The Menzingers – Hello Exile

Rating: ★★★★☆

We still write album reviews? You’re damn right we do! Though it’s been a bit of time (okay maybe a lot of time), we do still like to talk about music and the full album experience. We currently live in a very “right now” society where things need to deliver fast and immediately, but the ATH team still loves a great record. This review of a great record features Scranton, PA based The Menzingers and their new album Hello Exile. Hit the jump for some words and thoughts.

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Atmospheric Track From Heron

Pennsylvania based instrumental outfit Heron made a name for themselves back in 2017 with their impressive debut LP You Are Here Now. Not to go quietly into the night, the boys now have a new single called “Splashdown” to continue the hype train moving on their music. Those who know me, probably realize this track is perfect for me because it blends equal parts Appleseed Cast and Explosions in the Sky. Both two of my all time favorites.

Meek Mill beat revival

Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill has hit the ground running since being released from prison in December. One of his recent contributions is a freestyle over a redone version of the same sample used on Raekwon’s 1995 single “Ice Cream”. Some may see this as a desecration, but I see it as a dedication. Meek Mill goes off in his usual aggresive delivery and the end result is gold.

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Another John Andrews Project???

10917910_1546390345635934_9140520222875733572_oDid you like that Quilt record last year? I did. How about anything ever done by Woods? Me too. So let’s rejoice in the fact that John Andrews has opted to create another project, John Andrews & the Yawns.  Of course, the sound, as evidenced below, will have a bit of folk and Americana, but it’s good to see John step to the forefront for a change.  I’m enjoying some of the light touches of horns and strings that fill out the track. Bit By the Fang, the band’s album, will be release by the folks at Woodsist on April 14th.

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Have Some Fun with Yetis

yeddiI wanna keep you energized and looking towards a great relaxing, so I’ve got to keep our energy levels up around here, which is why I bring you yet another pop tune; this time we’ll be listening to Yetis.  The Pennsylvania group has employed their understanding of pop songwriting to grab you by the seat of your pants and get you up dancing with friends.  There’s hints of sunny Cali, which is implied by the lyrics, but those harmonies had to originate somewhere, right?  This is just a fun track to spin when the coffee (or tea) runs dry.

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New Synth Laden Pop From Gracie

I’m sort of in an electronic mood today as I try to groove my way into the weekend with some head nodding synth-pop music.  My mood is continuing in this vein with this new pop tune “Habits” from Philly based indie band Gracie.  The band has a wealth of other material over on their bandcamp page so I’m surprised that we haven’t been turned on to them until just now.  My bad.  A new EP called Bleeder will be coming your way March 12th via Small Plates Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/08-Habits.mp3]

Download: Gracie – Habits [MP3]

Even More New Jams From Night Panther

It’s been a big year on ATH for Doylestown, PA groove rock group Night Panther.  We’ve posted jammin’ tracks “Snudge” along with fellow groove friendly tune “Fever”.  Well today the band is breaking in the new year with their first new tune of 2013 with yet another incredible track called “Fire”.  This one starts a little slow at the beginning with a nice little vocal heavy intro that eventually builds into a head nodding and foot stomping dancey jam.  It has a real nice groove to it don’t ya think?  The band is still hard at work on their debut full length LP so stay tuned for a release date.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Fire-1.mp3]

Download: Night Panther – Fire [MP3]

Haunting Indie Pop from Swiss Alps

I love when you spend all day browsing through new tunes, and suddenly you stumble on something that just absolutely fits your idealized vision of the day.  For me, I this new song from Swiss Alps, which is from their recently released EP, is exactly where I found my heart.  I began my day in a bit of rain, so the dark quality of the recording was perfectly fitting, but I can’t help but envision the brightness pushed through by those sharp jangling guitar lines.  If you like what you hear, I suggest getting involved with the band a little bit and picking up their new tunes!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/02-Penpals.mp3]

Download:Swiss Alps – Penpals [MP3]

Hip Jam from Night Panther

I generally try not to take too much stuff from other sites, preferring to do the research work on my own, but I couldn’t resist when I heard this song over at IGIF. The group’s name is Night Panther.  There’s not too much info on the group, other than the fact that they’re from Pennsylvania, but what’s more important is this hit.  Only one song is floating along, and it’s enough for me to fawn over the band like some teenage cool kid.  There’s an effortless bounce, an essence of cool and just a central hook that I can’t get out of my head. Enjoy this one folks.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Snudge.mp3]

Download: Night Panther – Snudge [MP3]

 

Free EP From Matt Pond PA

Going on 10 years in the business, Matt Pond PA continue to pump out quality new tunes year after year.  Last week the Pennsylvania based band offered a downloadable 9 song EP ironically titled The FreeepDownload the new songs for free or check out opening track “Hearts and Minds” right here.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/01-hearts-and-minds.mp3]

Download: Matt Pond PA – Hearts and Minds [MP3]