Tag: lvl up

Spirit Was Release Stranger to the One

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Having been a fan of LVL UP, I’m definitely interested to see what Nick Corbo is doing with his Spirit Was project, particularly as his debut album looms on the horizon. To me, listening through the latest single, it feels like he’s sort of finding his path as he builds the songs. He starts this one off really quietly, almost like a field recording made to be used later, leaving the song fairly open as his vocals begin to take control of things. Textures get added, carefully, however, almost giving the nod to personal discovery as Corbo makes his way through the scenery of his musical world. Suddenly, the riffs that were merely foreshadowing in the song’s opening crash in, giving the track this almost crashing metal feel, though Nick’s voice feels very Bazaan here, providing some lineage to his sound. Definitely enjoyable to see him find his way, even in his own songs. Heaven’s Just a Cloud is out on October 22nd via Danger Collective Records.

Impressive New Tune From Spirit Was

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Nick Corbo is a guy you probably knew during his time playing bass and sometimes signing in the innovative indie rock band LVL UP. After his old band decided to go their separate ways, Corbo stepped out on his own under the recording moniker Spirit Was. Many years were spent perfecting the sound of this new project and now Spirit Was will release a brand new, debut LP on October 22nd entitled Heaven’s Just a Cloud via Danger Collective Records. Prior to that release date, we’ve been treated to this post-emo, Built to Spill, muddy, blues inspired number called “Come Back up to the House”. I love the way the song progresses from this acoustic ballad, into a sort of muddy, indie rock gem with some stellar female vocals to give it a softer touch. You’ll want to check it out below.

Pre-orders for Heaven’s Just a Cloud are live now.

Trace Mountains Share Me & May

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I really enjoyed LVL UP, so it’s nice that we’ve got Dave Benton continuing to write new music under Trace Mountains, though these are decidedly different in their sonic approach. That said, this single seems to reflect the direction of the forthcoming record, Lost in the Country; this is a contemplative track, filled with reflection and nostalgia. I like the subtle strings in the background, and the slight little dose of energy uptick that pops up at 1:35 in the song. This feels like one of those records perfectly suited for isolation and introspection, which means we’ll all surely have some way to connect with this right now. The new record comes out on April 10th via Lame-O Records.

LVL UP Give You Fuzzed Out Rock

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LVL UPLVL UP have been at the game of crafting emotionally accessible and equally fuzzy tracks for some time now and are approaching the release of their third album, albeit their first on the Sub Pop label. The track below, “Hidden Driver,” is slated to be the first track onReturn To Love, and it’s a good example of how well this band does fuzzy rock. The song opens with a general layer of haze over everything–vocals, percussion, guitars– but this really makes the sound stand out. Take a listen below, and then pre-orderReturn To Love, which is out on September 23rd via Sub Pop.

 

 

Thursday Show Spotlight: Lochness Mobsters vs LVL Up

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austinThursday means the weekend is almost here, which means your body can handle hitting up a show, grabbing a drink and testing your body’s limits to get up for work on Friday.  So…here’s two shows that I definitely feel should be on your radar this evening: Lochness Mobsters tour kick off and LVL Up, Whirr.  I’m going to hit up both of these gigs…but here’s a little info to help you pick.  Lochness Mobsters are the late-night stars, closing out over at Hotel Vegas.  Taking off Friday? Spend your evening with us over here rocking the only way we know how.  Looking for an early show with a traveling band? The line-up at Mohawk with Whirr, LVL Up, Basement is killer, but doors are at 6:30, so you can get your rock on, and still make it home in time to sleep off a few Lone Stars.  Sample some tunes from my personal highlights below.

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Stream Three Song 7″ From LVL UP

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52bd8af5-b887-410c-9ef3-972f4909b8a3LVL UP is a great band out of Brooklyn currently making some enticing, garage inspired rock tunes sure to be enjoyable by anyone with a pulse.  Today I’m pleased to share with you a three song 7″ from the band streaming in full below.  I’m a big fan of what’s going on with these guys and you better stay tuned in the future.

You can pick up a physical copy of this 7″ on August 1st via Run For Cover Records and Double Double Whammy.

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Pop Tune from LVL UP

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lvlupDon’t get sucked into the fact that this tune opens up as a semi-folk number; it’s nowhere near that.  It takes a few seconds, then driving guitar riffs and crashing cymbals echo throughout your ears.  It’s a weird cross between Weezer‘s pop sensibility and the oddball song construction of Built to Spill.  It’s another great tune from LVL UP, which will be offered to the masses via a split with Porches.  These young New Yorkers definitely have something rad going on, so we’re interested to see where they’ll be going in the very near future.  With catchy tunes like this one, I’m sure they’ll have no problem winning us over.

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More New Rock From LVL UP

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Last month or so I shared an in your face rock number from Purchase, NY based group LVL UP called “Graveyard”.  Today the band are being extremely generous and offering up another new sunny punk song entitled “Consistent”.  This band has a great rock n roll sound that could be compared to a slew of the big bright punk bands coming out of the NYC and L.A. areas.  I’m first in line to approve this new trend in the indie scene.

LVL UP have a new 7″ entitled Extra Worlds coming your way on April 6th via Double Whammy Records.  Pre-order the record here.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Consistent.mp3]

Download: LVL UP – Consistent [MP3]

LVL UP Bring Rock To Your Face

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It’s a rock n roll type of day here at ATH and it seems fitting as we head into the weekend for a show going down this evening.  My band bringing rock to your face today is called LVL UP and their powerful tune “Graveyard” can be found below.  It’s similar to recent indie-punk bands like The Men, but is a more short and sweet number that’s sure to brighten up your otherwise dull day.

This tune will be available on a limited 7″ single run coming your way on April 6th via Double Whammy Records.

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

Download: LVL UP – Graveyard [MP3]