Solemn Ballad from Frank Smith

Frank SmithThe word might be out that there’s a fuller sound, and even a more rocking sound, on the new album from Austin outfit Frank Smith.  For me, none of that matters at all, especially when you listen to the quality of this latest single, “Chewing Glass.”  It’s got the backbone of a piano, with the guitar ringing in the distance; it paints the picture of what I always think of when it comes to Texas defined music, though with a heavier leaning here, slightly.  I’m already calling this one of my favorite tracks of the year.  The band’s new album, Nineties, is out next week!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/10-Chewing-Glass.mp3]

Download: Frank Smith – Chewing Glass [MP3]

New Matador Signing, Majical Cloudz

Autosave-File vom d-lab2/3 der AgfaPhoto GmbHMatador Records continues their push to diversify their catalogue by adding Majical Cloudz, the songwriting project of Devon Welsh.  The label will be releasing the Impersonator, the new full length effort, on May 21st.  It takes time for this track to open up to you, much as I expect it will take time to absorb the music within the album…I mean that in a good way.  Electronic flourishes slowly trickle in just before Welsh’s deep voice slowly unfolds.  I like the almost operatic quality of the voice; it’s not too over the top, yet it’s far from ordinary.  I think people are really going to find something to sink their teet into here.

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

Download: Majical Cloudz – Childhood’s End [MP3]

Keeping It Austin: Meet Pharoahs

1887140403-1Over the last year or so I’ve caught several sets from local boys Pharaohs, and they continue to impress with their enthusiastic indifference.  Their goal you ask? Well, in my eyes the aim of the group is to throw down like nobody’s business while building their sets with rad hooks and jagged guitar lines.  I haven’t caught one set that didn’t make me want to let loose, all the while singing along.  You should care about the group, not only because they’re fast becoming an Austin staple, but because their debut record, Babes Booze Bam Bam Baby, is solid track after solid track.  If you like what you hear, then head HERE to grab the album from the band…and remember to contribute to your favorite artists!

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

Download: Pharaohs – Prettiest Girl [MP3]

Mas Musica de Pure X

artworks-000040620860-sbur4m-t500x500Personally, I’m really excited about the upcoming effort from Pure X, Crawling Up the Stairs.  While I really enjoyed their last effort, I’m thinking they might be mixing things up a bit, expanding their sound.  If you listen to this new single, you’ll definitely have to agree, as the vocals alone indicate a larger focus on that aspect; I felt like it was used as an instrument the last go round.  Still, it’s got this drifting quality that enchants listeners, though that’s juxtaposed to the gruff quality on some of the vocal delivery, which might be off-putting (even grating), depending upon who you ask.  All in all, this new single indicates a band refining and expanding their sound; on May 14th we’ll all get a chance to hear the full collection of tunes.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Pure-X-Someone-Else.mp3]

Download: Pure X – Someone Else [MP3]

Tribal Pop From Way Yes

Way_Yes

This isn’t typically a song that would be up my alley, but I’m going to go out on a limb a bit here and share this new track that I’m kind of finding irresistible.  The track in question is called “Colerain” and comes our way from Ohio based pop group Way Yes.  I’m drawn towards the interesting tribal style percussion going on and the soothing nature that warrants many repeats through the speakers.  Hopefully you can see what I’m talking about after a couple of listens.

New album Tog Pebbles is out May 7th on Lefse Records.

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

Download: Way Yes – Colerain [MP3]

Country-fied Gem from Will Courtney

will-courtney_cover-thumbIf you’ve been around the Austin music scene for awhile, then you surely heard about Brothers and Sisters, which featured Will Courtney.  The group decided to call it quits, forcing Will to go out and discover his own sound.  Based on this single, it’s going to be a folk-influenced record from a rambling man; this song features steady strumming from an acoustic guitar with careful instrumentation being used for accompaniment.  I’m really looking forward to how the rest of the record comes together; the title is A Century Behind, and it will be in your local record stores on April 22nd.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/02-Theres-No-Answer.mp3]

Download: Will Courtney – There’s No Answer [MP3]

Don’t You Just Love Kurt Vile

dse_9896webI just absolutely love Kurt Vile.  While some artists I adore seem to be hit or miss, this guy just doesn’t ever seem to write a bad song, let alone a mediocre one.  His latest single features those smoky vocals and light guitar sound, occasionally stopping for some careful strumming moments; I even like the stuttering vocal of “away-ay-ay-ay” that he throws in there.  His new record, Walking on a Pretty Daze, will be released on April 9th via Matador Records, and I guarantee that it’s not going to get a bad review from anyone, unless they’re crazy folks.

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

Download: Kurt Vile – Never Run Away [MP3]

More New Music from Velcro

30916641-1I love bands who work hard to perfect their sound.  In doing so, that usually benefits us, as we get song after song of a band making their way in the musical world.  One of my favorite acts working their way up the ladder is Velcro.  It seems like they’ve always got a tune to release, and I think “Bottle Shop” really finds the band making their home.  The pace of the track is slow, with Curtis taking the stage early with his vocals being placed atop gently progressing guitar chords.  Then a female counterpart softly joins him just before the track fades out.  If you love what these guys are doing, and I do, then keep an eye out as they’ll have a new full-length coming to you later this year.

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

Download: Velcro – Bottle Shop [MP3]

Great New Single from Day Ravies

4283719872-1Sure, you can see that the Day Ravies has some allegiance to rock n’ roll history, but that stays in the name alone.  This Sydney group specializes more in dreamy pop songs built around a steady rhythm section and beautiful bending guitar sounds.  They released an EP last year, but this new track is our first glimpse of great things to come when the band releases their full-length debut later this year on Popfrenzy Records.  This is definitely a group with a sound that’s going to attract a lot of attention as it gradually makes its way overseas.  Just be glad you heard it here first.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Day-Ravies-Double-Act.mp3]

Download: Day Ravies – Double Act [MP3]

Consumerism Track of the Day: The Wedding Present – What Have I Said Now

bizarroOkay, so I’m starting off a new feature that will appear from time to time on our pages.  It’s geared around two ideas that were spawned while exhausting myself catching as many bands as possible at SXSW: the idea of running a music web site and owning tons of music.  Sure, not all of you are inundated with tons of music like I am, but in this day and age, everyone has growing catalogues of singles and albums; it’s part of living in a consumerist society.  I wanted to force myself to revisit my own history, musically, by randomly going through my iTunes.  Read on for more details about the process of selection, and see how you can participate. Read more

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