Exclusive Premiere: Balmorhea Single Remastered

balmorheaThere’s been a lot of press lately for Austin’s Balmorhea, as the band readies a new 7″ on Western Vinyl.  But, not only do you get to hear some new songs, but the label is also re-releasing a remastered version of their self-titled masterpiece.  The song below, “Baleen Morning,” was already a beautiful piece, but the remastering touch ups has added even more power and emotion to the band’s construction; I love how you can hear the buzz of the strummed guitar sings.  There’s a beautiful ornate quality that really shines through with the remastering, reminding listeners how incredibly lucky we are to have a band crafting such music.  You can pick up the remastered version (as well as the new 7″) HERE.  And look for a chance to win tickets to the group’s show at Central Presbyterian on 10/24.

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Soft Piece of Pop from Manna

manananaDespite my tendencies for great rock n’ roll as of late, there’s still a softy inside.  That guy, though rare, really enjoys a powerful ballad, especially when its strung around the backbone of a piano.  Manna‘s voice could easily carry the track, which is apparent in the song’s early moments, though there’s some extra accompaniment to fill in areas of space within the song.  It’s just another slice of grandiose pop from the Finnish singer, who’ll be releasing her record, Blackbird, at the end of the month in her home country, though those of outside will have to wait until early 2015 for our own copy; look for the release via Soliti.

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Powerful Punk from Nots

notsThe ladies in Nots have been fleshing out their sound as of late, moving from a two-piece act to a four piece.  With that move, the group completes their sound, filling in the furious pounding rhythm section with a bit of synthesized noise.  In the end, the group is left with this rash rocker that’s as infectious as it is forceful.  But, like all great punk shorts, the song comes in under 1.45 minutes, giving you a glimpse of the work, but not overstaying its welcome.  Look for the debut from the band, We Are Nots, coming your way on November 11th via Goner Records.

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The Mantles Are Back with a New 7″

mickeysThere’s just something that captures your ear like a catchy good tune, and it seems like The Mantles keep pumping those sorts of tunes out. Recently they left us with the gem of an LP, Long Enough to Leave, and they’re back with a brand new 7″ that’s set to hit stores in December.  This particular tune puts more of a dreamy California spin on their sound; there’s a slight little vocal call-and-response that adds a nice dosage of pop emphasis to the track as well.  If this band hasn’t captured your ears and heart just yet, then maybe this song will do the trick for you.  Look for the 7″ via Slumberland just in time for the holiday giving of gifts.

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Rock It Out with Small Reactions

smallerreactorsJust a few weeks ago, I thought I had found the next band to fill my Walkmen void with Small Reactions.  That being said, I think they’ve got more to offer than where I pigeon-holed them, musically speaking.  On this brand new single, they’ve got this ringing guitar that’s just huge; it’s right up in the mix ready to unleash madness.  You can hear the pace being packed on by the drum work, pushing the track forward; it’s almost falling off the tracks at points.   The group unleash their LP, Similar Phantoms, on October 28th, so you don’t have too long to wait to hear it in its entirety.

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Kid Wave Making Big Waves

kiddyShit. Music’s keeping real as of late.  By that I mean I’m running into great tunes from all the genres; these bands are working hard.  London’s Kid Wave have this great sound that’s doing just the trick right now, offering this perfect blend of guitar pop fused with soothing harmonies.  There’s even a smoky quality to the vocals, which really just gets under my musical skin.  While there’s no full-length planned, the group is releasing this new single on their Gloom EP, which is slated for a release at the end of November via Heavenly Recordings.  Just wait til the whole band joins in for the vocals. Winning.

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Austin Spotlight: Polio Club Blew My Mind

10704175_10205008146462144_3837601728872752832_nSo, amidst all the ACL hubbub of last weekend, I was introduced to a pretty solid act I hadn’t really gotten a chance to know, and I’m hooked: Polio Club.  I caught their set on Friday night over at Hotel Vegas as I went to catch The Stevens (who killed it!). Even as I was exhausted, I was really taken aback by the group’s sound.  It’s definitely got sort of a no-wave art rock sound; I could also make a comparison to the earlier grooves of The Rapture, only spun in a more artistic manner.  As of right now, they don’t have too much recorded, other than a few great demos, so I thought I’d get them on your radar early…that way you can plan on keeping an eye about town for this group; I’ll also make sure you know when their next gig pops up.

 

Pop Rock Stomper from Brass Bed

brasstaxI dig Brass Bed.  They’ve been hard at work, touring and recording, and we’re finally getting to hear a bit of their new LP with a few sampling tracks that are being laid down for a 7″.  There’s a rolling stomp to the drum work, keeping a steady pace to this song, but what I love are the harmonies.  To me, and lord knows I’m always right, there’s a hint of the great Nada Surf in the vocals; they’re soft, surrounded by a perfect swell of noise.  If this song means anything, there’s a solid foundation that will make the next LP pretty spectacular.  Look for the new 7″ on November 18th.

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Go Back in Time with Crayon

brickRemember that one town that birthed Beat Happening? Well, that same town also had something heavier working simultaneously, though possibly not as prolific in the long run.  Crayon kicked out these happy songs with this dangerous edge to them.  Think about jamming to the Violent Femmes if they were fronted by one of your favorite gritty punk rock outfits.  Sadly, the band disbanded in the early 90s, spawning the creation of Tullycraft (a delightful act in their own right), but you’ll be able to get your hands on some a pristine vinyl copy of the group’s Brick Factory, courtesy of the really rad people at HHBTM Records.

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Wake Up with Oceans

oceanIf, like some of us at the ATH offices, you’re struggling a bit here on Monday, then turn up the stereo and kick it with this dance number from Oceans.  They’re just the latest act to sign on with Soliti Music over in Finland.  The grooves are definitely bass heavy, allowing for you to get that toe-tapping feeling in your feet, but there’s also a nice bit of warmth hiding in the vocals…winning over any listener.  Not only that, but it’s quick and to the point, allowing you to sink your teeth in quickly and move on.  Look for an EP on October 31st.

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