This is fine.
We’re just a mere week away from SXSW festival, and we’ve got another interview with one of the acts that’s high on my list of “must sees,” Nap Eyes. They just recently released Thought Rock Fish Scale, which is one of the albums you absolutely must have (in my opinion). We caught up with Nigel to get a few words as they make their way to Austin.
Austin bands are a dime a dozen, but you’ve got to have something special to break beyond the confines of the city. It appears that Hovvdy have accomplished done that, blasting thing single all over the world rather quickly (15K listens in a matter of days!). You’ve got to be proud, as an Austinite, but you’ve also got to take note if you’re living beyond. The act is working with Merdurhaus and Sports Day Records, both reputable voices in the void, to release their debut, Taster on April 15th. Take a listen to what it’s all about, as these guys won’t be looking back.
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The dudes from Hollow FortyFives have graced our pages before, but now that they’ve got a new track in the mix, we should go ahead and give that a push. This track pushes on the band’s garage rock tendencies, but continues to push melodies into the mix. I really appreciate the fact that there’s such clarity in the vocals, which isn’t always the case. I look forward to seeing what these guys come up with, as a new song generally means there’s a new release right around the corner. Happy Monday folks.
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Based upon the singles we’ve already heard, Elephant Stone are happily branching into a new direction, musically. This new tune sounds an awful like a more controlled Flaming Lips; it’s creative and artful, yet still has a great deal of pop sensibility, gearing it up to be adored by scores of listeners. It’s just another indicator, to me at least, that their new effort, Ship of Fools, is going to be a delight in so many ways. Plus, the band’s on tournext week as they make their way to Austin for SXSW; they’re always a local favorite here.
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Taryn Miller crafts soaring pop masterpieces under the name of Your Friend. Her debut album, Gumption, puts her in the same vein of similar artists like Beach House, though she’s mostly working on her own up in Lawrence, Kansas; I note that because she sounds nothing like what one would associate with the Lawrence scene from a decade ago. We briefly caught her via email to ask her a few questions about her journey to SXSW this year. Read more
I’ve made no secret of my love for Terry Malts, both as musicians and people. But, that really all started for me when I discovered Magic Bullets. That’s a good place for the story to start because the band has just created their own label, Parked In Hell. What will be their first two releases? Ah, yes. Music from their first few bands, The Cosmos and Magic Bullets…see the full circle? The Cosmos (which also featured members of Girls) will be a 2001-2004 Compilation, while Young Man’s Fancy will be the title of the Magic Bullets album…it’s got a bunch of unreleased material on it that we’ve never heard (I thought I had it all). Also, keep an eye on the label because they’ll be releasing an EP from Malt man, Corey Cunningham too! Here’s some sample tracks off the first two releases!
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The last time I had I thought about the Newsletters was back in November when they had just releasedthe Lucky Country 7″. But, thanks to an Internet friend I was directed to this wonderfully bright pop track the Melbourne band just released. It’s probably the best thing to begin your weekend; it’s got a spirited bounce and warm harmonies…plus it’s relatively short so you can play it again and again. It’s the sort of tune that makes you feel good about being a pop fan. As of now it’s just a single, but rumored to be included in a later release at an as yet unnamed time; you’ll know when we do.
Seems like this is the month for all things Hospital Ships, especially here at ATH. We interviewed Jordan about SXSW, as well as featured several new songs from his forthcoming LP, The Past is Not a Flood. We’re fortunate enough to offer you another special treat today, with a live video of his song “Nothing to Hide.” This is perhaps one of the album’s most personal songs, as well as the most direct in its simplicity. Here we have Jordan working over a piano with his fragile voice carrying the track. The video’s pretty naked emotionally as well; I love seeing him completely lost in the song, as you’re likely to feel the same. Look for the new LP on March 11th via Graveface Records.
[youtube]https://youtu.be/FiFkbrj7wZA[/youtube]
Not too long ago we brought you news that Say No! to Architecture was going to make a musical return with their first single, “Wieder’s Floor.” But, songwriter Allen Roizman is really out to take you on a journey through this track. There’s a pulsating force that pushes the song forward, filling in some of that empty space with layered vocals…they serve almost entirely as an instrumental force in the song. It’s not your run of the mill tune, reaching over five minutes to allow you maximize enjoyment…if you happen to be into it. Look for the new self-titled LP on March 18th!
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If there’s a record that B.Gray and I are pretty excited about hearing, it has to be this upcoming Lust for Youth LP. The band has continued to grow their sound, creating some of the darkest, yet most accessible, electronic pop music around. They’ve also got a pretty intoxicating live show, which doesn’t always happen for the genre. They tossed out another single today from Compassion, so seems fitting that we stay in line with our obsession and post this new tune as well. You can hear the record when it’s released on March 18th via Sacred Bones Records. Also…check the band touring the States, including SXSW.
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