Austin Spotlight: More New Music from Abram Shook

Abram.Shook.1.300Just a few weeks ago we brought you the first single from Abram Shook, and now he’s gone and outdone himself with another track for your ears.  I love the sound of his voice on this recording, plus the light-hearted emotion that’s created in the tune itself.  There’s lots of layers, but the construction of the track is such that it keeps things airy and joyous.  Listening to this track, you can see why we named Abram as one of our Emerging Artists for 2014. His album Sun Marquee is going to be a must-have when it’s released by Westerny Vinyl in early 2014.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/03-Distance.mp3]

Download: Abram Shook – Distance [Mp3]

Austin Spotlight: Swim Team Release EP

coverAustin’s got a great garage/punk scene, a solid Americana/folk scene, but it has always lacked a really great indiepop scene, despite having tons of great acts that’ve followed the genre.  Hopefully Swim Team will find some success, and things will start to change.  They’re creating these beautiful little pieces of dreamy pop that allow listeners to wander wistfully through their own minds.  They just released their self-titled EP, and I think that it’s one of the hidden gems of the city, so I opted to push it out there for people.  You can currently grab it for free, so be prepared to enjoy three great tunes.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/swim_team-Swim-Team-EP-03-Spectre.mp3]

Download: Swim Team – Spectre [MP3]

New Music from Euphoria Again

euphoriaSometimes I’m a music stalker; I follow the various outlets of my various favorites.  That’s how I was introduced to Euphoria Again; the album was produced by Mat Cothran of Coma Cinema, who on his own had one of my favorite albums last year.  This project hold true to the style, with this haunting intimacy that makes me wish I could play the guitar better than one or two chords.  It’s the sort of song one would write sitting at home with a few friends while an empty bottle of wine lays on the floor. Plus, the lyrics throughout the self-titled record are a bit strange, yet familiar in the way they’re all thrown together. Give it a whirl.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/euphoria-again-euphoria-again-04-Austin-called.mp3]

Download: Euphoria Again – Austin Called [MP3]

Pleased to Meet Me: Colleens

Colleens - Wild Dreams - Album CoverThis is the second time in a number of weeks that I’ve been introduced to a band from San Antonio that really excites me; this time the band is Colleens.  Based on the few songs I’ve been given, they’re crafting this brooding pop that holds onto a sense of majesty that I don’t recall hearing recently.  There’s light string arrangements in the background, while the main bit of instrumentation is careful guitar picking.  The vocals have this smoky haze to them, reminding me of that great era of pop music that came out in the late 1960s. It’s interesting, to say the least, so I hope you’ll enjoy your introduction to the band; they’re full-length, Wild Dreams, will be out February 4th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/04-No-Flowers.mp3]

Download: Colleens – No Flowers [MP3]

Checking In On Glasgow: Sonic Hearts Foundation

coverThe great thing about the Internet age is that it has made life easier, especially when it comes to intercontinental communication in regards to music.  We’ve got a friend Mike in Glasgow, a hot bed of music, and he’s offered to let us see into his world and the underground scene they’ve got going on.  We appreciate his time and we’ll feature more of his suggested acts in the coming weeks, months and so forth.

One of Glasgow’s best kept secrets and talented young musicians, Sonic Hearts Foundation, create dark, emotional, grand scale music with a real belief that only seems to come out of Glasgow, like Mogwai on steroids. Gaining infamy with guerilla concerts on rooftops of liquor stores, the four piece are currently unsigned; they are deep in the studio recording their first record. Check out “Northern Lights” off their Into Forever EP. Or the new track below. The guys hope to make it to the US soon!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Sonic-Hearts-Foundation-USA-01-USA.mp3]

Download: Sonic Hearts Foundation – USA [MP3]

New Music from Black Twig

blacktwigYou’ve got to keep an eye on things over in Finland, with Soliti Music really putting out some incredible acts.  The next slated release from the label is going to be the sophomore LP from Black Twig.  Heliogram is the name of the album, which should see a February release; it’s going to be an exciting piece if it contains songs like the one below.  I love the guitar playing here…it sort of jangles, but it mostly rings in a melodic, discordant manner.  Set it up right next to the softly delivered vocals and we’ve got a gem of a tune on our hands.  Looks like we need to head to Finland!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/02-Pastel-Blue.mp3]

Download: Black Twig – Pastel Blue [MP3]

The Echo Friendly Cover Jay Reatard

echofriendlyI typically don’t talk about covers, or really remixes for that matter, but I figured I had to talk about this one.  Any band that covers Jay Reatard, and does it well, is okay in my book.  Plus, “Nightmares,” the song chosen by The Echo Friendly, is my favorite all time song by Jay.  Hearing it strung out for an added minute, with such a different spin is really something special.  It also goes to show just what a great songwriter Jay was, able to put his own touches to great pop songs; he’ll probably be under-appreciated for too long.  The duo will have their own debut LP coming your way in may, so keep a sharp eye out.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/NightmaresJay-Reatard-Cover.mp3]

Download: The Echo Friendly – Nightmares (Jay Reatard Cover)

Friday Is for Pop Music: Hibou

hibouThis track from Hibou jumped out yesterday, and I wanted to save it for today, so I could send you off in a good mood heading into the weekend.  This track is brimming with dance-floor ready goodness, using catchy beats to really influence the listener.  It’s no surprise, as the man behind the music, Peter Michel, has been working with Craft Spells on tour for some time, so I fully expect this sort of deliciousness. This track is slated to be released on his upcoming full length, which will surely make those electro-pop fans giddy; we’ll keep you posted on the details.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Hibou-Hide-Away.mp3]

Download: Hibou – Hide Away [MP3]

New Jams from Quiz Kids

coverIf you’ve got some time, I suggest you go and spend some time playing around on the February Records site; it’s got a lot of really good hits that I think will make your Wednesday a delight, especially this new jam from Quiz Kids.  The song’s playful from the get-go, and there’s an added bonus when the lead vocal combines with the soft backing female vocal.  This is the sort of song that just makes your day better having listened to it; you can grab a few more extra songs from the band’s Dynamite single, which is currently up for the name your price special.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Quiz-Kids-Dynamite-01-I-Want-You-To-Know.mp3]

Download: Quiz Kids – I Want You To Know [MP3]

Pop Gem from Paul Cook and the Chronicles

paulThis new tune from Paul Cook floated into my inbox last week, and I wish I had gotten to it earlier.  It’s a smooth little pop ditty from the singer-songwriter, who uses his Chronicles to provide listeners with a look into his life.   Clearly this song is about a lady leaving our songwriter during the holidays, so its fitting that we’re in the midst of our own holiday season.  If you like what you hear, I advise you to spend some time with Paul’s back catalogue; it’s filled with songs just as great as the one you’ll find below.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Paul-Cook-The-Chronicles-Wood-On-The-Fire.mp3]

Download: Paul Cook and the Chronicles – Wood On The Fire [MP3]

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