Conflict at Serenity Pools Drop Bermuda Grass

While I’ll be toiling away administering the brilliantly designed STAAR Test today, I wanted to leave you with a set of brilliant tunes designed to make your world a little better than mine. What better way that to dip your toes into the quieted beauty of this new track from Conflict at Serenity Pools; it has this beach-y breeze to it, though inside there, it also brings this Springtime bounce to it. I really love the way the guitar line trickles over itself, almost tripping in its own joy, particularly when the synthetic ambiance washes over the tune. I’m of the belief your day will be better if you play this one at least a half-dozen times before moving on to your day.

 

Monnone Alone Share River of Sighs

I thought good old Mark Monnone was playing a trick on me when I first press play; I mean, I didn’t expect a vocal sample in a different language! But, as the guitar lines begin to sound familiar and friendly, that’s when I notice that Monnone Alone is still an on-going project, and thus entitled to grow and try out new tricks. The trick here is perfect execution, with one of the best vocal performances I can remember from Mark; it’s aided by the perfect little detailed backing vocal too. There is something light and good-natured here, however, like a bug setting sail on a loose leaf and sailing down a stream, nothing but promise of a new horizon on its mind. Here Comes the Afternoon will be out on May 2nd via Lost and Lonesome/Meritorio/Safe Suburban Home.

Adrian Quesada and Angelica Garcia Share No Juego

Boleros Psicodelicos was chock-full of bangers, and so expectations for BP II is already high, especially with the debut single that featured Cuco. This round, Adrian Quesada has employed Angelica Garcia as his accompaniment, and in doing so, knocked another one out of the park. This track feels entirely cinematic, something ripped straight from a Tarantino film, and that matches perfectly with the video version accompanying the track. In some way, it also feels like a Latin gangster film, with our singer giving out warning to those in attendance that our singer “no juego” (doesn’t play games), only adding to the theatrical element the tune encompasses. It’s another smoking hot track that has me doubling down on Boleros Psicodelicos II, which drops on June 27th via ATO Records.

Psych Fest Preview: Blackwater Holylight

Austins Psych Fest kicks off 4.25 and runs through 4.27, and maybe a little insight into what Im looking forward to specifically some sleepers or lesser-knowns is warranted. I know you didnt ask, but Ill tell you anyway.

Blackwater Holylight: Friday, 6:15, Janis Stage

Day 1, get there early and get the weekend started right. Sandwiched between the sweet sounds of Jesse Sykes, and the local headliners The Octopus Project and Explosions in the Sky, is a whole lot of black. And I love black sonically and visually.

It would be an easy stab at pushing the other blacks in the middle pack, but Blackwater Holylight deserves the attention just as much as the others. Austins Psych Fest has never been shy about showing off their love for the heavy, stoner, psychedelic, shoegaze-sludge rock and they packed in a few hours of this right about the time that most cubicle-occupying day-walkers are mid happy hour, washing away their weeks worth of toil and making plans to utilize what little time they have to enjoy over the next few days. I think you know what you should be doing in lieu of that time-honored, soul-suck of a tradition. Blackwater Holylight.

The band just released their 2025 EP If Only You Knew, which sees the members exploring more personal themes lyrically while steering into the same sonic vibe. A few singles have surfaced already, if you’re looking for a taste. And the All I Need Cover is kinda cool.

The Setting Son Share I Still Cant Decide What I Want

Danish outfit The Setting Son are on their way to releasing Cul-de-sac this June, and a little listen to this ditty might have your ears perked up, ready to try on something new going into next year. The group have been around for some time, and they do make some nods to psychedelia throughout their catalogue, but the way the two guitar lines work in unison on this album really makes me think upon the Go-Betweens. It’s pop music, but it feels elevated and yet so simple that you can’t help but treat is as a little piece of tasty ear candy you can come back to again and again. Light jangle, little haze and a hell of a melody…check it!

Dayflower Readies New LP + Shares Young Sun

Leicester’s Dayflower have had no qualms sharing their adoration for all things dream pop and shoegaze, but what I like in their new single is its ability to adhere to a stylistic signpost, whilst still feel refreshing in the way it’s presented. When it kicks in, the electronic influence almost takes you on an adventure from the get go, immersing you in this wash of pop electronics; the wash of heavier guitars hang in the back, kind of lurking, and only making their presence felt when necessary. The brooding element of the genre is still necessary, but it seems like the band and the song are reaching for that one ray of pop sunshine coming through the clouds. Look for their new LP this Summer via Sunday Records.

Last Week’s Jams (4.14 – 4.18)

A fairly busy week as we got a little more back on routine writing last week, and we were especially excited for all the pop fans out there. New stuff from Jeanines, the Perfect English Weather, Lightheaded, and Lost Film had what cures the ills, and man, were there some special tracks mentioned above. Circled around to hear some Austin, and Austin adjacent stuff with Little Marzarn, BS and former ATX resident Lauren Green and Tan Cologne. Plus, M. Maly gave us a peek at what’s in store for Pscyh Fest, throwing in some coverage with King Hannah being highlighted on the playlist. Plus, great new albums from the Convenience and Mythical Motors rounded the week out properly. What was your fave?

Psych Fest Preview: King Hannah

Austins Psych Fest kicks off 4.25 and runs through 4.27, and maybe a little insight into what I’m looking forward to, specifically some sleepers or lesser-knowns, is warranted. I know you didn’t ask, but I’ll tell you anyway.

King Hannah: Sunday, 2:55 PM, Janis Stage

King Hannahs unique blend of influences think PJ Harvey, Massive Attack, and Mazzy Star makes for the perfect concoction to set the tone for the 90s-heavy Sunday lineup. While the bands roots may be in Liverpool, the American influence left on them during their first North American tour found its way smeared all over their 2024 release Big Swimmer.

Referencing songwriting legends like Bill Callahan and John Prine in lyric, while still maintaining their own distinct perspective, makes for incredibly enjoyable listening especially when a patient ear is applied. Dig into their catalog of two full-lengths, and some notable covers (Madonnas Like A Prayer and Bruce Springsteens State Trooper) and you’ll find yourself awash in a constant glaze of slow-building sonic landscapes, accented by Hannah’s deeply personal and reflective lyrical process.

Coming off a lengthy, successful European tour with countless sold-out shows, the band returns to North America for the first time in a few years. Get there early.

Sean Armstrong Prepares Velvet Ever After

One of my favorite things about Sean Armstrong‘s work is that he seems to work on his craft, completely outside of the modern fads; it’s like listening to an out of body experience, where the noise of the world is totally gone and all you’ve got left is the song below. In that, there’s also a cinematic nature, with each carefully strummed guitar note resonating like it’s a framed piece of art, hanging in the air as Armstrong’s whispering vocals hang in the mix, almost fluttering in the front and falling to your feet. It’s an immersive world, where its simplicity and sincerity will sink you, so listen closely; Armstrong will release his new Velvet Ever After next Friday (4/25) via Rehberge Records.

Chad Offer Park n’ Ride Single

Portland’s Chad definitely know the way to my heart, quickly grabbing me with light snare snaps and a delectable little keyboard line; it sets the mood and blankets the room with warmth before Sarah Lane enters the room with her silken vocal lines. A little subtle change hits with a punctuated synth line and growling bit of vocals, allowing the track to break up the forward push, especially when the second round opens up into a big instrumental breakdown that gets haunted by Lane’s voice. This song will appear on the group’s debut LP, which is slated for release this May.

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