This is fine.
Well, everyone else is doing it, so why don’t we? We’re going to toss out our top five albums of the year, except we’ll be doing it with our four main contributors, so hopefully that’ll mix things up a bit. Obviously, we’re only half-way through the year, so things are subject to change, and by things I mean our minds.
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The day is finally here! We’ve had some tweaking to the site in the work behind the scenes by our excellent partners, Paravel, and I’m here to announce the first update. I hope you know by now that we’ve started a non-profit (aren’t they all) record label, and our first release was Literature‘s Arab Spring (partnered with Square of Opposition). It’s a great record that has gotten lots of national press, so you should definitely check it out (and buy it!). You can purchase the album directly from us by going HERE. There’s also a little tab on the lower right of the home page, and we’ll be updating it with all our releases. If you prefer to get your vinyl in a non-Internet environment, it’s all over Austin at End of an Ear, Waterloo and Trailer Space. Here’s a few great tracks to stream so you know exactly what you’ll be getting. Keep an eye out for more updates on the site, and on the record label!
If you follow this site, you’ve got to know my affinity for really well written indie-pop tunes, so I was pleased to come across Pet Milk through the suggestion of Literature front-man, Nate. Apparently, the Philly group carries with them some members of Brown Recluse (a solid band on Slumberland), but Adriane’s vocals on this recording provided a nice little twist to the band’s sound, giving it a hint of warm sexuality. Still, you’ll find my favorite musical trademarks like heavy-handed guitar jangles and anxious drumming; be sure to stay tuned for the great end to to the track. You can find tons of songs from the band over HERE, but don’t forget to donate a little bit to the band’s efforts!
Download: Pet Milk – Phantom Lovers [MP3]
It’s been a great couple of weeks for Austin artists (depsite Michael C.’s hatred); releases by Whitman, Zoltars, Literature and leaks of songs by Eastern Sea, Little Radar (coming tomorrow) and now Deep Time. Formerly the group was known as Yellow Fever here in our fair city, but as they’ve signed to Hardly Art, it’s time to move on up in the world–and move in new directions. As Deep Time, the duo will release a self-titled debut as a sign of new things to come; it’ll be in stores on July 10th. I really like the sound of Jennifer’s voice on this track, and it’s definitely a stronger (if only in production) sound for the group. Congrats Austin…seems like you’ve got a lot going on afterall.
Download: Deep Time – Clouds [MP3]
Rating: 
No mincing it, we love this band. So much so that Nathan has Austin Town Hall backing the vinyl which can be ordered here. So why do we need to review the record? Probably because it is warranted. A recent blog post by Michael Corcoran lamented the mediocre Austin music scene. I simply retorted you aren’t trying.
Make no mistake, there are jams being laid down by several bands born of the Live Music Capital and Literature is one of the bands doing it in their blue collar, super pop way.. So let’s examine Arab Spring.
The album opener is a gentler affair, easing into the poppy blasts that are coming. And blasts they are with the longest track weighing in at an impressive 2:51. This pace creates the punk tension, stay on top of it, or you might miss something. So, “14 Seconds” features a break midway of guitars, a recurring theme for the rest of the album. Great introduction to the band and the interplay of Kevin and Nathaniel on vocals.
“Lily” starts to really show off the melodic constructions, from the vocals to the building guitar layers. Has a feel of Arctic Monkeys in the best way, without accents and over indulgence. “Push up Bra” brings unleashed pop, jangly riffs, quick lyrical delivery and festive backing vocal destined for sing along participation. “Criminal Kids” starts the swing into my favorite span of the album. “This town scares me.” – attributable to Corcoran? The band follows with “Arab Spring”, the title track, “Then there is you, and others too, that will be left uninvited.”
“Grifted” and “Rooney” are two songs I would use to show off our Austin scene. The former is my high point, best opening hook I have heard in a long while. Nice breakdowns and layering as the vocals resume and proper use of keys to settle the song in for the outgoing jam. The latter is the biggest song on the album, another great guitar hook that climbs and gives way to loud chords. The short run time just makes you want to play it again, right away. Again, trading vocals, trading guitar lead, all while Mike and Seth run the show with the rhythm section.
The album’s finish is composed of a three song set. “O.J.” is the tender vocal moment with a great climbing and falling bassline from Seth. “Esquire Esquire” asks what am I supposed to do? when I can’t win, can’t lose. The finale, “I am Right Here”, doesn’t let us off easy; staccato, fast, short and sweet. Vocals are delivered in a matter of fact way.
So what do I want to complain about? It is over too soon. But it has to be. Arab Spring as a collection of songs is fast, to the point and leave you wanting to do it again. Literature captures the essence of pop, bridging gaps, sometimes more serious and sometimes more playful. Most important, the album shows where we are going. Things are breaking down and our “scene” is getting back to basics. It is time to have fun at shows. It is time to get sucked into two minute blasts of energy, take a short break and do it again.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/06-GRIFTED.mp3]Download: Literature – Grifted [MP3]
Here is a little video of the song “Rooney” taken a few months back…
[youtube width=640 height=390]TlA-CkpYUWM[/youtube]
| Date | Wednesday, March 28th |
|---|---|
| Location | Beale Street Tavern |
| Doors | 700p |
| Tickets | $5 at the Door |
In the post SXSW lull, we get the chance to see tons of great local acts, and the fine folks over at the Parish are working on a new project specializing in local talent. They’ll be showcasing several local acts over at Beale Street Tavern (next to BD Rileys), which might help spread music back into 6th Street. The night features personal favorites Literature, but also other local acts we’re interested in checking out, such as The Hawks, Foreign Mothers and Field Dress. It’s super cheap, so that should be all the reason alone to get out and support the scene.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/06-GRIFTED.mp3]Download: Literature – Grifted [MP3]
Usually the year begins in January, but I typically don’t get my musical gears started until after SXSW. So I started thinking about the Austin scene, and honestly, I think it’s really struggling right now (and I don’t quite know who to blame). But, I wanted to give a shout out to five bands that I think are going to make a huge impact this year in Austin and/or Texas, at least that’s what I’m hoping to see from them. These aren’t in any particular order, so just go with it, and if you see that one of these bands is playing…do Austin a favor and actually go watch them play. Oh, and we included one Houston act because they’re here all the time and we love them. Deal with it.
I was a happy kid. Sure, things could have gone a tiny bit smoother with sponsor issues and sound-guy car troubles early, but we pulled together like a community and put on an excellent day of music. Big thanks to all involved, my +1 for bartending early, the bands for helping each other out, whatever it took was whatever it took and the party felt like SxSW of old.
So here are a bounty of pics from the 2nd St. Showdown…
We’re nearing the release date of Literature‘s Arab Spring (April 10th), which will be our first AustinTownHall Records release, working with our friend Chris over at Square of Opposition. Sure, I’m easily biased as I believe whole-heartedly in this record, but I wanted to share another track to convince you that you’ll need a copy in your hands! “14 Seconds” opens the album, setting the mood for a jangling indie pop record that inevitably gets you to swing your hips as the record completely sucks you in. You definitely need to head HERE to get your pre-order on before you have to hunt down this brilliant release!
Download:Literature – 14 Seconds [MP3]
It’s that time again folks, time for SXSW and another awesome show by yours truly here at ATH. This year we’re teaming up with our amigos over at local label Sonora Records to bring what is arguably the best SXSW show around. We’ve got a sweet lineup that’s been worked on behind the scenes for months now with some equally incredible local sponsors. Here are the deets on the show after the jump.
