New Grace Vonderkuhn Tune

graceThe last time we heard from Grace Vonderkuhn she was blasting the distorted guitars through our ears on her self-titled EP. But, this new track sees Grace exploring some new ground, which definitely is holding tightly on to my ears. There’s a really simple beat that repeats throughout the track, holding the song in place; her voice has clearly been strengthened, bringing about pop notes that might not have been as evident on her earlier work. This song has me looking forward to what she brings to the table in the near future, so keep your ears peeled for more work from this 24 year old.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/232797210″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Another Reason to Buy the Expert Alterations 12″

expertA long while ago I caught Expert Alterations here in Austin, along with some other great acts.  I raved about the band and their perfect indiepop sound, immediately posting a song to get you hyped to their sound.  Soon after, they agreed to put out a record with Slumberland and Kanine, and we’re getting another listen.  It’s a jangly number, fitting in the appropriate level of cool bounce to every turn of a word.  I like the drum work in the middle of the tune, essentially creating a breakdown that sets you up for the rest of the tune. Look for the EP to be release on June 2nd.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/204234229″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Fuck Yeah, More New Communions

front_digiMan, this Communions band has me excited for things to come.  The band blends some of that discordant dance music with 80s pop tropes.  It’s something that has the potential to carry on for a long time, especially considering that the oldest member of the band is only 21.  As of now, the tunes are good; they’re catchy, they show the spirit of the band.  Personally, I hope to see some growth, sonically, maybe taking some risks with the sound.  But, for now I’m hooked on the act, which makes their forthcoming self-titled EP quite intriguing; it’s available on June 2nd via Tough Love.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/203142625″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Jam This New Martha EP

martaI love a good batch of enthusiastic punk rock tunes, especially when they come with a bit of rambunctious attitude, and possibly a bit of lo-fi recording value. Martha have been on my radar for some time, after releasing Courting Strong via Fortuna Pop.  So, they’ve now got this great little 10″ EP coming out, even though the tunes are a few years old.  The self-titled EP is getting a vinyl release courtesy of Brighton’s Tuff Enuff Records, and those of you who are into the rock n’ roll are definitely going to enjoy it. You can stream the whole EP below and grab the EP HERE.

Introducing Tim Campbell

timmayTim Campbell and I go way way back.  We met long ago; fans of early emo and post-punk, but we both had a history of country and folk in our families, which is perhaps why we bonded so closely (that and a love for Sonic). So Tim’s just put up an EP of good times bedroom folk tunes, bolstered by his friends in the Fayetteville music scene (that he’s long been part of).  I’ve quite enjoyed listening to this self-titled EP…and I hope you’ll spend a little time in your day to listen to his mini-album.  And…if you feel so inclined please feel free to donate or pay what you want…we all need help from our friends to make music come true.

Nice Little Number from Line & Circle

linecirclesThere’s something about Line & Circle that sounds both nostalgic and current; that’s a hard feat to capture, and this is only the group’s first album.  I like how the vocals stand out far upfront, while the angular guitar noodles about in the background.  Surely people will take notice how they play upon the same ground as the Pains of Being Pure at Heart, but hold a bit more reservations in their sound, which allows the band to stand on their own ground.  If you’re a fan of huge pop rock sounds, then look for their eponymous EP on October 28th.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/170374803″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

Dream Pop from Lazyeyes

lazeIt’s always nice when a track comes your way that you get excited about, despite knowing little to nothing about the band.  It only took me a few seconds to sink my teeth into Lazyeyes, which is entirely due to the straight-ahead force the song employs from the opening moment.  That sound is in start contrast to the pop underbelly you’ll find while listening to this track; it’s nothing out of the ordinary, but you can’t keep a good song down.  Look for the band’s self-titled EP to fall into your hands later on in the calendar year.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/159977869″ params=”color=ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

ATH Records + Young Girls EP: Here’s the First Single

1462910_624894084215760_804735105_nWhen I first decided to start our ATH Records label, my goal was to put out records by bands I loved. It wasn’t to make money; it was to offer up money so bands I cared about would have a way to release their music.  And, I’ve made no secret that one of the acts I really care about is Houston’s Young Girls, so we’re putting out their self-titled EP, featuring four rad new tracks.  Today we’re putting up this new song in hopes that you fall in love with the band, just as we did. Pre-orders will be up shortly, and the record is estimated to hit the streets in late January.  They’re one of my favorite bands, and I’m pretty sure you’ll feel the same after listening to the A-side, “Caroline.”

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Caroline.mp3]

Download: Young Girls – Caroline [MP3]

The Districts Get Remastered + Sign to Fat Possum

districtsIf you’ve had a chance to browse through the extensive list of incredible acts coming to Austin for SXSW, then perhaps you noticed, or even looked into, the Districts.  If not, that’s okay, but you’ll get a chance below to see if they even catch your eye.  The group has remastered a few old tracks, plus added a few new ones for their upcoming self-titled EP, which is going to be released on the band’s new label, Fat Possum.  It starts off as a bit of wandering Americana, but there’s a rough finish, which has me excited for both the EP, and their live show. You can grab the EP on January 28th, and catch the band touring with White Denim before they arrive at SXSW.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/123093622″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Music from Haunted Houses

hauntedAs the year winds down, new music to whet your appetite is becoming harder and harder to find, except for some gems that came out at the end of last week.  One of the tunes that caught my attention was this newest jam from Haunted House.  The song is one of the tracks set to fit onto their self-titled EP, which will be released in early 2014; it holds onto a bedroom quality, while still having enough musicianship to make the song sound huge.  I love the foggy quality of the vocals; they still have some clarity despite being spun through a little wash.  Should be an interesting listen when we get to hear the rest of the tracks.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Haunted-House-Guts.mp3]

Download: Haunted House – Guts [MP3]

1 2 3 4 5