New Track from Evans the Death

There’s very few labels that have been as dependable as Slumberland Records over the last few years, and they’ve signed yet another wunderkind in Evans the Death.  On April 3rd the band will be releasing their new self-titled album, as well as a single. We’ve got the lead track below to stream, so prepare yourself for an excellent ride. Energy bursts forth from the get-go, and we’ve got a new female lead in Katherine Whitaker.  Her vocals sound sublime backed by the melodious hooks of the rest of the group.  Let’s cheer on Slumberland and their newest signing!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/05-Telling-Lies.mp3]

 

New Number from Wild Nothing

We’d be remiss if we didn’t hit on the big news of the day, the return of Wild Nothing to the music-making fold.  When Pitchfork premeired the track earlier today, they talked of main songwriter, Jack Tatum, working in a professional studio for the first time.  I’m not sure how I feel about that, as I felt like a lot his charm came from the fact that he crafted those sounds in his bedroom.  Still, after listening to this track, so far everything seems well; I’ll be pleased if its half as good as Gemini, their first full-length.  For now, expect this single to come out via Captured Tracks, in order to hold us over while the band is recording.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Nowhere.mp3]

Download: Wild Nothing – Nowhere [MP3]

Warm Pop Number from Princeton

It’s been quite a bit since I heard anything about Princeton, but I’m glad the group’s back o the up and up.  They’ve got a new record titled Rememberance of Things to Come that is going to hit the streets on February 21st.  This title tracks seems a little bit more structured around a few loops, at least up until the midpoint of the track where strings and percussion pick the song up.  It’s a feathery vocal that soars throughout the song that will really grab the ears of pop music lovers.  Come on in and get taken away by this sweet little jam.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/01-Remembrance-Of-Things-To-Come.mp3]

Download: Princeton – Remembrance Of Things To Come [MP3]

Incredible New Pop from AU

When you first press play on the new single from AU, you get the feeling that it’s going to be that sort of sprawling track that ambles on and on, but you’ll soon learn that there’s more to it than that, as the band jumps off into a quick paced romp of their own liking.  It’s the unexpected twist that makes the group so enjoyable to listen to time and time again.  You can find this track and others on the band’s upcoming Both Lights LP, which will land in stores on April 3rd by way of Hometapes.  If anything, at least give the group credit for moving outside the typical pop structures.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/06-Solid-Gold-1.mp3]

Download: AU – Solid Gold

 

Dark New Song from Black Marble

I’m a label loyalist, so when our friends at Hardly Art send something our way, I’m pretty much guaranteed to like it.  Perhaps that leads me to make judgmental errors in regards to what’s good and what’s not, but in the case of Black Marble, I think I’m right on with this one.  The vinyl release of their Weight Against the Door EP will be out on Valentine’s Day, and I hope it features just as many darkened tracks as this number.  Musically, it’s just a steady, almost simple, electronic production, but the vocal vibe creates that sort of haunting feeling you had as a kid when you first listened  to Joy Division…or more recently Blank Dogs. Taste it.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/BlackMarble_Pretender.mp3]

Download:Black Marble – Pretender [MP3]

Amazing New Gem from Nada Surf

While a great many of us probably think of Nada Surf as the band that wrote “Popular,” there’s a great history of the band who’ve put out effortless pop albums that never let you down.  Personally, I adore their record Let Go, but I’ve always played out every release they’ve offered.  Now, the band returns with The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy, which comes out January 24th via Barsuk.  One of the special things about the following track is the way the song quietly erupts after seemingly coming to slow halt, demonstrating that the band still has complete control of their pop genius.  If you’ve ignored the group, do yourself a favor and revisit their catalog, but only after you listen to this great little number.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/03-When-I-Was-Young-1.mp3]

Download: Nada Surf – When I Was Young [MP3]

New Punk Single from The Energy

The Texas punk rock scene is alive and well, especially with the likes of Bad Sports, Video, Mind Spiders, etc making waves, in 2011.  But, there’s a well kept secret going on in Houston with the Energy, a band who recently released their album Get Split on Team Science Records.  While they’ve got a little bit in common with the likes of Black Flag, they have a steadier drumming section, and seem to have cooled on the ferocity, making their sound much more palpable for every day listeners.  It’s good to see Houston bringing on some rock, strengthening the punk rock in the great state of Texas.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/03-I-Cant-Stand-Up-1.mp3]

Download: The Energy – I Can’t Stand Up [MP3]

Brand New Gem from Cats on Fire

I’ve waited since 2009 for Cats on Fire to introduce me to brand new music.  They’re set to return in 2012 with a brand new effort full of new tunes on Soliti Music sometime this coming Spring.  My first listen to this brand new track, “My Sense of Pride,” reveals everything that I’ve waited for over the last few years: it’s got elements of light twee, but in a casual way where it avoids the realm of nostalgic kitsch.  There’s also a bit of solemnity to the track, which for those who’ve listened closely, has always lurked quietly beneath the surface.  I’m going to come out and say it though; this is possibly one of the best bands around, so take heed and enjoy this new offering.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/My-Sense-Of-Pride.mp3]

Download: Cats on Fire – My Sense Of Pride [MP3]

New Single from Guards

One of the bands that we really got behind this year was Guards, and they’ve just hooked up with the folks over at White Iris to release a brand spanking new 7″.  This new track is super rambunctious, and I absolutely adore the way the guitars stutter along before they burst into this breezy pop chorus.  Of course, the band then returns to the stuttering guitar lines before jumping completely back into the joyousness that epitomizes everything I enjoy about listening to this band.  You can get your hands on this 7″ now, so what are you waiting for?

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Do-It-Again-Radio-edit.mp3]

Download: Guards – Do It Again [MP3]

New Single from Guns of Navarone

One of the fads of the last decade or so has been alt-coutnry, and with so many bands out there, it’s been hard to really find that one great alt band that wins everyone over.  Fortunately for us, and you, Austin band Guns of Navarone have crafted an exceptional record full of well-written tunes in the vein of alt-country.  Prize and Battlefield is the name of the record, and they’ve just tossed out another great single that exemplifies the band’s sound.  It’s a bit of that country feel, but there’s hints of underlying pop, as well as a gruffness that accompanies the vocals.  Now’s your chance to join us in our praise for one of Austin’s great bands.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/04_-_Gatsby_Did_It_All_For_A_Girl.mp3]

Download: Guns of Navarone – Gatsby Did It All For a Girl [MP3]

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