Heavy Handed Rocker from Odonis Odonis

odonisodonisIt’s definitely the year for heavier-handed rock n’ roll to break back through into the mindset of indie fans everywhere.  There’s Milk Music and Metz, but now you can enjoy Odonis Odonis.  The group releases their Better EP on April 16th via Buzz Records, before they blast off on a tour that includes a date at Austin Psych Fest. This song has a swirling guitar part that’s emphasized by some industrial drumming; the lyrics don’t come across as heavy at first, but they’ll blast off to match the pace of the track.  Just another reason to turn up your speakers this year!

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/83813348″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

You Should Be in Love with The Wilderness of Manitoba

TWOM_PR_alternate1_small2It seems like I’m all over the place today, musically speaking.  But, it’s hard when so many good songs come my way at once to ignore things.  The Wilderness of Manitoba have just recorded The Leslieville Sessions (April 9th) in hopes of bringing about their live sound to their recorded material.  If this is what they sound like live, then I think I might just have yet another band to hunt down during SXSW.  When I first encountered the band they had a sprawling folk feeling, but this new track demonstrates a broader pallete, almost referencing a simplistic power pop/indie pop formula.  It’s just such a wonderful track I couldn’t help myself.  Hope you enjoy this song.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/81989251″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Soaring Track From Wildlife

It’s been a awhile since we’ve heard from Toronto based indie-pop band Wildlife.  Today news comes our way that the band have a new album in the works entitled Born to Ruin hitting stores on February 26th.  Prior to that release date, the band have a new song called “Born to Ruin” to appease your appetite for all things epic indie pop.  Enjoy this soaring epic pop tune from a great band from the great white north.

[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/73984583″ params=”color=ff6600&auto_play=false&show_artwork=false” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

New Catchy Surf Pop from Stella Ella Ola

I figured it was hump day, so we all needed a nice peppy pick me up right?  I’ve got just the tune, and it’s a surf rock gem that definitely has the ability to get you tapping the toes and humming at your desk.  Stella Ella Ola is a four piece from Toronto who have just released their Stella Ella Ola 2 EP, and it’s a quick three-song affair just to get you acquainted with the band–currently it’s free right HERE.  Those of you that find this sort of thing right up your alley better hop on this train now; you can thank me later.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Stella-Ella-Ola-Stella-Ella-Ola-2-03-Pressure-Points.mp3]

Download:Stella Ella Ola – Pressure Points [MP3]

New Tunes (and EP) from Tearjerker

Whoa! This weekend was quite beautiful; sunny but mildly cool. So what did I do? I just sat around enjoying records and tunes that have made their way into my music rotation.  One of the tunes that easily broke on through the masses was this little lo-fi gem from Tearjerker.  Something in the harmony and the vocal delivery really drew me in immediately, encouraging me to press repeat several times in a span of half-an-hour.  They’ve just released a brand new EP titled Hiding, and you can grab the four tunes from the band for free, as long as you promise to spread the word and donate at a future point.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Tearjerker-Door.mp3]

Download:Tearjerker – Door [MP3]

New Smooth Tune From Snowblink

I knew close to nothing about Toronto based outfit Snowblink prior to listening to their tunes today.  After a few listens, I’m glad I gave them a chance.  The band weaves a very intricate portrait with all of their beautifully crafted music.  New song below, “Unsurfed Waves”, is sure to give you some kind of an idea as to what I’m talking about when I say the band has well crafted tunes.  If I’ve peaked your interest, the band will be dropping new album Inner Classics on September 11th via Arts & Crafts Records.  Enjoy.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Unsurfed-Waves.mp3]

Download: Snowblink – Unsurfed Waves [MP3]

Hooks Galore from Bravestation

It’s been pouring constantly for the better part of today, so I’ve been out and about doing some house work.  The soundtrack to my house painting and what not largely revolved around Toronto’s Bravestation.  Their sound is all over the place, but it’s like exploratory new wave, with tribal rhythms propelling the songs and bright swirling guitars present on every track.  The following track is featured on the group’s recent record, Giants & Dreamers, and the title really exemplifies the band’s sound throughout the effort.  I can see myself jamming for this for weeks to come, if only this rain would get out of my way!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Bravestation-Western-Thrills.mp3]

Download:Bravestation – Western Thrills [MP3]

Great Reissue from Rock Plaza Central

Perhaps my friend Shane and I are the only one interested in this, but I’m sure we’re both really excited.  Chris Eaton’s Rock Plaza Central project has been sporadic at times, but that shouldn’t take away from the great body of work, such as my personal favorite, Are We Not Horses.  Chris has just re-released one of the group’s early recordings, Quantum Butterass, and I’ve really been enjoying getting to see where the band began.  The track I posted has some similarities to Mountain Goats, and I can definitely see similarities that have lasted into both bands careers.  If you like this, the band is giving it away, but they’re asking for donations, which are always suggested by us here at ATH.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/Rock-Plaza-Central-Quantum-Butterass-01-Que-Sara-.mp3]

Download:Rock Plaza Central – Que Sara [MP3]

Playful Pop Tune from Moon King

For some reason the rain always affects the mood, so with recent cloudy skies, I’ve been looking for something a bit peppier to pick up my mood, and yours too.  Luckily, I’ve got this great little jam from Toronto’s Moon King.  They’ve just put out a new 7″ that you can grab for free right HERE, but I’ve got one of the tracks to offer you.  On this number, you get a more organic version of what Karen O did for the Where the Wild Things Are OST. The rest of the tracks are a little bit more electronic-folk, but it’s all good fun when you give it a listen.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/01-Theme-For-Moon-King.mp3]

Download: Moon King – Theme For Moon King [MP3]

Beach Jam from Art Imperial

I think we avoided the heat here in Austin for long enough, but it’s about time we succumb to the truth; summertime is here, temperature wise at least.  So, with that in mind, I’ve gotta get my poolside set list together, and I’m definitely including this jam from Toronto group, Art Imperial.  The new EP from these guys, Suburban Surf  is chock full of hazy little summer jams with a bit of sway to them.  It’s almost like bedroom pop, if your bedroom just happened to be a little hut in some remote beach area.  Get ready for the heat, and get ready for Art Imperial.  And, if you like it enough, the band is offering their EP for a name your own price fee HERE.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Art_Imperial_-_Surf_Suburban_EP_-_03_The_Inbetweener.mp3]

Download: Art Imperial – The Inbetweener [MP3]

1 3 4 5