Cool Friday Album Streams: Smoke Bellow, Hits, Sweet Nobody and TC Superstar

I’ve been posting a whole lot of singles and stuff this week, mostly because I like to over-indulge and see who is listening. No one, apparently. But, why not wrap up this week of working harder than I ever have before by sharing some cool records I liked that drop today? Yeah? Ok.

Smoke BellowOpen for Business (Trouble in Mind)

If you’re into that new Dry Cleaning album (and you should be), then see how far this Baltimore outfit can take that sound…pushing to a weirder, albeit synthesized, world. Like Kraftwerk covering Dry Cleaning at a Halloween party for art school kids.

Sweet NobodyWe’re Trying Our Best (Daydream Records)

I’ve written about every single on this album, and could easily make comparisons to the likes of the Beths or Alvvays…all good things. If you’ve got a sweet tooth and need something to snack on, press play.

HitsCielo Nublado (Paisley Shirt Records)

You ever wonder what Sarah Records would sound like if they got transported to the future about 20 years? Well, pretty sure that Hits have given you the answer to that question, so if you’re looking for ramshackle pop, you’ve come to the right place!

TC SuperstarAs Seen on TV

Austin’s dance party drop their latest record today; it’s 9 songs of catchy hooks ready for you to invite your friends over for the night to celebrate the joys of life. Stomp about until the neighbors complain about the noise.

Last Week’s Jams, Today!

Ray and I go back to work full-time, kids and all, so let’s start off our first real week of work with last week’s sweet sweet jams. It’s just an easy way to ease into your Monday with a look back at what you might have missed had you not been glued to our site! We’re all over the place with new stuff from Suuns and the Shivas, plus some Austin love as always by including the latest from TC Superstar, Nolan Potter, Brother Sports and a tune off the new Alexalone LP…so browse, enjoy, tell your friends. Or don’t. Who needs that pressure on Monday?

New Music from Austin ft. TC Superstar + Nolan Potter

Well, things in Austin seem to be progressing along nicely, despite the fact that the city’s kind of a walking shit-show. But, a couple of rad jams popped up over we thought you might be into.

TC Superstar released their latest single from the forthcoming As Seen on TV. This jam has a little less pop and burst, and more of a subtle dance vibe. It kind of reminds me of the later LCD stuff, where you were grooving, but you were most likely watering the plants around your apartment. Their new LP drops on September 17th.

We’ve also got the latest from Nolan Potter, who will be releasing his band’s latest opus, Music is Dead, via Castle Face Records at the end of September. This song operates much as I expect the album to, moving in and out of incredible guitar freakouts and thunderous percussion, only to jettison off into the wizarding world of Harry Potter for a moment or two.

TC Superstar Announce As Seen On TV

If you’ve been living in Austin the last few years, and you love a good show, you’ve hopefully had a chance to catch the pop sensation TC Superstar, who always encourage their live sets to turn into full on dance parties. Well, it’s time for the rest of the world to take note, and hopefully people will catch on now that the group has announced As Seen On TV, their new LP. Listening to the first single from the record, you can hear their influences, falling somewhere between Chromeo and Hot Chip, though I like to think there’s a little more thought in what they’re doing, considering all the songs generally have a choreographed live set up. Bob along, let yourself free, then wait for the new album to drop in September.

Collection of Best of Austin for 2019

Clearly, based on the name of our site, we’re always down to represent Austin, and while I feel like releases were down in the city this year, there was tons of great stuff to be devoured. Rather than rank and file our friends; we’re just here to uplift the scene, and maybe remind you of some Texas music that might have (it shouldn’t!) slipped under your radar. Black Pumas got the deserved love, but there’s tons bubbling beneath the surface. I mostly broke it into labels, as they’re the heart and soul of this city. Comes with a fancy playlist.

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Stream R&D from TC Superstar

It seems like Austin always sort of recycles its music scene, with a fresh bevy of young acts coming up every few years to fit in alongside the veteran acts. The last two years, two huge bands come to mind: Being Dead (we released their EP in April!) and TC Superstar. Today, let’s focus on the dance party that is TC Superstar; it’s a shame that the live show (packed, sweaty, choreographed) can’t be shared. Their new album, R&D combines all the elements of the band’s personality, nostalgic 80s club vibes with modern twists and current trends. Honestly, if you’re looking for a light electronic pop record, this might be the best thing you’ve heard; there’s not a bad song in this bunch. Stream it, and then look to catch the band on the road this Summer.

KVRX Fest Starts Tonight: Bands to Catch and Things To Know!

In case you were wondering what you were doing with your weekend, look no further, as we’ve got a new fest that combines both great local faves and touring acts in small venues. Yes, that’s right! The inaugural KVRX Fest is upon us starting tonight, and for the low price of 45 bucks you get three stages and 40 bands, both local and national, to help kill your Friday and Saturday. Yesterday, B.Gray shared the schedule with you, and after the jump I’ve got my lineup picks as well as more information on what happens if it rains!

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David Israel Album Release Party @ Electric Church on Sunday Night

Sorry for the long-winded post title, but maybe that’s all your looking for! But, important information is at hand, as I’m hoping to direct you to the Electric Church on Sunday to celebrate the release of David Israel‘s The Year That Felt Like Two; we dropped it two weeks ago on ATH Records. For starters, the record is amazing, as is the artwork, so that should really be enough, if you’re an Austin music fan. But, a portion of proceeds will be donated by David and ATH directly to RAICES. Along with David and his band, you’ll also get to see El Lago, who I raved about previously, as well as Minimal Animal and TC Superstar. Stream the latest video from the album below; it ran over on RSTB earlier this week.

Doors are at 8, so be on time and we’ll see you there.