More Fresh News from Le Rug

lerug2Not too long ago we brought you news of Le Rug and their new release, Game Over. It’s said to be a collection of 70+ songs on both cassette and digital formats via Fleeting Youth Records, and while that may sound daunting, I think everyone is going to get more than their fill. On the latest teen there’s almost a nostalgic late emo feel, akin to early Say Anything. Still, there’s this wild indifference to the polish and production, which makes these songs rather endearing to listeners, ignoring expectations in order to just rock ahead. Look for the release from FYR on November 20th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/232069343″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Eisley @ Emos (11/17)

doors_miranda

Date 11/17/09
Location Emos
Doors 7pm
Tickets $16 from Ticketweb

Yes yes I know this is officially listed as a Say Anything show, but didn’t the Emo movement die in like ’02?  Thats out of the way, so let me put it out there that I like Eisley.  Yeah I like ’em.  I’m sure some of you music snob types will throw hate my way for that one, but just look at those faces!  How could you not love those ladies?  So if you dig the Eisley, head to Emo’s on Tuesday night for a set by the Tyler, TX (holla!) group.  Miniature Tigers and Moneen also being on the bill should prove to make the show your best option for Tuesday night.  Just leave before that headlining band…

[audio: https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/04GollySandra.mp3]

FT5: 80s Songs In Film

0227top5coverThe 80s saw the birth of the best music from the better half of the century. The problem is that like many similar great works of art, these songs weren’t always immediately recognized for their brilliance. So when Van Halen’s sexually-rowdy “Hot For Teacher” blares in the strip club scene in Varsity Blues, you can’t help but give it a “ten” (a f-ing ten!). It’s from there that the song earns it’s immortality and lives in film fame for years to come. The only rules to this list:  the song couldn’t have been written for the movie or debuted in the movie (sayonara Top Gun, Breakfast Club, and Kenny Loggins). So here’s a list of the most memorable 80s songs from the movies…
Read more

Two Tongues – s/t

twotonguesRating: ★★★½☆

When Say Anything‘s Max Bemis decided to join forces with Saves the Day‘s Chris Conley, kids all across the globe were salivating as they awaited the first proper release from Two Tongues. Releasing the album via emo stalwart, Vagrant Records, meant that the union was destined to find an eager audience.

The best thing one could hope for in this union is for the lyrical content, as Bemis and Conley have long been penning amazing lyrics for their respective bands.  Their efforts here are, as expected, nothing short of their individual accomplishments, each coupling great rhyming moments, often pairing them with one another effortlessly.  This is precisely how it was supposed to be done.  Sure, they’re still tackling the same old issues, but they do it well.

Moving beyond, it would be difficult not to comment on the vocal compliments these two offer to the other. Conley’s high pitch is counter-balanced by the heavier, deeper tones of Bemis. Their intermingling of vocal parts adds a musical element to the album that is difficult to come by outside of Kanye‘s studio.  Not to mention, the combination of vocal harmonies definitely keeps the album fresh, which the gentlemen have been unable to do in recent efforts with their mainstays.

Musically, you just have to combine the stylings of both groups.  Sure, it sounds simple enough in theory, but to fuse these two songwriters, and their distinctive styles, one must jump leaps and bounds.  The heavier elements almost certainly owe to Conley, as Bemis’ forte seems to be in crafting bouncing pop-punk elements along with angular guitar chops.  At times, the combination creates some unique moments, such as the Weezer-esque “Don’t You Want to Come Home.”  It might even have a little bit of Billy Corgan in the vocals, but you’ll have to see for yourself.

Perhaps the best moments come on this album when they keep it short, as in under three-minutes, as some of the songs can drag out just a little bit much.  But, when they keep the elements contained and simple, they hit hard and fast, just as you would want from a band of this ilk. It’s a solid album for those searching for a more upbeat sound as Spring rolls itself out, which apparently isn’t for another six weeks. Hopefully this will get  you there with your spirits up.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/02-if-i-could-make-you-do-things.mp3]

Download:  Two Tongues – If I Could Make You Do Things [MP3]