Show Preview: Yumi Zouma @ Barracuda (1/13)

If you’re willing to brave the cold; it’s going to be warm inside Barracuda tomorrow night…and not just because it’s indoors. You’re going to get a chance to catch Yumi Zouma touring in support of their most recent album, Willowbank; it’s filled to the brim with hook-laden pop music of the electronic pop sort. Plus, the night will also be filled by two of our favorite local acts, Kay Odyssey and Blushing. We heard that Blushing will probably have their brand new Weak EP on hand before it’s street date, so head there and pick you a copy for yourself.

Show Preview: Shana Falana @ Cheer Up Charlies – TONIGHT

In 2016 Shana Falana released the most excellent Here Comes the Wave, and still riding high on the release; the band heads into Austin this evening at Cheer Up Charlies. You’ll get a steady dose of female-fronted dream-pop, akin to Wax Idols or Frankie Rose. They’ll be joined by several Austin acts, with our own Blushing joining the ranks of Lake of Fire and Angry Beige to round out the bill put together by the Nothing Song. The tune below is still my favorite Shana Falana tune off the last record…such a gem. See ya’ll tonight!

Show Preview: Alvvays + Nap Eyes @ The Mohawk 10/17(TONIGHT)

This first little snap of cooler temps around ATX has got me yearning to be outside listening to sweet jams, and lucky for me, The Mohawk has the perfect bill to fit this desire. Alvvays, soaring into our town on the wings of their sophomore release, Antisocialites, will be bringing their pristine pop to our ears and there really isn’t an excuse to miss them. While their self titled debut was catchy in all the right ways, their most recent record showed maturity and dreamy layers of growth to their surfy indie pop. I personally can’t wait to hear the band play hits off the new record like “Not My Baby” or rambunctious “Plimsoll Punks.” Oh, and to top it all off, Nap Eyes will be opening up the night with their college rock. Tickets are still available, you can and should pick them up here. There simply is no better way to spend a Tuesday evening. Check out tunes from both bands below.

Show Preview: Widowspeak @ Sidewinder (10.3)

Feel like we might all be taking Widowspeak for granted, but luckily Austinites have the chance to remedy that by heading to Sidewinder tomorrow evening. Through four albums, the band has been nothing but an example of musical consistency, though I feel it necessary to mention that Expect the Best might be their best release. There’s such depth to each track, brooding and coated in delicate vocals…and added textures of strings/accompaniment build to make swelling pop opuses. It’s an early show, with doors at 6:30 PM, with Clearance schedule to open just after 7. Buy yourself a ticket HERE. Stream the entirety of their latest release for Captured Tracks below.

Frankie Rose Plays Tonight at Barracuda

Those of you that pay any heed to the indie media cred will surely be aware that Frankie Rose released the most excellent Cage Tropical earlier this year via Slumberland; heralded P4K gave it a 7.7! It’s probably her most complete release to date, and she’s bringing it to the live stage tonight at Barracuda. But, even better for you is that opening the night will be our own Tres Oui, who are currently wrapping up a new LP for Shrimper, so you’re bound to hear a whole slew of new gems on stage tonight…plus Steven has some new pedals to show you. In the middle of the set is Suburban Living, so you really can’t go wrong by being in attendance. Doors are at 8!

 

Show Pics: Black Marble @ The Sidewinder (6/24)

You ever go to a show excited about the headliner, and in fact, very impressed by the headliner, but walk away a bigger fan of an opener?

That very thing happened last Saturday when Austin converged on The Sidewinder last Saturday night. Black Marble was outstanding. They ended up selling the place out. However, I was really taken by Body of Light; they were fully on target for the renaissance of analog synth pop/dark wave I am delighted to see surging right now. The fact that openers Draa held their own here was also worth praise.

Click through for a few thoughts and plenty of pics.

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Show Preview: Black Marble @ Sidewinder (6/24)

If you are out and about tonight, perhaps you should go say to Big Bill at friends at Electric Church. It is one of the best lineups of the residency. Check it out here. But if you are keeping it lowkey tonight and want to burn it out tomorrow…

We make no bones that Black Marble had one of our favorite records of last year. It’s Immaterial is packed with waves of density, haunting basslines and respites of sparse tension. This show at Sidewinder instantly went on my calendar.

I also want to highlight the openers. I missed the PR blitz when Body of Light‘s record Let Me Go came out last summer. I am bummed about that. It is full on new wave perfection with peppered in samples that will haunt you until you figure them out. Draa rounds out the bill bringing gorgeous echoing pop. Listen to previews of all three below.

This bill is stacked.

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Show Preview: Merchandise and B-Boys @ the Sidewinder

I’ve been really looking forward to this show for awhile, as I’m wholly stuck on B-Boys new record, Dadism. The band have this old school punk vibe, though thrown into a world of odd structures and a sense of urgency…it’s like if Parquet Courts had gotten artier (and better). Plus, the headliner is Merchandise, who always put on a really great show, continuing to impress with their constantly changing vibe. Street Themes will also be going on early to kick off the night. Doors at 6:30 over at Sidewinder, so be there or risk missing out on one of the best shows coming in town this summer.

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Show Preview: The Radio Dept @ Mohawk (2.20)

Long ago, when I was really into buying soundtracks, I picked up the Marie Antoinette CD. Admittedly, I bought it because of the Strokes, but it opened the door to my obsession with the Radio Dept. At the time, my tastes were pretty broad, indie rock speaking, but this opened an entire different world to my realm. Their songs were always playful, rooted in this expansive bit of electronica, though they tended to experiment a bit more than the other things I was listening to at that age. What struck me, probably later than my first few listens, was the band’s ability to drape political content in this airy delight that was supremely rewarding. I’ve picked up everything I could get my hands on throughout the years, with Clinging to a Scheme being my personal favorite. If you’re new to the band, I suggest Passive Aggressive, which is a great compilation from some of their best 2000-era work. They come to the Mohawk Monday night, for what I’m assured will be an exhilarating experience. It’s fresh off some rave reviews for their recent album, Running Out of Love, reigniting America’s love for these Swedes. They’ll be joined by Brooklyn’s Germans. Buy your tickets HERE. Not many make music as grand as this, but when they do, you’re better off if you come experience it live!

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Show Preview: Ne-Hi/American Wrestlers @ Sidewinder 1/14

Yea, I know you’re all about making the most out of your Saturday nights in a city that always gives you more than one great option for music. However, I’m here to tell you that your best option is at The Sidewinder tomorrow night to catch two great touring acts as they pass through our city. First off, you get the ever-delightful Ne-Hi out of Chicago, who are blowing up in the music world with their youthful jangly indie rock. They’re about to release their sophomore LP,Offers, just around the corner in February, so you can bet we’ll get to hear some fresh tracks off of that album.

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While that should be enough to get you out to the Sidewinder, let’s not forget that American Wrestlers are the second half of this great bill. This groupout of St. Louisreleased their sophomore record, Goodbye Terrible Youth,last fall to some mighty praise, so you know you’re going to be in for a night of high energy indie rock.

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Doors are at 9pm and tickets at 12$ here. No excuses!

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