Tag: LA

Chilled Groove from Dirt Dress

dirtydressingI 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.

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Great New Track From Criminal Hygiene

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Upload Day SxSW 0314123211Los 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.

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Body Parts Release Debut with Father/Daughter Records

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FireDream_Cover_webThere’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]

Crushing on the Heathers

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329228260-1There’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]

New Driving Rock From The Reflections

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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]

Catchy Pop from The Monolators

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I can’t help it, but I love tunes with a bit of twee, especially if the lyrics are love related in some way; I’m a sucker.  Why does that matter you ask? Well, we just got sent this great new record from The Monolators, which is mostly a compilation of the band’s favorite tunes they’ve recorded over the last ten years.  The collection is called Ten Years of Tears, and it’s coming out via cassette on the new label, Vanity Projects, which is run by Geoff from So Many Wizards (a group we totally dig).  Listening to the selection, it really reminds me of a more focused Comet Gain…and that’s really all you need to know in order to fall in love.  If you love it, then you can pre-order it HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/A-02-I_Was_A_Captain_In_The_Army.mp3]

Download: The Monolators – I Was a Captain in the Army [MP3]

 

New California Pop From The Reflections

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This awesome new song “Summer Days” by The Reflections was just sent my way the other day and I think it’s definitely something worth your time.  It’s a breezy pop number that evokes the feelings of being on a beach in California, which the band would know a lot about being from L.A.  A solid release date for a new album from the group is not yet available, but we’ll be sure to let you know when we hear something.  Stay tuned.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Summer-Days.mp3]

Download: The Reflections – Summer Days [MP3]

New Single from Ethan Gold

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You might have heard of Ethan Gold a bit ago when P4k raved about his latest album, Songs From a Toxic Apartment, but if not, we’ll fill you in a bit. Ethan is an LA songwriter who self-released his entire album, and now he’s aiming to create a bunch of videos to help promote the record.  On his latest single (and video) you can hear that heavy-handed guitar strumming with hints of orchestration quietly working its way from the background.  The best part of this tune is when it ups the ante on the loudness factor around the 2:10, while still maintaining that intimacy that’s made Ethan such a joy to listen to lately.  You can check out the video for the single HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/sleep.mp3]

Download:Ethan Gold – Why Don’t You Sleep [MP3]

New Rockin’ Tune From Blonde Summer

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Well summer is finally over, but that doesn’t mean I can’t sneak in one or two songs to help brighten the sadness that has overcome those of us in education.  This shiny little number from Los Angeles based group Blonde Summer called “Robots On Command” is perfect for pulling us out of our end of vacation doldrums.  It’s got a great opening riff, continues to rock throughout, and has that nice bit of sunshine that those Californians all seem to take for granted.  The song appears on the band’s recently released EP Slow Daze which is available to purchase on iTunes.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/BlondeSummer-RobotsonCommand.mp3]

Download: Blonde Summer – Robots On Command [MP3]

New Chilled Song from Gangi

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It’s always amazing to me what modern recordings processes can do for a duo; you know, things that couldn’t be done as easily in the 60s.  My newest discovery is LA duo Gangi, who’ve got a little bit of a psych bent on their tunes.  They’ll soon be releasing their second LP, Gesture Is, on October 2nd via Office of Analogue and Digital.  Not only am I stoked upon the groove coming here, but I’m really digging the way the group is looping the vocals–which is what I was referencing earlier.  If you listen carefully you can hear the faint squawk of a horn near the end of the song…another special moment. Enjoy this one.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Railways-nos.-1-27.mp3]

Photo credit to Benjamin Gallardo.

 

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