Waves Crashing Drop The Viewing EP

Already hung out in Olympia earlier this week, so why not set ourselves up with another great Olympian band, Waves Crashing. Today, the band drop their fresh The Viewing EP, which is an essential collection for those into the modern shoegaze sounds. They play with dissonant noise swirling in the background, then tie it to the melody that runs through each track’s central; it reminds me a lot of Austin’s Blushing, albeit with a male vocal. Standout tune “Life on Display” has this thumping rhythm, almost bouncing through your speakers. I love how the group also seem tied to the Pacific Northwest sounds of the late 90s, particularly when you hear a song like “Voices” that carry a bit of charming softness. Give it a listen, and if you buy it through bandcamp, you get gifted a bonus track!

Daisies Announce Great Big Open Sky

Olympian band Daisies had not crossed my radar until this morning, so hopefully you’ll read this post and remedy that if you’re in the same boat. This new single came with the promise that it had the best of both Portishead and the Cardigans, though I’ll admit there’s something in it to me that reminds me of Hope Sandoval singing on the chorus of Galaxie 500’s “Strange.” It’s a classic pop song, filled with a simple melody and vocal performance that genuinely breathes life into your day; I mean, if you need a spiritual lift off, just set the player to about 2:25 then wait until just before the 3 minute mark to find euphoria. If you’re into it, the band will be releasing Great Big Open Sky via K and Perennial Records on May 12th.

Rock N Recipes: Ribbon Stage

The last few months I’ve been really hyping up Ribbon Stage; they’ve got Hit with the Most coming out Friday. They encompass everything I love about noisy pop, offering gritty singles spliced with delicious melodies. So, I thought I’d reach out to see if we could get a Rock n’ Recipe going with them before the release; we got some great responses from Jolie, along with a wonderful acai bowl recipe you should try out! Grab the LP from K Records when it drops friends!

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Jupiter Sprites Announce Holographic LP

As I continue to stay mostly locked inside my house with my family, I’ve definitely adjusted, embracing musical pieces that encourage calm and wonderment. Such is the new pieces accompanying the announcement of Olympia’s Jupiter Sprites new LP, Holographic. In the presser for this one, the band share a story that forced them to go back and peel back layers of texture in the track in order to come to this final version. For me, it seems they hit the perfect note, as it’s got just enough elements blanketing the track to give it a hint of mystery, but never coating the song’s pop tendencies; it’s unassuming in nature, but not passive…more of a subtly captivating number that takes over your headspace as you gaze into your crystal ball of the world. Holographic drops October 16th.

Turn Up This Bad Sleep Tune

This might be one of the last songs we post in 2018, and honestly, I think I would be super happy if that’s the case. It’s an energetic pop rock tune from Olympia’s Bad Sleep, and I can’t get it out of my head. The vocals have this innate hook, even whilst being shouted at the top of the lungs. The rhythm section really keeps the song jumping up and down, and the guitar work is gritty and explosive. If you’re looking for a band who sounds like they’re having a hell of a time playing together, then look no further! You can grab the band’s self-titled LP from the folks over at Square of Opposition; it drops in January.

Fresh Tunes from VEXX

vexxJust because Seattle gets all the love, doesn’t mean you should ignore Olympia. Its got the history, and more importantly, its got VEXX. The four-piece rock n’ rollers are prepping another mini-LP, Wild Hunt, which is going to be released in early November via M’lady’s Records and Upset the Rhythm. If this tune were shorter, I don’t know if I’d love it as much, as there seem to be two ideas smashed into one another, creating this cacophonous rabble that’s as enchanting as it is energetic. Sometimes it seems to me like the world can use more bands like this…just bringing home great no-frills rock.

A New Tune from A Novel Resort

anovelresortThis track’s been quickly making its way around the indiepop circles, seeing as it features M from Northern Portrait, one of the genre’s revered current acts. It’s an interesting song from A Novel Resort, wrapping electronics around the stereotypical sound…filling in the gaps with strings and horns. Quite a special moment, though we’re still waiting to hear whether an album will be in the works from the group (rumor says Dufflecoat might make a grab!). Anyways, a pretty good song for you to enjoy while you’re sitting at your desk.

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Rambunctious New Single from the Maxines

In the midst of everything out there, you gotta look hard to find catchy gems like this new number from the Maxines.  The Olympia duo are releasing their Drugstore EP on the eclectic K Records next week, and while it may be a bit short in length it definitely packs a nice little punch for your ears. For a band with only two members, there’s definitely a loud sound coming out, harkening back to the bratty riot-girl efforts from back in the day.  The EP also features guitarist Matt Maurillo on vocals, so be sure to pick this one up when it hits your stores next week.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/04-Hang-Around.mp3]

Download:The Maxines – Hang Around [MP3]