Fresh Black Lizard Tune

blizardI’m always interested in the work of Black Lizard, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that I should give them more love as they prep the release of their new effort, Solarize.  You’ll hear the psychedelic influence on this latest single, with a stomp alive and well, meshing with the sound of ringing guitar swagger.  Admittedly, the vibe isn’t for everyone, but I’m on board, particularly because they’re releasing this new album via our friends at Soliti Music. You can grab it from the label on March 20th, then rock out with the band for months to come.

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Introducing: Mumrunner

mumsthewordThought I was pretty in with the Finnish scene, but Soliti always has to keep me on my toes.  They just tossed out this excellent single from Mumrunner today.  Honestly, this might be one of my favorite new things from the label in recent months; it’s got that swirling jangling guitar I love so well, but the vocals bring in a smoky male vocal, touched up by a nice female counterpart, and I’m in love. They’re polishing up the final touches on their newest EP, and I dare you not to immediately fall in love with this track.  I’ll keep you posted on the new EP…hopefully with a new song!

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Black Lizard Ready 2nd LP

blackAt this point in the history, albeit a short one, I’m not really sure what to expect from Black Lizard.  The band changes directions, though they’ve always flirted with a darkened tint that’s really kept me enraptured.  Listening to their latest single from the forthcoming Solarize, it sounds as if they’ve taken the old formula of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, or even JAMC, and made it entirely their own.  That’s what I love about the group: no matter what they do, they own it, giving it their all for the betterment of our experience.  Check out a video for the new single HERE. The LP will be released by Soliti this Spring.

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More Expansive Pop from Cats of Transnistria

transcatsIt’s difficult to capture the attention of modern listeners, especially with shorter attention spans and what not.  That being said, I beg you to really spend some time with the latest from Cats of Transnistria.  The song below changes landscapes from within the song, moving through gentle stages towards into more discordant moments, and then a return.  Their Away EP has been nothing if not captivating, allowing me to really sink into my listening experience as I indulge in this version of constructionist pop music; the EP is out next week from Soliti.  You can also check out the accompanying VIDEO.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/2-San-Francisco.mp3]

 

 

Introducing Cats of Transnistria

kittiesYou know my adoration for our Finnish friends over at Soliti Music; that’s going to continue as they’ve just signed an incredibly interesting new act, Cats of Transnistria.  The group is essentially a duo, crafting this really ornate soundscape music, weaving vocals in and out, and creating this aesthetic that’s extremely hard to ignore.  This video the band created to accompany their single captures that approach, as it’s merely just a bit more than a gentle breeze that whispers through the flowers and the video’s protagonist; it fits in perfectly with the vocals.  Look for their EP in January.

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Introducing Love Sport

loversThe waters in Finland have been growing strong, and Soliti Music has been handling the allocation of such waters to it’s many great artists.  They’ve just added a new act to their roster who I think will catch your interest, Love Sport.  The group is a hodgepodge of the label’s roster, with members of Black Twig and Big Wave Riders to name a few.  Their first single is this driving burst of psychedelic pop music; the vocals are hiding behind the main mix just a smidge, begging you to put in a closer ear.  You can also check the video for the single HERE; their Gol EP will be out on December 12th.

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Album Announcement for Ghost of Jack Nance

ghost-of-jack-nance-promo-picSoliti Music is on a roll this week, with a video from Black Lizard earlier, and now the announcement of My Heart Strings, the new effort from Ghost of Jack Nance. This tune is filled with noisy plodding guitar and a vocal that seems to echo through the caverns of your mind. It sort of sounds like if you took Beat Happening and wrapped it up in this dense collection of atmospheric noise…and I mean that in a really good way, I promise.  You’ll be able to grab the new EP on November 28th, but while you’re waiting indulge a bit by rocking THIS VIDEO at work.

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Check Out This Song + Video from Black Lizard

BlackLizard_2014_by_EetuMaaranenWe’ve got a pretty good relationship with the Finnish super-label, Soliti Music; they always give us a heads up when something is happening with their bands.  So, they sent over this great little video from Black Lizard, who are running this beautiful cinematic video to go with their latest single “Turquoise.” This song features on the band’s recent Burning EP, but I think the sound differs a bit from the group’s previous tunes; there’s this underlying beauty that resonates with the emotional textures.  You should check out the group’s video HERE. And then go grab the EP from Soliti!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/BLACK-LIZARDS-TR3-TURQUOISE-SONIC-1.mp3]

 

Soft Piece of Pop from Manna

manananaDespite my tendencies for great rock n’ roll as of late, there’s still a softy inside.  That guy, though rare, really enjoys a powerful ballad, especially when its strung around the backbone of a piano.  Manna‘s voice could easily carry the track, which is apparent in the song’s early moments, though there’s some extra accompaniment to fill in areas of space within the song.  It’s just another slice of grandiose pop from the Finnish singer, who’ll be releasing her record, Blackbird, at the end of the month in her home country, though those of outside will have to wait until early 2015 for our own copy; look for the release via Soliti.

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Wake Up with Oceans

oceanIf, like some of us at the ATH offices, you’re struggling a bit here on Monday, then turn up the stereo and kick it with this dance number from Oceans.  They’re just the latest act to sign on with Soliti Music over in Finland.  The grooves are definitely bass heavy, allowing for you to get that toe-tapping feeling in your feet, but there’s also a nice bit of warmth hiding in the vocals…winning over any listener.  Not only that, but it’s quick and to the point, allowing you to sink your teeth in quickly and move on.  Look for an EP on October 31st.

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