Songs for Walter At It Again

songsforwalterSeems like it’s been a little bit since I’ve written about Songs for Walter; I suppose that blame lays with me.  Laurie Hulme, the prolific songwriter behind the name, has been releasing tunes at an ungodly speed in 2013, gearing up for his debut full-length.  This latest track is a non-album tune, which can only mean one of two things: 1) the record is going to be so good, this was a throw-away or 2) he just wanted to go a different direction on the debut.  Regardless, I always love the songwriting, right down to the way the guitar parts are carefully picked, string by string.  Thanks to Bleeding Gold for always supporting these acts with their on-going project!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Songs-For-Walter-Nicks-Song.mp3]

Download: Songs For Walter – Nick’s Song [MP3]

Blast from the Past: The Return of Josh Berwanger

3ue5_BERWANGERLPINSERTAdmittedly, I went through a pretty intense emo phase (by that I’m talking 2nd wave).  One of the acts I got really into was the Anniversary, which interestingly appealed more to me with their second album, as it grew much like I did.  Here we have Josh Berwanger, one of the band’s primary songwriters returning.  It still has some of that country twang to it, though the Josh’s usage of combining male and female vocals is still evident here.  It’s a pretty casual track, but I’m not going to pretend like the harmonies don’t make their way into my heart.  He’ll be releasing his debut album, Strange Stains, on October 1st via Good Land Records.  I’m actually looking forward to what he comes up with this time around.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/03-Baby-Loses-Her-Mind.mp3]

Download: Josh Berwanger – Baby Loses Her Mind [MP3]

Fresh Pop Rock from Dot Dash

dotdashdcI’ve written about Dot Dash on several occasions over the last few years, raving about their last LP, Winter Garden Light.  I’m excited to let you all know that the group is back with their new album, Half-Remembered Dream.  The first single from the album is just pure rock n’ roll; I love the band’s style of guitar playing, but I’m really impressed with the vocals this time around.  They have such a soft quality to them, providing a nice little juxtaposition between vocals and instruments; this track reminds me of Nada Surf to a certain degree.  The album was just released by The Beautiful Music, but you can also pick it up from the band.  Here’s to a band you might not know, but definitely need in your musical collection.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Dot-Dash-Half-Remembered-Dream-01-Heres-to-The-Ghosts-of-The-Past.mp3]

Download: Dot Dash – (Here’s to) The Ghosts of The Past [MP3]

Fresh New Jeremy Jay Track

KDR005Not only do I really appreciate K Records, but I love Jeremy Jay.  So, when the two team up, you know I’m going to throw my support their way.  Jeremy has a new album titled Abandoned Apartments coming out on the label on November 12th, and we’ve got the first listen to one of the tracks for your ears. The guitar is still an integral part of the sound, though the wash of synths has become more prominent through the last few LPs, which is definitely apparent here.  Closing out the song is a twanging bit of guitar work too; it’s a nice touch to end the song.  Hope you enjoy listening to Jeremy as much as I do.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/02.-COVERED-IN-IVY.mp3]

Download: Jeremy Jay – Covered In Ivy [MP3]

Austin Spotlight: Simple Circuit Release New Album

simplecircutiThose following the undercurrent of the Austin scene have surely heard of Simple Circuit; they’ve released a few 7 inches to rave reviews.  Good news comes today that the band has released their debut, self-titled, LP…and after listening to it all day long, it’s exactly what I expected.  The whole record is brimming with energetic songs with excellent guitar work and steady drumming; you’ll want to have your speakers up  loud for the duration.  There’s even a few mellower tracks to keep the LP catchy for everyday listening.  Right now the band is offering it up for the NYP, but I highly suggest you donate, as these guys (and this record) deserve it!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Simple-Circuit-S-T-02-Sattrash.mp3]

Download: Simple Circuit – Sattrash [MP3]

Energetic Jam from Pagiins

PagiinsSmall4.182757I immediately like the way this song kicks off, with a guitar line that’s soon joined by percussion and vocals.  It’s a jump-start from the get go, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the energetic blend of garage and psych genres.  It seems that Pagiins (yea, they did that) are intent about just giving us no frills rock n’ roll, though we might hear a few things mixed up when they release two EPs on October 8th.  The Arkansas based band will release Good Things Take Time and Bad Things Dont EPs, with two similar themes, though the styles are rumored to show the two faces of the act.  You can pick it up from 20 Sided Records in October.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Pagiins-Bad-Things-Dont-01-Open-Up-Your-Mind.mp3]

Download: Pagiins – Open Up Your Mind [MP3]

Austin Spotlight: Mini Dresses

minidressesLate last year I posted a tune from the first 7″ by Austin dream poppers Mini Dresses (released on Manic Pop).  Just last week they dropped a brand new two song EP, aptly titled Two.  While it might only be two tunes, it’s just the sound I’ve been looking for lately.  It’s got this bubbling guitar/bass line that works excellently throughout, occasionally jangling off.  Female vocals float cooly throughout the tune, though in an airy sense as opposed to some sort of haunting dreamscape.  This is definitely a band we should all keep our eyes on in the near future.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Mini-Dresses-Everywhere-I-Go.mp3]

Download:  Mini Dresses – Everywhere I Go [MP3]

 

Show Preview: Pharaohs @ Mohawk (8/19)

PharaohsI know Alex Bleeker of Real Estate is playing over at Hotel Vegas, but I think I’m going local Monday night by checking out the great acts featured at the Mohawk.  I can rave on and one about Eets Feats, which features members of Low Times, or I could talk about the connection between The Shine Brothers and Black Angels. I might even want to talk about exciting new Austin act, God’s Gun, but of course, I’m going back to love on Pharaohs. This isn’t because the other bands aren’t incredible (they are), but because one of my favorite local acts has also just released a new video for their track “Come And Get It;” ou can watch it HERE. The track is super local; it was filmed by Jon Chamberlain of Rubberneck Mag, and features Steven of Sweet Talk/Jonly Bonly fame.  Seems like you should get to the Mohawk tonight: doors are at 9.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Pharaohs-Babes-Booze-Bam-Bam-Baby-01-Prettiest-Girl.mp3]

Download: Pharaohs – Prettiest Girl [MP3]

Another New Rocker from Bad Sports

Bad SportsI’m going to admit that I have a bit of an obsession with Bad Sports, and all the associated acts of the members (Video, OBNIIIs, etc).  Their new record Bras is, to me, a huge success.  They’ve slowed down a few of the tunes, leaving listeners with these great power pop ballads; there’s still a nice grinding edge, however.  The track below is just such an example; it’s catchy in the chorus; there’s a stomping drum element.  My two cents think this is going to be a sleeper hit for a lot of folks that are into the realm of garage-rock.  Bras comes out on Dirtnap Records at the end of August.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/08-Terrible-Place.mp3]

Download: Bad Sports – Terrible Place [MP3]

We Love Obits…and Their New Single

ObitsI’ve actually grown to appreciate  Obits as their own entity; I used to love them based solely on their earlier bands.  On this new song, the second single from their upcoming album, they’re, surprisingly, not going on full blast.  There’s still that rawness, which admittedly can be attributed to the vocals, but the warmth of the guitar towards the end of the track really finds the band going in different directions.  Bed Bugs is the title of the new album, and it’s being released by Sub Pop on September 10th; are you ready to rock?

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/02-Spun-Out.mp3]

Download: Obits – Spun Out [MP3]

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