Last Week’s Jams (9.25 – 9.29)

While it seemed like a slow week, in my brain at least, there was lots of really great stuff to cover over on the site. We were happy to host the new video from Seablite, so be sure you drop in and give it a couple of looks. Plus, our Rock n’ Recipes features returned with Spain’s Melenas, who dropped their new Ahora LP on Friday. Plus, Austin was alive and kicking with new stuff from Molly Burch, Semihelix and Sun June. Seeing our old friends in Pop Filter return to the fold was just a little cherry on top of a great week of music. There’s lots more for you to find in this playlist!

Semihelix Share Renovate

Of all the acts in Austin, a band that I’m always happier than not to hear from is Semihelix; they’ve promised a new 7″ before the year’s up, so we wanted to make sure they had your attention. While their last single was hitting some dreamy jangles, this one seems to peel it all back, driving the sweetness home in the presentation. For me, I absolutely love Geannie’s vocals here, particularly when they get dubbed for the backing vocals too. There’s a nice little sonic turn too, letting the track dwell in some late 90s rock n’ roll territory as it draws to a close, with an added bit of piano thickening up the mixture here. We’ll keep you posted when we know more about that 7″!

Semihelix Shares Downstream Single

In a city filled with solid artists, Semihelix have been on my radar the last few years for their distinctive sound; they fall more in line with a sort of traditional indiepop sound, albeit one that gets a touch fuzzy around the edges. I love the forlorn nature of Geannie’s guitar at the beginning, allowing the drums to sort of stomp their way into the bedroom as they set up to share their warmth. While the track rocks a bit of dreaminess, the bass grooves bring in this understated bop that makes me think of my favorite records from the 80s Australian scene. It’s really great to see the band take a huge leap from Recoil and continue to grow their sound. One of my fave ATX outfits at the moment, and this track will feature on a 7″, dropping later this year.

ATX Premiere: Semihelix Share Slower Pace

Austin based outfit Semihelix came onto our radar in 2021 with the release of their album of the year worthy debut LP Recoil. Since then, we’ve been anxiously awaiting new tunes from the band and today is finally the day! For your listening pleasure is this new tune called “Slower Pace” which certainly doesn’t adhere to the song title with its short 1.5 minutes of bright, energy filled jangle pop. A true gem in the Austin scene.

This song is part of an upcoming EP due out sometime later this Fall. More info coming soon.

 

Top Albums of 2021

Honestly, I’m pretty over lists at this point. They’re arbitrary and don’t really reflect anything but someone’s tastes, except here where they reflect the tastes of three individuals…because that’s how we roll. So, take this list with a grain of salt. These are the records we thought were the best, which mostly just means these are the ones we listened to on repeat throughout the year! Feel free to leave a comment on what you think we missed, or why we’re dumb; we love good comment trolls.

Also, because this list is really about crediting the art that made us happy, we wanted it to make you happy too, so we included purchasing links where we could. Read more

Last Week’s Jams, Today (September 27 – October 1)

Mondays, am I right? Honestly, been struggling for energy and motivation of late, but last week had some really great tunes hit, accompanied by great albums from the likes of Semihelix, Cindy and Ducks Ltd. I chose to open with this Semihelix on the mix because I’d love to take the opening 30 seconds and put it in my pocket to carry it around with me all day. Also, unfortunately, the Humdrum track isn’t on the streaming platforms just yet, so be sure you click HERE to check that great tune out!

 

Stream Semihelix’s New LP, Recoil

Pretty huge release day out there, with some ATH faves like Ducks LTD and Cindy dropping new albums, but I wanted to stay a little closer to home with a record we really love around here: Semihelix‘s Recoil. Honestly, I think Geannie Friedman and company really hit it out of the park here; the album plays in the realm with roots dating back to post-punk, but it uses that as a touchstone, dancing here and there. Take “Mourning Light,” which features this bubbling bass line and soothing melody, definitely taking some notes from the Sarah Records catalog, then jump ahead a few tracks to “Translucent,” using more pace and urgency to push the melodic notes. It all works so perfectly, you’re sort of shocked that this is the band’s debut. Me, well, I’m partial to “Come Around,” with Friedman’s best vocal performance, at least to my ears. Go ahead and give this album a few spins this morning.

Last Week’s Jams, Today (September 13 – 17)

Last week I might have gotten a little carried away; my wife and newborn son were spending a lot of time resting, so I was just hanging out writing about songs all week…something a teacher, soccer coach, dad and label owner typically can’t do. So, this week’s playlist of last week’s hits might be a little longer than usual, but you’re going to be all the better for it. I hope you have a wonderful Monday my friends, and enjoy the jams here!

Semihelix Share Recoil Video

I’m hoping that Austin puts Semihelix on the map this year, as the band’s work is one of the more enjoyable sounds I’ve heard coming from the city this year. I love the way the jangling guitars erupt into a sort of hazy shuffle, kind of like watching clouds move in fast motion as they roll over some desert horizon. You’ll also be into some of the shoegaze-ish elements, the distorted guitars that build walls in the background, and then its all thrown in with Geannie Friedman’s solid vocal work, and we’ve got this billowing dream pop heavy hitter you’re going to want in rotation. They’ll be dropping their debut later this summer via Mariel Recording Company.

Semihelix Share New Destination

We’re nearing the end of the week, and I’ve already got my eyes on the horizon, so looking for some sweet jams to move us into the weekend, like this great tune from Austin’s Semihelix. Knowing my tastes, it only takes you a minute to catch onto the charms of the band, playing with those pseudo-jangling guitars while cymbals shimmer in the far off distance of the mix. It all leaves room for the calming waves of Geannie Friedman’s voice, who I’ll admit pulls close to a young Jenny Lewis…a close ear should catch what I’m hearing. Regardless, the band will be releasing their debut LP later this year via Mariel Recording Company, so we’ll have more news for you soon!

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