Revisiting Fog Lake’s Carousel EP

I’ve definitely been way into Fog Lake, but somehow the Carousel EP slipped past me during peak list season. But, over the break, perhaps this was the one piece of music I kept returning to time and time again. There’s something nostalgic in the work of Aaron Powell, as if we’re looking back on the classic sound of the 50s. But, rather than just make it a revisiting project, he’s adapted his own sound, quieting his voice, muddying the mix just a bit, leaving you with more of an homage to the past. I’m in love with every song on this EP, and I reckon you will be too. It’s listed as NYP, but remember, tip your favorite bands!

Upbeat Ballad from Kirsten Peckham

As most blogs and sites get back to work today, there’s only one song, at least that’s come my way, that will lift your spirits; it’s this delightful new tune from Kirsten Peckham. The instrumentation instantly creates this healthy bounce, from the jagged guitar lines dancing around strummed ukulele and a rolling back beat…I dare you not to tap your toes. Peckham has this smoky voice that rides throughout the tune, but I’ve found myself captivated by the way it rises and falls around various notes…not to mention the very soft backing vocal just beneath the mix. You’ll find this charming number on Kirsten’s new album, KP Time!, which is being released on January 25th via Crush Grove Records.

Hook-laden Hit from Dan Francia

Dan Francia seems willing to let all his friends (features members of OVLOV, Gobbin Jr and Titus Andronicus) play on his forthcoming debut, Coming Back to Life, and we’re all the better for it. A wonky note opens the track before keyboards walk in with the song’s natural hook. But, that’s about as normal as the song gets, structurally. Guitars and bass and vocals pop up intermittently, trading places with one another as Francia corrals his friends into this recording. It layers everything in a unique fashion, leaving the listener with an insatiable desire to revisit each and every note that caught their fancy. The new effort will be released by Exploding in Sound on January 25th.

Another Hit from Go Fever

I’ve always enjoyed Go Fever, but if there’s an Austin band that I’m pulling for this year, it’s them! They already dropped one anthemic gem of a pop tune, and with their latest single they don’t look to stop. Acey walks into the song with this seemingly sullen attitude; it’s a cool effort, though you get the feeling by the increased paced of the percussion that we’re in for more. Suddenly you’re thrust into this twirling chorus, dizzying in its pop sensibility, bordering on over the top. But, therein lies the brilliance…they bring cool back to saccharine that hits home for us all. The group should have a new effort coming right around the corner.

Austin Stories: Sour Times by Jared Boulanger

Jared Boulanger has been a long-time friend of the site, and so it seems fitting we start off our 2019 with another Austin Story, this one from the leader of Sour Notes/Memory Keepers, wherein he talks about hardships and being grateful. And, if you’re interested in hearing Jared’s work live, he has two shows for our infamous Free Week: January 1st at Volstead and January 5th at Barracuda! Read on to hear Jared’s story. Read more

New Music from Viking Moses

Viking Moses is the moniker of songwriter Brendon Massei, and he’s finishing up the work on his next album, Cruel Child; it’ll come out in early next year via Epifo. Today we’ve got one of the album’s standout tunes, and it’s a seemingly simple track, working with little more than guitar and vocals. That said, there’s this natural emotive quality that lurks in these songs; it’s a connection between your speakers and Brendon that is some rarely accomplished. Each time I press play here, I tend to think back to last year and a Ted Leo solo set I caught that kept me captivated for over an hour. Viking Moses presents the same passion and knack for songwriting, so go on and hear for yourself.

Power Pop from Sam Hoffman

Listening through to this Sam Hoffman track, I’m struck by his melodies; they have this dreamy sense of longing, letting all of us look on to bigger and better days. Behind those notes rides a crunchy guitar, giving the song a gritty backbone that builds contrast for the two distinctive sound. That’s all before I even mention the harmonies by the backing bunch behind Sam; that really makes things jump off the tape and through your speakers. If you’re looking back over the year and wandering if you missed anything, then go on out and listen to Fairweather, Sam’s debut LP.

Turn Up This Bad Sleep Tune

This might be one of the last songs we post in 2018, and honestly, I think I would be super happy if that’s the case. It’s an energetic pop rock tune from Olympia’s Bad Sleep, and I can’t get it out of my head. The vocals have this innate hook, even whilst being shouted at the top of the lungs. The rhythm section really keeps the song jumping up and down, and the guitar work is gritty and explosive. If you’re looking for a band who sounds like they’re having a hell of a time playing together, then look no further! You can grab the band’s self-titled LP from the folks over at Square of Opposition; it drops in January.

New Pop Jam from Pure Mids

Want to slide into this Monday with some smooth pop vibes? Then go ahead, slide right on into this new Pure Mids tune. The track has this natural pulse pushing through by way of some heavy electronica. But, while that leans towards dance floor-ready pop, the tune has this breezy vibe that courses through the vocals, giving an almost atmospheric touch to the track. Whether you’re in need of a late night pick me up or just an early morning hop in your step, you can’t go wrong with this tune. Hoping to hear more from the group in the very near future as rumor has it that they’re working on more new stuff.

New Music from Nick Garrie

Nick Garrie released the stunning The Nightmare of JB Stanislas back in 1969, but went mostly quiet, despite how revered his work was at the time. Luckily, Elefant got him to reissue it, which led to a few more albums on various labels in the following years. Now, word has come that we might see a new LP in 2019 via Tapete Records….at the very least we have a new single. His music seems timeless, even now, gentle and soothing, with the focus on great wordplay. It’s going to be hard for you to listen to this song and not feel someone pulling at your insides, tugging every emotion out of you.

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