Dark Mood from YOU

uIt’s easy to get caught up in the pulsing rhythm of the synthesized beats that drive this new single from YOU.  But, if you listen closely, you’ll hear a bit of light flowing from the chords in the guitar.  It works pretty well, balancing out the darker attitude that comes from the hollow sounding vocals, even as another pulsing beat jumps into the mix.  This track is the lead single to Sunchaser, the band’s third LP, and first for Dais Records.  The album will be out in just a few short weeks on August 26th.

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Austin Spotlight: Xetas Ready 7″

xetasListening to Xetas, I’m reminded that I owe my friend Mark a debt of gratitude.  He teaches across the hall, and he’s been championing his friends for some time.  I’ve caught them live twice now, and let me tell you, there aren’t a lot of bands playing this style of music that live that bring the energy and the licks like these three.  There’s a dichotomy between guitarist D and bassist K, with both playing the role of the foil to the other. I’m further impressed by the recording on this single; it captures the ferocity of the band’s live show, but still sounds huge.  Their new 7″ is being released on September 2nd via 12XU Records; you can preorder it HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/01_The_Silence.mp3]

 

 

 

Another Hit from Literature

artworks-000086575693-phkdjg-t500x500Listening to the new Literature album, Chorus, I get a little teary eyed that I only got to help put out their first record, Arab Spring.  I wish I could be part of this great new release.  There’s tons of great indiepop moments throughout, filling the LP with soft touches and energetic bursts of delighting pop music.  This latest single is one of the more spirited tracks on the album; I personally am in love with the sound of the guitars on the mix here.  It’s a great fucking album, and you’ll be bummed if you don’t get your hands on it as soon as you get the chance; it is being released by Slumberland Records on August 19th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/06-New-Jacket.mp3]

 

Blissful Pop from Finnmark!

finnI’ve been following the lads in Finnmark for some time, and while they’ve been quiet for the most part, I’m happy to share this new track from the band with you.  The vocals are a bit deeper in tone than on their previous work, but the guitars are still as intoxicating as ever.  These guys write the sort of music that makes you feel good about yourself and about your day, so you’d do best to press play right now.  Wait to find yourself totally hooked around the 1.40 minute mark when things take off.

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Great Tune from The Growlers

groLast year, The Growlers found their way into our Top 10 Albums of 2013, but it looks like they’re aiming for a repeat with the release of their new record, Chinese Fountain.  They’re off to a great start with this swaggering new single they released the other day; it’s filled with ringing guitars work and a really catchy chorus…you know, the type you want to sing with your friends.  I guess I’m just one of those folks who can’t get enough from this band; they always mix a certain catchiness with a bit of hip grit.  You can grab their record from Everloving Records on September 23rd.

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Nice Bit of Indiepop from Working

moreThis little gem popped up last week from Shelflife Records, whom we adore.  Working is a Rhode Island quartet, who are making some pleasantries, though they’re doing it with a heavy-handed touch.  Singer Catherine’s got a great softness to her voice, but it works against (and with) the distorted guitars that are ringing out of your speakers.  It’s not everyday that an indiepop act bangs out a track that bursts over the four minute mark.  You can grab the More Weight EP from the label HERE, or just enjoy the beautiful stream below.

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Give Wand a Listen

wandoI probably haven’t told you how much I enjoy Wand, but now seems like the right time, especially since they just unleashed a new jam today.  “Broken Candle” is the second shortest track on the record, so it’s easily digestible; it starts with a bit of a psychedelic stomp to it, though there’s a bit more of a collectivist pop bit as the tune progresses.  The album, Ganglion Reef, has a great deal of fuzzy elements to it, but they walk this fine line between being noisy and radio friendly.  Check out the release on August 26th via God? Records.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/03-Broken-Candle.mp3]

 

Brand New Tunes from Terry Malts

terrysWhat a great week for fans of Terry Malts (aren’t we all?).  First, we had a new single from Corey, and now we’ve got the announcement of a brand new bouncing tune from the band themselves.  It’s a rocker, of course, with gritty guitar coating the pop sensibility of the band in a bit of distortion.  It’s a quick tune, but it’s one of those songs that you can sing along to whilst you playfully pogo into the folks jamming out with you.  This new song comes from the band’s Insides EP; it’s going to be released as a 7″ on September 23rd via Slumberland Records.

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Another Great Track from Laura Jean

laurajeanI’ve written about the work of songwriter Laura Jean on several occasions, and she’s back with a real winner today.  This is her second single from her upcoming self-titled album; it’s also the best track I’ve heard from her (not that I don’t adore the others).  There’s a gentle touch to her playing on this tune, almost playful, which suits the vocal tones extremely well.  You think Jenny Lewis can write songs like this? I’m thinking no, which is a strong step forward for LJ.  Look for her album on August 22nd from the reliable Chapter Music.

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I Love This New Tune from Purling Hiss

PurlingHiss_byAaronBiscoe smallTuesday’s are full of tons of tunes on the webs.  People are trying to get you to buy the latest (and I did!), but as a blogger type dude, you get lots of emails too.  I waded through some stuff, then I got stuck.  I got stuck on this ridiculously rad tune from Purling Hiss.  It’s nearly five minutes of great alternative guitar riffs that are meant to be turned up loud as you work to blow out your factory speaker system.  But, what I really like, is the lackadaisical tone of the vocals; it’s almost like a slacker jam, though you can tell there’s been more work put into it (it’s five minutes long!).  The new record from the band will be out on September 23rd via Drag City; it’s called Weirdon.

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