Last Week’s Jams (2.20 – 2.24)

Even after taking off Monday, we managed to get tons of coverage out there. I was stoked to hear that new Cindy song that I had been promised late last year. RayRay started pushing some of our SXSW introductions out with Pendant and Orions Belte. A handful of Austin acts tossed out new tunes, so check in on Hallo, Space Tan and Transy Warhol…a few who will be playing our just announced ATH vs SOTO SXSW Party. Plus, I got a bonus add by getting an excuse to post a little Braid to this site, on top of including my favorite releases of the week for streaming purposes. Get at it below.

Vanity Mirror Share Tuesday’s News

A lot of artists that throw their hat in the nostalgia ring, looking back at certain periods of music to make it their very own. Vanity Mirror are one of those acts, seemingly culling their influences to look at the pop sounds of the late 60s. But, in doing that, there’s some recording flare, and just a bit of outsider mentality that makes it feel earnest and present, more than a throwback. I honestly feel like the band’s vocals and melodies owe a great deal to Elliott Smith, while the music definitely takes on that Beatles-esque nod. If you’re digging on it, the band drop their debut Puff via We Are Busy Bodies on May 12th.

Hallo Share Cold Magic Single

There’s this hugely cinematic nature to the latest single from Austin’s Hallo, which makes complete sense considering the band is helmed by artist/actor/director Tiana Stuart. Musically, the song’s riding that powerful ballad format, somewhere between Jenny Lewis and Sharon van Etten, which we can all agree is a pretty special place to find yourself. But, there’s something about the production work done by Erik Wofford that just gives the track this larger-than-life quality; it just feels like it’s meant for that important moment in the greatest scene of your life. With the promise of a debut album soon to come, it’s time we all get acquainted with this rising Austin act.

Whitney’s Playland Share Mercy Single

There’s something rad going on with the craft of Whitney’s Playland; they feel like they’re channeling elements of 90s radio rock, a la Elastica or Breeders, but in that, they’ve updated it to make it a bit more current. I like the fuzzed out riffs, almost drowned out by the strength of the vocal performance. Something in the execution or presentation feels effortlessly cool, so I’ll feel like I’m just transported back to my teenage life, acting like I’m the next incarnation of Jordan Catalano (though I was more Dicky Barrett). If you’re looking for cool, it’s here, so be sure to grab Sunset Sea Breeze via Paisley Shirt Records/Meritorio Records.

Chapter Music Reissue Whadya Want’s Skippy Knows

I don’t know much about Whadya Want, other than the band had an impact on the folks over at Chapter Music, who are some of my most reliable musical resources. So, when they sent over these tracks to let us know about their reissue of the band’s lone album, Skippy Knows, I figured it would only do us all justice to learn a little more about the band, if only through their hook-laden pop rock sounds. It’s a mixture of 80s dance club sounds, holding onto what was left of the post-punk of that period. Below, you get this groovy number that’s only here as a digital bonus track if you grab the LP; it reminds me of the sharpness of an Orange Juice track, so you can’t go wrong there. Skippy Knows will be reissued on April 14th.

Squirrel Share I Love You Single

There’s a special spot in my heart for oddball pop rock, from the early Elephant 6 to bands like Tripping Daisy or even early Flaming Lips, so this is immediately where my mind traveled when I began to listen to the new single from Squirrel. Opening with a huge punch, the song jumps into this bright blast of melody, operating a fuzzy little riff while the vocals course up and down holding tight to that juicy hook. The chorus offers a big blast of rolling drums and fury, albeit, done with a little lo-fi flare. If you’re digging on it, check out Squirrel, and the forthcoming Human Teeth Parade EP dropping on March 14th.

Transy Warhol Drop Afterglow Single

Austin outfit Transy Warhol have been dubbed the next Big Boys, taking up the torch passed through acts like Big Bill and others. But, while the punk side is there, it’s fleshed out on this fresh single in an artier, almost melodic fashion. The vocals have a bit of gruffness, but they’re curled into warm croon that very much feels like it could be the sound of a number of 80s post punk acts. I like the frantic nature of the guitars, stabbing at the speakers with this angular sharpness that really gets the blood flowing, so keep an eye out on this lot as they’ll be releasing their debut Control later this year!

K. Campbell Releases Brand New Single

Sitting here on Wednesday, I feel like we could all be friends. I want to make your day better with a few sweet tunes, which is why I’m bringing you this new tune from Houston’s K. Campbell! The artist dropped this new single, with this refreshing blend of power and indie pop; it’s got this remarkably charming vocal delivery, with just enough bite to really keep you coming back time and time again. Plus, if you’re willing to indulge, there’s a nice little horn solo waiting for you in the middle, which is the perfect sign of a great pop song giving you that little bit extra.

Guy Blue Shares No Other Life (Without You)

Who doesn’t just love a tune that tugs on your heartstrings? What about a dreary voice that feels beautifully pained? Well, I do, which is why I love the latest single from Guy Blue. The project is centered around low-key electro-pop bits, and for my two cents, it sounds like a happier version of Stephin Merritt, a voice weighted by emotion trying to find the bright side in this world. It seems so simple in its presentation, but its dripping with musical rewards for those willing to let it wash upon your shores. You’ll find this single on the forthcoming Arms Wide EP.

Mononegatives Share North Carolina Atomic Bomb

It seems like every few months we get graced with a new single from Ontario’s Mononegatives, and thus, here we are. This time, the verses have this very robotic nature to it, almost like a stomping wave of synths punching the message into your brain. But, for me, the noisy blast of emphasis in the chorus is what grabs me, dwelling in that realm of frantic punk meets garage rock. I feel like they’re always dropping these singles that have this knack for punishing your eardrums while offering up the teeniest hint at pop tendencies. No matter what, I’m always here for it.

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