Tan Cologne Share Alien Video

If you caught our brief wrap up of Levitation late last Fall, then you’ll remember that I raved about the performance of Tan Cologne; their live set was hand’s down one of the best sets I saw the entire festival. Today they’re sharing another single from their forthcoming Cave Vaults on the Moon in New Mexico. I’m totally captivated by the way the band use all the space in their songs; they’re crafting their own landscapes within the confines of their musical craft. You can listen and build your own imagery, or if you’re watching this video, let that suffice, but you’ll find yourself immediately immersed. The new LP drops on February 14th via Labrador.

Pulsing Electro Pop from Club 8

For some reason, and perhaps this is all on me, but I always thought of Club 8 as a purely indiepop hit machine. Sure, they stretched the form a bit, but from what we’ve heard off their 10th album, it looks like they’re really emphasizing the club punch on this go round. This jam has this throbbing pulse, kicked up by these electronic punches. Interestingly, the notes coincide with the breathy vocal delivery, matching note for note. It’s the sort of tune where you expect to sort of lose yourself within the confines of a fog filled club, lost in the beat of song; the chorus is pretty special too. Fire will be released January 26th via Labrador.

Hear New Radio Dept.

radiodeptIn all likelihood, this track will be all over the place by the end of the day. The Radio Dept. are well regarded in all circles, though their latest release seems to be seeing some doubt as singles leak out. This brand new one definitely has me sitting on the fence. Vocal recording definitely seems fitting, in line with previous work. But, the central beat that begins the song is a little to large; I’m used to the band offering a subdued blend of electronica in their pop. All that being said, the song does evolve into a more fare from the group…filled in with little atmospheric notes. Dammit! I need Stereogum and P4K to tell me if this is good or not because I can’t make up my mind. You listen, and you tell me. The band’s new LP, Running Out of Love hits in October via Labrador.

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More Synth Pop from Red Sleeping Beauty

redsleepingWhen I talked about the Mi Amor 7″ a few weeks back I mentioned that Red Sleeping Beauty really seemed to be going for it again, with deserved success. Today, Labrador and Shelflife released another track from the forthcoming album, and it’s a hit. I love the tone of the vocals (dark, sometimes smoky), especially when they coolly move into the chorus. Synth work is playful, though it’s not banging you over the head like some EDM sorts, allowing you to take in the pleasure of great electronic pop. The record is titled Kristina and has a release date of June 17th. You want real pop music? Here you go.

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Classic Pop from Red Sleeping Beauty

redsleepingAfter a long hiatus, Red Sleeping Beauty has picked things up over the last few years, culminating in the latest 7″ for Shelflife/Labrador. It’s just a careful wash of electronic joy, the sort that one millions of hearts on late 80s radio. Male and female vocals trade places over synthesized grooves, erupting in a soaring Spanish chorus laden with guitar working low in the mix. I suggest you go get your hands on this release before it’s too late to feel like you’ve fallen in love all over again; it’s available now!

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One More From Club 8

club8I figure since we’ve already shared two new Club 8 singles with you over the last couple of months, we should probably go on and share their 3rd single as well.  This one is called “Late Nights” and once again features some super catchy, synth laden house hits sure to entice everyone into a dance frenzy.  Since this is likely their last single prior to the upcoming album release, fans should enjoy this one for the next couple of weeks.

Pleasure is due out November 20th on Labrador Records.

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Catchy Club 8 Hit

club8It seems to me that Club 8 have their sites set on one direction, crafting danceable indiepop that’s going to hit hard in the clubs (are there still clubs?). The group have dwelled in similar territory, but this latest single seems to really go straight for the dancing jugular, pulsating rhythm and all. Still, the softness of the vocals makes it difficult for anyone to pull themselves away from what’s going on, even if you’re slow grooving with some random stranger. They’ve got a new album, Pleasure, slated for release on November 20th via Labrador, and I’m definitely intrigued, if not rather interested to see where these danceable singles fall in line with the rest of the record.

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Sorry I Missed It: New Club 8 Single

club8In a busy week, I somehow overlooked this new Club 8 track, which is a shame, as it’s likely some of the best work the Swedish act have put together. Karolina Komstedt’s voice soars beautifully from the opening minute, while the rest of the track is fairly minimal. It’s no surprise that the band is able to accomplish such great heights despite not beating people over the head with driving beats and jangling guitars. Like the song’s title, the song always seems like its heading for a quick end, or a dying moment…ultimately, the listener is rewarded here. Their new album, Pleasure, comes to you on November 20th via Labrador.

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Bright Pop from The Mary Onettes

Yeah, this track surfaced on Friday, but what better way to start off on a Monday than by listening to the blissed out pop from The Mary Onettes.  Their at work on their third LP, Hit the Waves (Labrador-March 2012), with changes in the music expected by the band; some of those changes are apparent in this first single.  Sure, you can see the nostalgia remnants, but that hazy darkness birthed on their first self-titled LP seems a distant memory.  Who knows where this will all end up, but I’m always glad to jam to a tune by these guys, so here you go. Happy Monday.

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New Music from Sambassadeur

I’ve been waiting for some time to listen to this new track from Sambassadeur, knowing that one of my favorite labels, Labrador, was going to release a new 7″ from the group.  The Memories 7″ is set to come out in November, and they’re giving everyone a chance to preview the material today.  Interestingly, the bass line steals the show, providing a stepping rhythm that definitely propels the song forward.  If you’ve followed the band, you’ll notice the orchestral touches such as horns and string cuts coming in and out of the track. I wish these guys would put out more material, but this will do.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/01-Memories.mp3]

Download:Sambassadeur – Memories [MP3]

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