This is fine.
Our SXSW Interview series is in full swing, and we’ve got to push on, as we have a little less than a month until we reach the festival. Today we’ve got responses from LA duo Soft Streak, who also just happen to be releasing their brand new EP today as well…so congrats on that!
It’s a beautiful day in Austin, TX and I’d advise you to play some tunes which fit the current sunny skies and moderate temps. My new friends in Los Angeles based Small Forward have this new single called “Tearjerker” to perfectly fit the mood. Don’t let the track title mislead you, the song is full of bright, shoe gaze style pop music perfect for a morning drive on a crisp, lovely day. These guys are fairly new to the game right now and I’m told we will be hearing much more from them in the new year.
Australian based group Death Bells really won me over with a couple of solid performances this year during SXSW. Both shows were tight, intense, and filled with tons of emotion. Since that time, the band plans to hop from the land down under and move to Los Angeles with plans of touring and releasing new music. Some of that new music comes your way today with this new single called “Echoes”. It features much more of a bright and soft sound when compared to the band’s more raw, dark new wave sound from last release Standing at the Edge of the World. Not sure if this is a permanent change in direction or just the band playing with new ideas, but I can dig it either way.
This track appears on a new 7″ single you can pre-order now via Funeral Party Records.
More SXSW interviews, all the time, all day, every day. As you can see, we are not messing around with the interviews this year leading up to the festival. I think Nathan and I have rather enjoyed seeing what all these bands have to say about our town and our festival. What I dig most about it is seeing the overwhelming amount of positivity each band brings even if they are on a long tour or a few days between a solid meal. Today I carry on the interviews with one from L.A. based Gothic Tropic. Hit the jump to see it all.
Right around a month ago a band called Hearty Har from L.A. hit me up with some songs they were looking to get out into the world. Well, now song number two entitled “Radio Man ’56” is ready for your ever awaiting ears. This one is a great blend of Bowie style, mid-70s themed psych pop music. I’m also once again impressed with the tightness of the band and the overall quality of the performance. Well done once again.
We here at ATH are now counting down the weeks to yet another party time at Austin City Limits Festival. It’s crazy to think how long we’ve been doing this, and yet the excitement continues to remain the same each and every year. We’re doing our usual thing in lead up to the festival with interviews, previews, recommendations, and guides. Already we’ve shared an interview with White Reaper and Nicole told us about 5 things she’s most looking forward to over the weekend. Today I move us forward with a sweet interview from L.A. based rock duo Deap Vally. Hit the jump for full interview.
Maybe stop what you’re doing right now and check out this hot new track “Creation Frustration” from L.A. based band Hearty Har. It’s like if MGMT, Portugal the Man., and you’re favorite weird psych band all got together and made babies. You cant deny the band has one hell of a lot of energy and sound like one of the tightest groups I’ve heard in a while. Carry on.
Stay tuned for more from Hearty Har in the future.
Infectious is not a word I use frequently to describe music, but that’s exactly what comes to mind with this new track “Blade Runner” from L.A. based Dutch Party. Mastermind behind the project Ken Franklin immediately draws you in the second you hit play with the tracks catchy as hell take on electronic themed pop music. It reminds me a bit of Painted Palms and I’d say that’s a solid compliment.
Dutch Party will release new EP Combat Pop later this fall.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/336874488″ params=”color=00aabb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Sometimes a song doesn’t quite do it for you on first listen, but then catches your ear more and more with each play. Right now this new one called “Used to be Cool” from L.A. based artist Prism Tats is one of those songs. It has a very old school feel to it with rocking guitars and a very anthemic, loud feel. I find myself wanting to get up and dance along, and I don’t dance…
Prism Tats will release 11:11 on July 28th via Anti Records.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/334591977″ params=”color=00aabb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Today I’ve really been digging this new song called “Yeah I Want It” from L.A. based band Umm. It reminds me a bit of fellow duo Jack + Eliza if they added more rock elements and experimental sounds. You can sometimes hear a bit of grunge in the song intertwined with some great vocal harmonies. Most anyone can find something to like here.
Umm will release new album Double Worshipper on July 28th via Majestic Litter (pre-order).
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/333193951″ params=”color=00aabb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
