Stream Stand by Your Bill from Big Bill

We’re really happy for our friends in Big Bill who have released their debut LP Stand By Your Bill into the world today. Long favored by Austinites in search of something different in their punk rock, the band step up their game with their best collection of songs to date; I’d buy this LP for the opener alone. But, they’re not a one-trick pony, as songs like “Baby Go Wah” illustrate, offering up a slow burning homecoming dance number. If you’ve got a minute, give it a spin or two or three!

Fresh Big Bill Tunes

If you were living in Austin, you might (or should) have heard this brand new track from Big Bill on 101x Homegrown. But, in case you missed it, or you don’t live in Austin, then you should give a listen to some of our town’s best punks mixing things up with their latest hit. For the first 1.45 minutes, the band flesh out their sound by slowing things out, flexing the track with some saxophone. But, soon the tune erupts unmercifully in a rapturous closing that you’d only get from the Bills. Just another stop on the BB train while we wait for the group to release what we expect is a stellar new LP.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/334945666″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Start Your Day With UV-TV

Are you in need of a little pick me up this morning to make it trough the mid part of the week? Well you need look no further than this bad A new single called “Go Away” from Florida based rockers UV-TV. Clocking in at only 78 minutes long, you might need to play this rocker on repeat to truly appreciate the subtleties of the track. I’m finding several little new pieces to enjoy as hit play over and over…. and over and over.

UV-TV will release new EP Go Away on August 18th via Emotional Response.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/333791072″ params=”color=00aabb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Fresh Pop from B Boys

Up until now, B Boys were a frantic sort, akin to artful pop vibes being stuck in a blender. But, bands grow, and this new single should signal huge things from the band as we near the release of Dada. I don’t know if it’s just me or not, but I definitely feel a nod to English Beat, particularly in some of the vocal inflections…not a bad thing at all. Plus, the casual vibe and rock n’ roll sound were enough to grab my interest from the start. Can’t wait to sink my teeth into this one; the LP comes out via Captured Tracks on June 16th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/320391321″ params=”color=00aabb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Brand New Track from The Peep Tempel

peeptempelThere’s tons of imitators out there, but very few punk bands really get it done right. Then, of course, there are the old school sorts, like the Aussie lads in The Peep Tempel, just kicking it out the best way they know how. It’s propulsive, it’s quick and things are delivered in a matter-of-fact, falling off the train tracks sort of way. These are the sorts of punk rock tunes that really leave a memorable impression on listeners, rather than just getting tossed aside as merely another of the same-old story. Looking for to the band’s new LP, Joy, which is coming out on October 14th via Wing Sing.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/277439043″ params=”color=00aabb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Pummeling Punker from NOTS

notsIt only takes a second for the pounding rhythm section to push this track right into your face. Natalie Hoffman tosses off her punk scowl in the best manner possible, biting and indifferent, aiming straight for the song’s message of ‘depression and loss.’ NOTS made waves with their first release, but they seem more confident and headstrong, aiming to take the rest of the world head on. I fully expect their new effort, Cosmetic, to be full of like-minded songs, with no bullshit rock n’ roll begging to be played over and over. Look for it on September 9th via Goner Records.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/274902341″ params=”color=00aabb&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Track Premiere: Male Gaze

MaleGazePRPhoto1.165438Male Gaze is a San Francisco based band we’ve talked about on this here website several times in the past and I know Nathan and myself have grown to admire them over the last year or so. With our fandom also comes a strong desire to share their songs with the world and spread the good word. Today I’m excited to do exactly that with this brand new single premiering here today entitled “Bad Omens”. This one is a perfect way to kick off your weekend in a frantic and energetic way. Seriously, this band seems to play at such a fast pace but also play everything with perfect timing and superb musicianship. Enjoy the new single below.

Male Gaze will release King Leer via Castle Face Records on June 17th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/244298822″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Puff Pieces – Bland in DC

puffpiecesRating: ★★★½☆

Puff Pieces are anything but what their band name might lead you to believe. They’ve compiled 11 songs for their latest release, Bland in DC, with each providing listeners with a message. You needn’t look further than some of the titles like “March of the Idiots” or “Money” to see where they take aim. But, in order for the record and the message to completely endear itself to the audience, the band has to supply the musicality to make it last…and boy do they.

“Wanna No” kicks off the album in a jittery, proto-punk fashion while the vocals are drawn out across the tune, seemingly working against the heart of the track. Emphasis is given by backing vocals sporadically shouted from the distance. Staying long isn’t the band’s cup of tea on Bland in DC, as they bounce right into the next track, and so on and so forth until the end. At times, it almost feels like you’re falling off the tracks or racing towards the finish line, such as on tracks like “Wondrous Flowers;” it’s remarkable how quickly and flawlessly the rhythm section moves throughout.

Yet while the group definitely has a signature sound they’re pushing, they also open up the chords for a more traditional approach on tracks like “Pointless People,” which again takes on a furious pace that would likely have normal humans rushing to catch their breath.

I think my favorite track is “Goths and Vandals;” there seems to be a dark sense of humor that lurks in the track, if not a slight bit of sarcasm. My favorite lyric comes via “Y” where the band proclaims “the future’s like a big locked door.”

All in all, I found the record really enjoyable, but I can see detractors proclaiming that it’s too one-note. On the surface, sure, but those of you looking for energetic, yet artful, punk with a message will find a happy home with Puff Pieces.

Hard Left Has a New EP

hardleftYe with timid ears should look the other way, as Hard Left isn’t here to play any games. They open their brand new Economy EP with the pummeling title track, offering up stuttering licks while Comrade M growls atop; a little emphatic backing vocals doesn’t hurt the tune either. They follow it up with a slightly gentler call-and-response piece of catchy mod rock. You can flip the 7″ over and get to hear the band backing their friend and poet Tim Wells. Oh, and every song has a message, so you’ll likely leave your listening feeling smarter, angrier and focused on the world.

Hey There, Flat Worms

flatwormsWhile people reading the press release for Flat Worms will gravitate towards “members of Thee Oh Sees, Ty Segall,” the reason I caught onto this was that it features Will of Dream Boys. It’s always interesting to see how people that can play wonderful jangling pop songs can turn on a knife’s edge with some pummeling punk, like Flat Worms. It sort of sounds a little bit like a murkier version of the Spits, in my eyes, so that gets an additional nod in my book. The new project will release the Red Hot Sand 7″ on April 29th via Volar.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/251318317″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

1 2 3 4 5