Levitation Interviews: Babe Rainbow

“There’s no formula for happiness that’s guaranteed to work”, sings Angus Dowling on the opening line from “Open Up Your Heart,” the latest release from Babe Rainbow. “It all depends on how you treat your friends, and how much you’ve been hurt. But its a start, you open up your heart, and try not to hide what you feel inside.” Throughout the new album, The Organic Band sets a strong tone of acceptance, respect, and speaking truth to love. Gone are the blase, stoner surf-pop days which so often tends to lead to apathy and negative connotations from a judgmental listening community. Babe Rainbow is taking up the reigns to make a statement and cultivate positive energy in all forms. Read more

Lazy Daze Share Two Hands on the Wheel

The immediate hook of the guitars in this Lazy Daze tune had me swooning; I was sold before the vocals even came into the picture…such is the infectious nature of what’s at play here. As the song progresses, I’m stoked on how playful things get, with the vocals; they toy with the listener, rising up joyously, then falling back down to match up with the delicious melody that courses through the tune. Feel like the song’s too sweet for you? Well, there’s a steady little calm at play in the song’s middle, giving you a bit of a moment to catch your breath before getting caught up in the song’s joy. If you love it, check out the band’s Pitted EP!

Surfy Rock Number From Graffiti Air

Remember when I said earlier that I rather enjoy music that can’t be pigeonholed into a single genre or sound? Well I have another tune falling into this theme with this new track called “Lake Shore Drive” from brand new Chicago based outside Graffiti Air. The song starts out with some serious surf rock influence on the guitar, but also offers a bit of a post-punk theme as the bass really starts popping and the vocals offer some grit. It’s a promising new sound from a band fresh on the scene. Graffiti Air have a few more tunes over on bandcamp for those interested.

More From Drens

It’s wild to hear such a garage inspired, sludgy, surf rock number like “Heat” coming out of the Dortmund. Not that the city isn’t capable of producing such sounds, it’s simply refreshing to hear a European band like Drens with some edge and grit. Pairing this new one with their last single “Curacao” and the band really seem like they might be on the verge of breaking it big over here. Stay tuned for more information on these upstarts and a planned debut LP coming soon.

Rock With Lisa Prank

d999a579-5704-4d2f-999e-6c43b272beffI know Nathan has been going crazy with some song posts over the last few days, but this guy needed a little break from it all for a spell. Today I’m ready to jump back into things with this great new track from Seattle based Lisa Prank. The new song, “Starting Again”, falls in to the lo-fi garage rock genre with complimentary pop elements to keep things catchy and light. Hope you enjoy this new one as much as I do.

Adult Teen will drop on June 24th via Father/Daughter Records.

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New One From Del Sur

10352999_588589764607258_7119202798248114232_nDel Sur is a young upstart band from the Philadelphia area we’ve posted about in the past here on ATH.  I’ve always been a fan of the surfy, almost throwback like bedroom pop sound the band effortlessly manages to create on every track.  Continuing that fan fair with me today is this new jam “Aubrey Plaza”.  How could a song be so simplistic in its delivery yet still be catchy and worthy of repeat listens?  I’ll let you decide.

Stay tuned on more from Del Sur and an upcoming full release.

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Summer Vibes From Turtle Giant

1525645_10152353028994482_7978244114243177931_nIt’s cold and wet and rainy and gross here in Austin today, which is fine for staying in and doing nothing, but makes it a little difficult to do anything else. However, this track I’ve got from Brazilian trio Turtle Giant will hopefully bring you some warmer Southern Hemisphere vibes for this dreary day. “Golden Summer” is drenched in a sleepy warmth of surf rock and laid back summer days, and makes it easy to pretend you’re laying somewhere on a beach, letting the waves crash around you and feeling the sun’s radiance. That’s where I’d rather be, so I’m going to put this song on repeat and fake it till I make it. Turtle Giant are working on a new album, Many Mansions (Part 1)  that’s due out in May, so keep an eye out for that.

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New Surf Pop From Hibou

221684_10151362741977901_2011493402_nIt’s the perfect time of year for a song like this one from Seattle based Hibou.  The surfy and jangly vibe should be perfect to carry you along your way to the beach or possibly the lake.  Hit play on “Sunder” and start your summer relaxation off the right way.

Hibou has a new EP entitled Dunes out June 13th.

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New 80’s Surf Rock From Jay Arner

jay_arner_coverJay Arner is a guy who has paid his dues in the indie world under a multitude of monikers and many many roles.  He’s now taking his musical venture into the solo game with a self-titled debut album due to drop on June 25th via Mint Records.  First taste of the new material “Midnight on South Granville” is found below and conveys a message of 80s synths mixed with surf rock guitars.  I’m excited about the new solo album.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/01-Midnight-On-South-Granville-mastered.mp3]

Download: Jay Arner – Midnight On South Granville [MP3]

Say Hello to The Sweets

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You won’t find much information about up and coming L.A. based band The Sweets when looking around on the internet, and apparently the band like to keep things on the mysterious side.  I do know that the band make some incredible hazy, surf, lo-fi pop music that’s perked up my ears over the last few days.  Our song sample below “Malts” is a perfect example of the band’s garage style take on mellowed out surfer music.  If you’re into it, check out more of the band’s tunes over on their bandcamp page.  Stay tuned for more information on The Sweets as it gets to us.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Malts.mp3]

Download: The Sweets – Malts [MP3]

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