This is fine.
Most unfortunate, the approval to shoot Radiohead didn’t come through. All was not lost as friends of Austin Town Hall, Other Lives, were opening. Into the bowels of the Erwin Center I headed to get shots of a band that everyone should experience live.
And should I mention I saw Major Applewhite again? Yeah, I did. He was kicking it with Manny Diaz.
Anyway, click through for pics of our friends on the big stage…
When It’s Frightening came out in 2009 we were all over it, especially with the magic that was “Percussion Gun,” one of our favorite tracks from that year. Today, news hits the street that White Rabbits are going to release their new album Milk Famous on March 6th via TBD Records, the label that brought you Other Lives. This opening single definitely sees the band experimenting with negative space, offering up a more subdued bit of groove as opposed to the more boot stomping moves from their last record. Still, that trickling piano and shattering guitar kicking it in the background of the track show the band’s got something new up their sleeve, so we should definitely be on the lookout for this record.
Download: White Rabbits – Heavy Metal [MP3]
Considering the last week seemed sort of dull, at least in regards to live music about the town, we were really excited by the killer bill at The Parish, featuring two of our favorite acts of the moment, Other Lives and the Rosebuds–we were unaware local band O.A.X. (pronounced Oaks) was joining the night as well. As usual, the Parish had excellent sound, and air-conditioning, so it’s hard to find anything bad to say about the evening.
| Date | 6/24/11 |
|---|---|
| Location | The Parish |
| Doors | 7pm |
| Tickets | $12 @ Frontgate |
Currently touring behind their new and spectacular album Loud Planes Fly Low, The Rosebuds are making a stop into a great setting at The Parish on Friday night. Joining this veteran act on stage are up and coming Oklahoma boys Other Lives who are also touring behind a superb new LP. With such a stellar lineup, you really shouldn’t be missing this show.
[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/TheRosebuds_woods.mp3]Download: The Rosebuds – Woods [MP3]
Rating: 
Originating in Stillwater, Oklahoma several years back, Other Lives are definitely a band you want to discover, if you haven’t already. Their sweeping and dramatic music was first introduced back in 2008 with an EP that consisted of some demos, as well as a taste of their true form. From there, they had me hooked, but some people are a little more picky about their musical appetite. However, I think it’s safe to say that if Other Lives didn’t have you after their first EP, or even their stunning debut, they should definitely have you at the end of Tamer Animals.
The album begins at a slow creep, as per suit of this band. Musically, the tempo may be slow, but it’s nowhere near boring or banal. Instead, they begin their assault on your being. “Dark Horse” starts with some clicky-clacky percussion, and the song builds on itself quickly to a slight crescendo, strings and all, at just over the minute mark. Then the sound cuts out for an instant, and Other Lives begin again. Jesse Tabish leads the way with his alluringly sinister, yet tender vocals. His voice has a very cohesive quality about it that allows it to coat the space in between the sprawling violin or jangly percussion in an epic light.
Following the opener in the song number two position comes “As I Lay My Head Down,” which picks up the pace, but does not skimp on the beauty that this band is so good at. It ebbs its way between sizzling and then cooled, trading back and forth with strings and pattering percussion. But Other Lives don’t stop their ascent to intense and moving music here. They continue this excellent two-song steak with a third: “For 12.” On this one, you have the gentle guitar pulling at the back of your mind, while the “oohs” combine with instruments to give a spine tingling effect. Whether this band knows it or not, their efforts are extremely goose bump-inducing.
So when Other Lives reaches the fourth and title track, “Tamer Animals,” there is no surprise that it’s love at first listen once again. With its faded and fuzzy drums and omnipresent piano, it’s as close as this band gets to pop without losing their epic-ness. Like the first four tracks, the rest of the album follows suit: cathartic, and mildly explosive. Highlights include “Old Statues” and “Heading East,” both of which encompass the delicate elegance that is so pertinent to this band. To be honest, I didn’t find a track that I didn’t like; they were all that good.
Despite its name, there really isn’t too much “tame” about this album. Other Lives have evolved into a more confident beast here than that of their previous works, but they still keep a firm grasp on such a swelling sound.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/otherlives_tameranimals.mp3]Download: Other Lives – Tamer Animals [MP3]
Just a few weeks ago we brought you one of the new tracks from our dear friends in Other Lives. And yesterday, Paste released another new song from their upcoming album, Tamer Animals, coming straight to you next week! If you take one listen to this track you’ll surely see why we love this band so much. Jesse’s voice sounds incredible, while the drumming remains steady, perfectly emphasizing the solemn piano tracks. Showing restraint, they don’t burst off into some sort of sonic explosion, instead choosing to allow the song’s natural melody to escape through its quiet presentation. I dare you to find anything wrong with this band right now; you can’t.
Download: Other Lives – Tamer Animals [MP3]
Yesterday we ran an update for all those who wanted to hit up music on Friday that didn’t include braving the darker side of things at Psych Fest, so today we’ll give you a heads up on the shows for Saturday, since there’s still lots going on. Read more
Surely I should be listening to happier music with this amazing Austin weather right? Well, I probably should, but this Wilderness in Manitoba record, along with a few other gems from the likes of Other Lives, has me in sort of this experimental sad-bastard mode. Who knows, maybe this is where I get my sunshine? Anyways, WoM will be releasing their album, When You Left the Fire, on May 10th via Tinyogre. This new track emphasizes the band’s ability to craft songs with more than just your average contemporary folk appeal, using a bit of a atmospheric wash to open it up. Hold on though, as majestic melodies wait for you. Having a great listening experience with this whole album today.
Download: Wilderness of Manitoba – November [MP3]
If you haven’t heard of Other Lives by this point in time, I’m thinking you’re kind of left out of the loop. The Oklahoma based group are set to release their second album Tamer Animals on May 17th via TBD Records, and if this doesn’t establish the band as one of the most creative entities around, then something is amiss. If you listen carefully to the release single, “For 12,” you can possibly here some of the dark textures that lived inside Kid A hiding behind the harmonies, but lurking behind all that is a creativity influenced by minimalism and a songwriting core focused on making music that empowers the listener. Odds are you won’t find such an intriguing set of songs on one record for the rest of the year.
Download: Other Lives – For 12 [MP3]
Long have we supported the guy sin Colourmusic, and as they get ready to release their new record, My _______ is Pink, we were excited to get a minute of their time before they head down to Austin for SXSW. Here’s some solid answers from the gentlemanly Colin.
