and intense live performances. They also staked a claim in my music notes with their highly underrated 2013 debut release CRMNL HYGNE (fully streamable on bandcamp btw).

My fandom out of the way, the point of this post is to let you know that the band just sent us this new track “Pickman” to share with you guys. The song is just downright badass from start to finish. It begins in the typical sludgy rock style I’ve grown accustomed to from the guys, and then ends with some thrashing, intense rock n roll that’s sure to wake up even the casual rock fan. WAKE UP.

This jam can be found on the soundtrack for the new transmedia novella project The Red Bicycle. The digital soundtrack features tons of great music from local L.A. bands and is free with purchase of the novella. You can pick that one up for only $9 over on Big Cartel.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/107699078″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

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Body Parts Release Debut with Father/Daughter Records

August 5, 2013 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

There’s a purity in simple pop songwriting that often is overlooked, though that can’t be said about the newest act on the roster of Father/Daughter Records, Body Parts. The band has signed with the label to release their debut, Fire Dream, on October 29th, and so far, it sounds like the band’s out to give us all some throwback fun. Utilizing synths, samples and groovy percussive elements, this lead single is nothing short of a hit ready-made for your summer party collection. Personally, I like the pristine quality of the vocals soaring through through the speakers. Need a touch of fun? This one’s for you.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/01-Desperation.mp3]

Download: Body Parts – Desperation [MP3]

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Crushing on the Heathers

February 20, 2013 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

There’s an under-appreciated world of good pop music blogs out there, and one I can always trust is Skatterbrain. The site turned me onto the Heathers earlier this week, and I’m stuck jamming this track non-stop. There’s a brightness to the guitar sound, and the drums sound sloppily tight, giving a kicking groove that bubbles beneath the central hook. As of right now, this is the first recording from the LA group, but on this song alone, I have high hopes that they’ll do some more work soon, bringing many more casual smiles to music nerds like myself.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Heathers-Teenage-Clothes.mp3]

Download: Heathers – Teenage Clothes [MP3]

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New Driving Rock From The Reflections

December 12, 2012 RayRay Leave a comment

Here’s a nice little driving rock number called “Disconnected” coming your way from L.A. based outfit The Reflections. I like the way this jam just sort of starts out rockin’ without a lot of build up to the good stuff. You can really picture the band enjoying playing this one live as they lead back into that driving chorus several times. It’s a fun one.

Stay tuned in 2013 for a late winter/early spring release of the band’s new album Limerence.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Disconnected.mp3]

Download: The Reflections – Disconnected [MP3]

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