Celebrate the Life of Mikey Hodges with the Memories Latest

memorySadly, Mikey Hodges, the man behind Pop Zeus, as well as on-again off-again drummer for the Memories, was killed in a tragic accident in December.  But, the Memories are offering a glimpse at his work with a 7″ they recorded with Mikey back in 2013.  It’s a short 7″ being released by Wharf Cat Records, and both the songs are a great look at what the band accomplished during their time working with Mikey.  If you love the song, you should pick it up soon, as all proceeds will be going directly to his family during their time of need.

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Chilled Pop from Hooton Tennis Club

hortonhootonFeel like today should is taking a turn towards all things European, so why not keep that going with the latest buzz act out of Liverpool, Hooton Tennis Club. Overseas they’re getting this weird lo-fi buzz, but while the style might fit, they’re playing is actually pretty tight-knit, making this song successful on many levels; it’s got a new classic sound, but it’s executed enthusiastically, so I can get behind the buzz in this case.  You’ll be able to pick this song up on the band’s new 7″; it’s being released by Heavenly Recordings on February 24th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/01_Jaspar.mp3]

 

New Indiepop Gem from The Popguns

091jacketIt seems like it’s been far too long since our friends at Matinee Recordings have unleashed something new on the masses, but they’re now ready with the much anticipated return of The Popguns.  The Brighton act had largely been quiet until the last few years, tweaking their line-up a tad, and writing their first new material in 18 years.  This single below is the feature on the group’s Lovejunky EP; the shimmering guitar work has this attraction you can’t deny and Wendy’s voice has this matured innocence to it that’s inescapable.  You’ll be able to get your hands on one of the rare cherry red 7″, numbered by hand, but you better act quick because songs like this get a lot of love.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/01-Lovejunky.mp3]

Download: The Popguns – Lovejunky [MP3]

Talk in Tongues Ready 7″

titI love the birth of new bands, like that of Talk in Tongues.  I’m into it because I’m a fan of progression, seeing where an artist or group goes from one point to another.  It’ll be really interesting to see where this act goes, as they’re just readying their first 7″ for Fairfax Recordings. For a first single, it’s pretty spot on, sonically.  The drums sound great, and I love the warmth of the vocals.  But, what I’m hearing from the guitars has me curious as to the group’s next steps, as they walk a line between dream pop and psychedelia.  For now, just enjoy yourself this little number, and grab the 7″ on November 25th.

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Ballad from DMAs

dmasThere’s not a whole lot to this track, especially in its opening moments, as it’s strummed guitar and vocals.  That’s the back to basics approach that Australia’s DMAs are offering up today, which is actually a pretty nice little jam.  There’s a hint of percussion added on the back end of the tune, but for the most part, this is just a really simple ballad; who doesn’t love a good ballad?  There’s some touches in the tune showing that the band has room to play, musically speaking, but for now we can just enjoy the simplicity here.  This tune will feature on a 7″ from Mom + Pop in Novemeber.

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Lightning Pop from Joanna Gruesome

comicYeah yeah, this song was everywhere. But hey, I’m not going to jump off the Joanna Gruesome train anytime soon. I love that there’s two sides to this tune, which seems to represent my own personal tastes.  The first offering you get is this fast paced riot-girl rock, but they pull back quite a bit to offer a glimpse at the pop sensibility they maintain with ease.  This song is 1 of the 4 off a new 7″ that’s being released as a split with popular Perfect Pussy.  It’ll be accompanied by a nice comic book too, which is the work of Phil McAndrew (his sister rocks in PP).  You’ll want to get your hands on this when it’s released by Captured Tracks, Slumberland Records and Fortuna Pop…a pretty solid triumvirate of rad labels.

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Electro Jam from Superhumanoids

superhumanI feel like this is an obligatory post for our boy B. Gray while he’s out on the road doing that real job thing.  He loves Superhumanoids, and this single is definitely another reason to be excited by the group’s work.  I love the little electro glitch sample that seems to serve as the driving force in this track, while guitars splash upon that backdrop.  The impressive vocal performance doesn’t damage the song’s emotional pull either.  You can find this track on the band’s new Come Say Hello/Hey Big Bang, which was just released…and also check out their full-length, Exhibitionists.

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Post Rock Soccer Ode from Dark Blue

dark blueFirst, I was surprised to see that Jade Tree was still releasing music; I used to love that label, but somehow completely forgot them.  But, for myself and the other lads at ATH, we profess our eternal love of soccer daily, and it’s all the reason to share this number from Dark Blue since it’s been labeled an ode to the sport and hooliganism (which I don’t support). Even if you don’t like soccer, surely you’ll appreciate this lead single from the band’s new 7″, which has this nice croon resting on top of noisy guitar riffs.  The vinyl version of this 7″ will come with a cover of John Cale‘s “Hungry for Love;” it will be released July 15th.

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New Pop from Ablebody

ableIt’s been a little bit of time since we’ve posted anything from the group Ablebody, the project of the Hochheim brothers, who you’ll occasionally see as members of Pains of Being Pure at Heart.  Anyways, these guys are great, creating these perfect pieces of wistful pop, such as the track below, which is the A-Side to their forthcoming 7″.  The warmth of the backing “ahhs” do a wonderful job to add to the dreamy pop sensibility that is already present in the tune.  You can catch the band on tour supporting PoBPaH throughout the end of Spring, and order the 7″ HERE.

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New Music from The Shivas

shivasSo you’re heading out to the record store this weekend, and you’re wondering what you need besides that Mac Demarco and Cloud Nothings records you’ve got on your list? My suggestions is you immediately get your hands on the latest 7″ from The Shivas.  Their last full-length, Whiteout, didn’t get as much appreciate as it deserved, but they definitely turned heads with their great set at last years Austin Psych Fest.  The A-Side has this swinging touch to it, working magic that makes the tune undeniably catchy with the vocal work.  If the band continues to write hits like this there’s no reason their next full-length won’t knock the socks off everyone out there.  And if it’s not at your local shop, pick it up from their label, K Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/TheShivas_YouMakeMeWannaDie_IPU143_01_YouMakeMeWannaDie.mp3]

 

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