This is fine.
We’re a few weeks away from the big event here in Austin, and we’re continuing our coverage with short interviews from the acts coming into town. This time we caught up with Stew from Lionlimb, who ispreparing for the release of Shoo on March 4th. Click below for hisanswers and a few of the dates they’ve planned for SXSW. Read more
It’s been several years since I’ve written anything about Scott Orr, but he’s just put out a new single as part of the Other Songs Music Club, and since I’ve always appreciated his voice (and his work), I can’t help but to put a little note on this out into the world. It begins with he typical fragility, featuring Orr and guitar, but he’s soon taking the track into loftier heights with minimal percussion and female vocal accompaniment. It’s a chilled out tune that hits straight in the heart. Listen below.
Miss when college rock was filled with substance? Well, this Eureka California single should take you back in time, filling your ears with a heavy distorted guitar and a pummeling rhythm. My only complaint? It’s too short, I wanted this rocker to blast on forever, but of course, I can just play it again and again. There’s something gratifying in a quick blast of energetic angst, so I’ll gladly take this. The group’s new album, Versus, will be released by HHBTM on March 25th.
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Mrs. Magician have appeared on our pages before, and its time we give you an update on what they’re up to these days. The band just announced that they’ll be releasing their new album, Bermuda, on May 20th via Swami Records. Our first taste is this seriously infectious bit of pop rock titled “Forgiveness” featuring some great riffs and a nice little vocal fade coming in near the end before the band blasts off with a bounce towards the track’s end. Definitely nice to see these guys back in the mix, and back in our listening rotation.
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Our friends over at Punctum Records have picked up a rad new Austin act, Black Balsam, and now the band have unleashed a new single that should grab your ears. I really love the feeling of this song, balancing between singer-songwriter and full on folk ensemble. Strings and other tinkerings play lightly in the background, while empty space is filled with accompanying vocals touches; it makes the track both heartfelt and playful, so I can’t complain. The band’s album, See You Later See You There will be released next Friday, February 26th.
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Shelflife Records is one of my favorite small labels, and with that, they’ve got an expected sound…but their signing of Dylan Mondegreen is a slight turn to the more casual side of pop music. Here you find the title track of his album Every Little Step, with Mondegreen playing the role of indiepop crooner. It’s relaxed and filled with simple melodies, which might draw similarities to Jens Lekman. I look forward to hearing the complete work from the Norwegeian, knowing I fully trust the label and their choices. Look for the LP on April 8th.
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I rarely post covers; it’s just not really my thing, except in this case when it involves two of my favorite bands. I’ve been covering Tape Deck Mountain and their tunes for some time, and as an Austin music fan, it only seems logical that I love Daniel Johnston. TDM has taken a noisier approach to DJ hits “True Love Will Find You in the End” and “Devil Town,” giving them a completely different feeling. They’re doing a limited edition 7″ of the two songs, with all proceeds going to National Alliance on Mental Illness. Stream the two covers below.
We’ve followed the work of Bent Shapes since thy began working with Father Daughter Records, but I think this is possibly my favorite song the band’s written to date. It’s not quite jangly, but not quite punk…maybe it’s just pop rock…of the best sort. You’ll hear infectious hooks aided by the dueling male/female harmonies, sharp guitar work. I also appreciate the prolonged guitar solo, holding onto it for a few more moments where others would have pulled back. They’re working with Slumberland Records now, who will be releasing Wolves of Want on March 11th.
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Don’t think I’m just stuck over here listening to dream pop all day. There’s a special spot in my daily listening reserved for the like of Andy Ferro, offering a blend of folk and classic rock. Ferro’s definitely been on our radar lately, as he’s nearing the release of Muirhead (2.26). This tune’s right up my alley, bringing a bare-bones folk-inspired tune to my ears; I like the fact that it feels so stripped down, providing the intimacy one doesn’t always find in the modern musical landscape. Looking for something personal and quiet? This here is your tune!
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I’ve always had a soft spot for Jennifer O’ Connor since her early days on Matador. Her later work has been quite remarkable, and I implore you to give this new single a listen. While there’s a lot going on musically, be it the softened beat or the churning guitars, O’ Connor almost seems naked in front of us. Her vocal performance is one of the stronger ones I’ve heard this year, but it’s presence in the mix almost makes everything else fade away. Her new album, Surface Noise, comes out on March 4th via Kiam Records, and this track is one of its many offerings that should illustrate why you should be paying attention to her work.
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