Pastel Coast Shares Distance Single

It’s Friday, and well, we’ve all got to celebrate surviving another day, let alone looking into a weekend. So, we’ve got French outfit Pastel Coast with a brand new single from their new LP for Shelflife Records. Every time I turn it on, you can definitely hear the influence of their countrymen Phoenix and Air; this tune seems to combine elements of both into a nice little package that seems both upbeat and intoxicating, without being overly kitsch. It’s a fun little tune that’s perfect to start your day, pulsing in and out like a little disco pop show; you know you wanna buy the record; Sun is out on June 4th!

Pastel Coast Announce New LP, Sun

Are you ready to get your summer playlist jacked up? Yeah you are! You want that perfect hit for cruising through the streets, warm breeze blowing through your hair; I know you do! Well, luckily, we get news that French band Pastel Coast is going to be dropping their follow-up to Hovercraft this summer via Shelflife Records/Groover. Listening through, its frantic pop, with a little bit of indiepop flare to it, but to be frank (“Hello, I’m Frank!), the song is super reminiscent of Phoenix before they became mainstream crossover darlings. Think about Phoenix circa It’s Never Been Like That, particularly “Rally.” The same sort of hook-laden pop potential courses through this Pastel Coast tune, but just as you’re about to pigeonhole the sound, the band seduces you with a counter melody that draws out the song’s approach, dipping their toes in a dreamier bit. You get it all here, and most of all, you get to revel in a great pop tune; Sun will drop this June!

More New Pedro the Lion

Looking towards 2019, this Pedro the Lion album is high on my list of anticipated releases. We get a new single today, and while I love the noisier elements in the background, I’m really struck by the vocal tones. It’s every bit David B., but he’s really pushing his limits to the highest part of his register. I can’t help but to recall American Football or something off Jade Tree when I listen to this track, and that’s not a knock by any means. Just another step in the glorious evolution that is Bazaan; look for Phoenix to drop on January 18th via Polyvinyl. There’s never a bad day when you get a fresh Pedro tune, especially full-band Pedro.

ACL Gimme 5: The Wombats

Austin City Limits weekend one wrapped up on a high note Sunday evening and we have some incredible coverage coming very soon. Prior to our full recap, let’s have another playlist featuring ACL bands which will hopefully improve your dragging Monday. My second ACL Festival featured playlist comes from Liverpool based indie rock band The Wombats. The boys made some interesting choices from the entire lineup and hopefully you can enjoy this short five song playlist. Hit the jump for words from the band and for the playlist.

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Chillwave From Pro Teens

What a perfect day for a little chillwave/slacker pop music right? On this gloomy Tuesday morning, you’re sure to find some enjoyment in this track “Tulsa” from Phoenix based outfit Pro Teens. The guitars are slow, methodic, and full of haze. Add in some perfectly timed drum beats and shiny vocals and you’d have a nice description of “Tulsa”. Check it out.

Pro Teens will release the Philistines EP on NOvember 3rd via Broken Circles.

Upbeat Number from Walkingshoe

walkingshoeTuesdays are my hardest days. I’m always in search of something extra energetic, which is great as this Walkingshoe tune is doing just the trick for me. It’s got this jangling ring to the guitars, kicking off a Rally-era Phoenix feel to it. But, those vocals have that youthful tone that captures the ears of many a listener, and I’m no different. The project is in the final stages of prepping the Hennie and Me EP, which should hit in early January of next year…so now you’ve got something fun to look forward to as Winter creeps in.

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Top Songs of 2013

best songs ath 2013We’ve put our pretty little heads together ladies and gentlemen to bring you our favorite songs from this past year.  It was a difficult task with our ever growing staff, but we feel like this list best represents the diverse taste of our staff.  Love it or hate it, it’s ours to call our own.  Hit play and put your head down or dance or shimmmy or drool or whatever works. Most of all we hope you hear something you missed, something you want to buy or something you want to see live.

Scroll past the playlist for full the run of the bestest songs ever this year.

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Great Pop Music From There Is Danger

a1127003112_2There is Danger hail from Phoenix, AZ and they just so happened to get in touch with us recently about some new music they’ve been working on.  Their style is what I might call irresistible to anyone with a pulse for music.  The pop moments as they build and build create some truly superb pop music that anyone could get into.  Our free track below, “Passport”, demonstrates that slow build which leads into a pop guitar riff and beat that could rival the likes of similar big indie names like Grizzly Bear or even Youth Lagoon.  Bold comparisons I know, but the band seems worthy if you ask me.

Others into the music should head over to bandcamp for a pay what you want download of the group’s new LP Living Dreams.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/04-Passport.mp3]

Download: There is Danger – Passport [MP3]

 

 

Show Review: ACL Taping of Phoenix (5/6)

I had been on a lucky streak of good crowds for a few shows, so it pains me to ask – Hey Austin, why do ushers have to tell you to put away your phones and shut up at a taping?!?!

Pheonix played a lovely set. Too bad I had to wait for said ushers to get out of the way to see the stage as each of the four people in front of us had to be told to put away their phones one by one. Too bad the superfangirls couldn’t stop informing each other how jealous their friends are that they are at a show they are talking through. It is an ACL Taping. Know your place and watch the show and understand how lucky you are to be there.

I promise to talk about the band after the break (followed by more ranting)…

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