This is fine.
Yet another SXSW is in the books and it’s time for the ATH crew to reminisce a little and offer some highlight from the week behind us. I think we’ve had enough time now to take a few deep breaths, collect our thoughts, and delve through tons of notes and photos. As we’ve done in the past, we’ll offer up awards to bands, venues and events worthy of such praise. It will be glorious. Hit the jump for a full recap with photos.
Drawing nearer to the weekend, we could all use a little jumpstart in our lives, so why not put on the new LP from Proud Parents today. It’s 13 tracks of power-pop goodness, both energetic and catchy, from start to finish. The band trade off lead vocalists between Claire, Heather and Tyler; they also all join in on each other’s song, leaving you with an album’s worth of sing-a-long hits that will keep your thirst satiated. If you love what you hear, check the stream below, then grab the whole self-titled LP from the good people at Dirtnap Records.
Proud Parents are just a few weeks away from the release of their next LP, and what better way to entice you to open up your wallet then by offering a listen to this super infectious single. It sounds a lot like Shannon & the Clams, if you painted the band with a slightly more energetic and jangling vibe. It’s soulful and youthful, all at the once, leaving you to tap your toes and sing along from the get go. Their self-titled LP will drop on June 22nd via Dirtnap Records, with a tour to follow in July (including an Austin date at Beerland on 7/12).
One of my favorite albums this year is the latest Spook School LP; having so many songwriters in one band really makes the whole listen refreshing. Why does that matter with Proud Parents? Well, the group employs a similar strategy, with three vocalists/songwriters helming the ship. On their new single that recently popped up, its clearly visible, trading verses/choruses with one another while guitar chords dance around the vocals and cymbals constantly crash through your speakers. There’s something innately catchy; the band just seem to be having a blast, and that grabs me. The band will release their debut for their new label, Dirtnap Records, later this year!
