Hope You Didn’t Forget Architecture in Helsinki

archIt’s been awhile since we last heard from Aussie’s Architecture in Helsinki, but good things come to those who wait.  In the last few days, the band has popped their head up with a catchy new single that should definitely make the end of your Wednesday a good one.  I figured since we’re all taking the day off to celebrate 4th of July festivities tomorrow, we’d leave you with this one last track to get you smiling on your way out the door.  This is the band’s latest, but no word yet on when a full-length will come your way…we’ll keep you posted as news comes our way.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/98576856″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

More Great Music from The Bankees

bankeesThankfully, the Bankees are going strong with their new efforts, deciding to release an EP in honor of Record Store Day.  Just a few weeks ago I put up “Heaven 1&2,” but this song has a different feel to it.  It begins slowly, with a tinkering piano and a lightly strummed guitar part, awaiting the entrance of the vocals.  A minute later, the song takes off into old school rock pastiche, with swagger and soul, just as a guitar solos in momentarily.  For me, this song shows the growth of the group over the last few years, crafting some of the most intimate pop music.  Be happy bands write tunes like this.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/01-The-Plumber-Life.mp3]

Download: The Bankees – The Plumber Life [MP3http://

Generationals – Heza

1705Rating: ★★★☆☆

Heza is the third proper full-length from Generationals, and while the sound remains largely the same, there are some definite shifts that alter the musical landscape for the group.  One thing is for sure though, the band consistently find themselves crafting perfect pop tunes that we’ll all enjoy.

“Spinoza” starts things off the right way, giving you some quick paced guitar work that reminds me of the modern surf-pop of bands like The Drums.  Of course, one thing the Generationals always have to make them stick out is the affecting vocal tone present on all their efforts.  It’s the perfect way to make surf-pop their own.  But, just as you think you’ve got the group pinned down, they go in a different direction on “Extra Free Year.”  This tune is filled with a thick bouncing bass, and the delivery of the vocal is much more subdued than on the previous track.  Little bits of guitar trickle in and out of the song, but it’s largely driven by the rhythm section.  It took me awhile to warm up to it, but it grew on me eventually.

By the time you arrive at “You Got Me,” you realize that Heza definitely has an emphasis on giving you hooks surrounded by the blips and beeps of electronica, though that’s not a huge step in a new direction, as those elements have been present before.  But, while past songs have seen those attributes used to push the track, here it seems to flesh out a mellower vibe.  There’s even vocal samples from a speech that fill out some of the empty space.  It’s tracks like this that suffice, though they’re not necessarily going to go down as my favorite. Still, it sets the mood for “Put the Light On,” which is one of the album’s standouts.  Guitar work is sparse, yet jagged, and there’s a warm atmospheric mood accentuated by some keyboard touches.  Those soaring high vocals that always do the trick are here too, allowing listeners to really fall in love with the great vibes provided by Generationals.

While I think that Heza is a little unfocused at points, the remarkable tracks are extremely memorable.  “Awake” is perfect in that it shows some restraint in pacing.  Had the band forced the issue, pace wise, I think they might have had a guaranteed iTunes commercial spot, though I’m glad they didn’t, as the true joy from this track comes when you let it slowly unfold.  This is where the band excels most on this effort, rather than their more traditional bouncing pop ditties.

After spending several weeks listening to Heza, I think that it’s an album with some great high points, and not really any lows.  Surprisingly, Generationals have excelled this time around on warmer, slower tracks.  You’ve still got your catchy pop tunes that will no doubt become live favorites, but if you spend time with the record, you’ll surely find clarity in their more pristine ballads.  Might not be top of the pops just yet, but the group continues to win my heart.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/02-You-Got-Me.mp3]

Download: Generationals – You Got Me [MP3]

New Pop from TORCHES

tochesYou know, I definitely have been enjoying straight rock n’ roll this year, but I don’t want to forget that I really do love great pop music; I won’t hide from that.  This new jam from TORCHES is really enjoyable, and you’ll be able to get your hands on it via the band’s new If the People Stare EP on May 6th…for free I might add.  On this jam the vocals are way up front in the mix, and they definitely have a strong focus, but I like a lot of the light cymbal work that’s going on in the background of the song.  It’s just a good pop ditty. You can enjoy that can’t you?

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/01-When-You-Gonna_.mp3]

Download: TORCHES – When You Gonna [MP3]

Synth Heavy Pop From Night Panther

nightpanther

It’s rare that a band gets as much coverage on this site as has our favorite Pennsylvania synth heavy groove pop band Night Panther.  A quick search on the site and you’re sure to pull up a slew of hits featuring the band’s noteworthy tunes.  Since we’ve said just about all we can at this point, I’ll let the music do the talking this time with this sweet groove “Lioness”.  The band still hasn’t given us an official release date for their upcoming debut LP, but we’ll be sure to keep you posted.

Also, Night Panther will be joining the masses during SXSW so you should be sure to check them out if you’re in town.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Lioness.mp3]

Download: Night Panther – Lioness [MP3]

More New Music From Woodpigeon

Back in December, I shared with you guys a new pop-folk song called “Red Rover, Red Rover” from Woodpigeon that really got me excited for the band’s upcoming album.  Well now the band are giving away this new song “Edinburgh” that’s sort of going in a different direction from what we’ve already heard from the band.  It’s still primarily a folk song at it’s core, but it has more of a full sound than what I’m used to from the band.  Here’s to hoping for more of the same when the band release their new album Thumbtacks + Glue on February 26th.

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More New Music From Sean Bones

Sean Bones is always sure to give you a good time as you head into your weekend.  Now many of you may not be heading to ACL this weekend, so I hope this brightens your day a little bit.  It’s called, “United”, and is Sean’s first new song since the release of his album Buzzards Boy earlier this year.  Let’s get on to the weekend.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/01-United.mp3]

Sean Bones – United

New Dreamy Pop Number From Village

Remember when I was saying the ATH crew has a major sweet spot for female lead vocalists?  Well I’m at it again on Monday with this beautiful new pop tune from Village.  It’s bright, it’s sunny, and it definitely has some great shoe gaze elements to it that I really can’t seem to get enough of these days.  Oh and of course the lead vocals seal the deal.  This tune “Nowhere” appears on a new 7″ single from the group which drops this Tuesday via Kingfisher Bluez.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/village-nowhere.mp3]

Download: Village – Nowhere [MP3]

New Jamz From Gypsy and the Cat

This song sort of rules doesn’t it?  It’s catchy as hell, it’s dancey at times, and you can’t debate that it’s a well crafted jam of a pop tune.  This fancy pants song “Bloom” comes your way from Melbourne duo Gypsy and the Cat.  Right now, this jam is being offered just as a single for all fans to enjoy.  I hope you’re enjoy it on your hump day as much as I am.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Bloom.mp3]

Download: Gypsy and the Cat – Bloom [MP3]

New Electro-Pop Jamz From Still Corners

Just found this gem of a tune “Fireflies” coming from Sub Pop beauty Still Corners and had to share.  I dig the electronic 80s style vibe, but of course the sultry vocals are what really seal the deal for me.  What can I say, we ATH kids have a weakness for the vocal ladies.

The song is part of a 7″ single coming your way on October 26th via Sub Pop Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Fireflies.mp3]

Download: Still Corners – Fireflies [MP3]

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