ATX Spotlight: New John Wesley Coleman

jwcAnother year, and it looks like we’ll get another LP from John Wesley Coleman. I think that means we’ve got at least one great thing coming out of next year, and this song exemplifies just why JWC is so beloved here in Austin. I think, if I’m to go out on a limb, this might be the best I’ve heard from Wes; he sounds refined, yet still has that devil-may-care attitude that’s kept him so endearing. His new album, Microwave Dreams, hits on January 27th via Super Secret Records. Damn this song is good.

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Video Premiere: Nick Allison Announces New EP

Austin has a history of great troubadours of the indie sort, and it looks like Nick Allison aims to make his mark as the next big name in the continuously growing list. Throughout the video we see Nick, clearly focused on not working, or rather on putting in the least effort into his employment opportunities. That might be a good thing, as the ringing guitar matched by his voice create the perfect blend for pop fans with a bit of punk attitude; I think my favorite bit has to be the vocal tone during the chorus. He’ll be releasing his Aint Tryna Go Downtown EP on November 4th via Super Secret Records.

Premiere: Quin Galavis “Glorious Man” Video

Earlier this year, I raved about the new release from Quin Galavis…his new album My Life in Steel and Concrete. His release show was something quite special in and of itself, and now he’s released this new video to further draw you into his musical world. The video features Quin and his cellist, clad in dark hoodies, doing their part with the live performance, whilst Ali Copeland (of Que Pasa) plays the role of our distraught protagonist. Her role reeks of frustration, which could be seen as one of the various themes that exists within the folds of the album itself. Speaking of, if you haven’t already, or you just love this track, head to Super Secret Records to grab your copy.

Premiere: One Final Bit from Quin Galavis

quin-galavisJust last week I put up a post raving about the local Austin release show for Quin Galavis; you know, part performance art, part concert (read about it here).Today, we have the premiere of one of the tracks that I think exemplifies the quiet brilliance beneath My Life in Steel and Concrete. In my review, I discussed how I had mistakenly never given Quin much credit for his vocals, and this number allows for his voice to really take the central focus while plucked chords and cello are employed behind him. But, aside from fawning over his voice, I think this tune exemplifies precisely why this album is a must have in your collection…standing alone, it’s striking, but it’s even more so when it’s listened to in the midst of the various movements and approached Galavis utilizes within his latest release. Be you curious or in love, you’ll find the album available tomorrow from Super Secret Records.
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A Night with Quin Galavis + New Song

quin-galavisLast Saturday, I took myself to the Museum of Human Achievement, treating my ears to a unique album release by Austin’s Quin Galavis. Next week the world will get to hear My Life in Steel and Concrete, but those in attendance were treated to part show, part performance art.

The large stage at MoHA was split in two, one for the performance and one for the musical element. Our evening began with our protagonist working on fixing an old radio, seemingly looking to find friends/survivors in the outside world. Her communication revolved around a voice from above named Marshall. As the lights faded on that half of the stage, we were encouraged to look over at Quin, sitting quietly on a pew, ready to share his voice with those in attendance.

Perhaps the best idea for the entire night revolved around the setting. In such a place, the audience wasn’t there to be cool or to hang out, they were there to see what Quin was offering, and in that, they were completely silent from start to finish. He began his portion with a couple of tracks, accompanied by prerecorded samples. Sitting alone, I think it was then that I first noticed how great his voice truly is. There are moments when he pushes himself, pulls from the nether regions of his soul into more of a polished growl, but for these moments, there was a stark beauty in his delivery.

The scene quickly faded back to the performance, where we encountered a continued battle between our protagonist, the radio and Marshall. I liked the brevity of these scenes, as they came forth as refreshing interludes into the overall production Galavis had mapped out for such a release.

Then we were back to Quin, accompanied for the next few songs by Graham Low on cello; you should know Graham for his work in all your favorite bands about town over the last few years…most recently seen with A Giant Dog. At this point, the depth of My Life in Steel and Concrete began to shine through completely. It became clear that this was an album of emotion, completed by complex arrangements that filled in the space behind the vocals. And then quickly back to the closing scene.

Now, I can’t be wholly certain, but the scenes seemed to involve a sense of isolation and loss, which, when put together with this record, are destined to affect every person that listens…though we were fortunate to see it all together in one interesting evening. And as it ended, Quin introduced his full band who joined him on stage to close the night out.

They ran through seven tracks from My Life in Steel and Concrete, and still, no one said a word. By this point, the heat in the room (no AC on the night) had become stifling, but with just a dimly lit stage, it felt like all the elements aligned perfectly to leave me with a lasting impression.

And just what did I walk away with, besides the beautiful brown double LP? Well, for one, Quin Galavis deserves a ton of credit, both for the completion of this great record and the organization of something that stands out amongst the many other release shows I’ve attended. Musically, the whole night was a journey, and that’s much like the record Quin releases unto you all next week. The performances pieces combined with the musical element created something that is rare nowadays; it’s a collection of songs that begs you to sit down and indulge in listening, begs you to immerse yourself in the confines of the whole album. If you don’t, then you’ll miss out on something that deserves more than just a casual passing.

My Life in Steel and Concrete comes out August 26th via Super Secret Records.

Show Preview: Quin Galavis @ Museum of Human Achievement (8.13)

quin-galavisMy Life of Steel and Concrete is set to be released by Super Secret Records, so the only way to guarantee you get your hands on it early is to head out to The Museum of Human Achievement on Saturday night. Let me tell you, not only will you get to participate in being part of the unique atmosphere of MoHA, you’ll also get what we can expect is an incredibly unique performance from Quin Galavis. Lately, he’s played some shows with his band, while other times he’s played whilst having actors play the role of those in his songs. It should also be noted that this is possibly the most unique/diverse listen you’ll hear in Austin this year, or even if you’re outside of Austin. There’s heavier edged stuff, there’s beautiful atmospheric pieces and there’s the shanty-like tune featured below (just to leave a few genre marks). This is going to be something really special, so be sure to make your way out on Saturday night.

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ATX Spotlight: More from Carl Sagan’s Skate Shoes

carlsaganWe’re just around the corner from the release of the new Carl Sagan’s Skate Shoes LP, and we’ve got another blistering track for you to enjoy this morning. It begins ominously, with this huge semi-metal guitar drop. But, seconds later the song is jumpstarted, and the lyrics are delivered in a punishing form that matches the energy of the guitar’s speed. Listen closely, as the guitar work has these little intricacies in the recording that really illustrate how creative the band is within the confines of rock n’ roll; there’s little guitar stutters, pop-centric chords and pace changes, all which change the momentary structure. The heavier bands in Austin often get overlooked, but these guys are ready to make themselves known to the masses. Look for the self-titled LP viaSuper Secret Records on August 19th.

ATX Spotlight: More from Carl Sagan’s Skate Shoes

carlsaganIs that new self-titled Carl Sagan’s Skate Shoes record out yet? Man, I loved the first single, but this new is just ridiculously rad; it hits hard, but also has an artful touch to it that harkens back to the the noisy creatives of 90s rock. There’s a brash bark in the vocal, giving the tune an edge, but ultimately, the guitar work steals the show. Chords are carefully woven in and out of distortion, crashing at times with an emphatic punch. It’s heavy, it’s clever and its damn good; look for the effort from Super Secret Records on August 19th.

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ATX Spotlight: New Carl Sagan’s Skate Shoes

calrsaganIt comes as no surprise to folks in Austin that Carl Sagan’s Skate Shoes should be our next big local export, as the band have been taking over this town show by show. Today they dropped a brand new single off brandishing their wall of noise and punishing vocals. For me, what’s always been impressive is the underlying pop sensibility in the band’s sound, coating their melodies with distortion and brooding bass lines. The band’s about to release their self-titled effort on August 19th via Super Secret Records; it’s time the rest of the world took note!

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ATX Spotlight: Fresh Nameless Frames

namelessI’m really digging the few short listens I’ve had to the forthcoming LP from Austin’s Nameless Frames; it’s a good blend of punk fueled by energetic tunes and anthemic vocals. The single below has this grit to it that initially covers up some of the pop sensibility lurking beneath, but as the track evolves, that element rises to the top, asking you to tap your toes as you play the song over and over again. The band is releasing their self-titled album this week via Super Secret Records, with a release celebration at End of an Ear on Sunday (2.20) at 6 PM. Enjoy.

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