Alvvays Share After the Earthquake

Alvvays is dropping Blue Rev this Friday, so they wanted to rush one more single by you before you decided that, yes, you need to purchase the new record. This song’s one that certainly hits me with its musicality, and while Molly’s voice is solid, it’s not the main draw on this one…for me anyways. Rushing in with those twisting jangles, it reminds me a lot of our friends in Tres Oui, the opens up for Molly to shine through the middle. Personally, I like the meaty solo that bulks up momentarily, flexing the band’s musicianship, putting us on notice that the band are far more than your average pop rock band. But, suddenly, the song draws to a close, only to drift before bursting off emphatically with skittering that rip you to shreds. Blue Rev is out Friday via Polyvinyl.

Trs Oui Share New Video

Really quietly, Tres Oui dropped a few new songs this week, though these tunes have been in the work for some time. Luckily, one of those jams gets a nice little video treatment, featuring some live footage with Nate textured atop with various effects. The song itself is a great jam, with the vocals pushing this emphatic tone in just the right spots; it feels like its a story about maturation, but I won’t go throwing words in anyone’s mouth. It’s never a bad day at the office when this lot throws a a dreamy jangle our way…and besides this video you can also find another new tune, “Oh Guitar.” Listen, won’t you?

Synth pop from Masculine Pain

I want to be forthright and acknowledge that we’ve put out records by 2/3 of Masculine Pain (Big Bill/Literature/Tres Oui). That said, this trio has their pulse on their own brand of synth pop, crafting these seductive, nostalgic beats that are easily digestible, but primed for repeat plays. The band excels in the way they’ve layered the vocals throughout this tune; I think Eric’s voice is the perfect foil for Nate’s sweeping pop tendencies, particularly when they get into chorus mode…don’t be afraid to admit you’re swooning here. As of now, the band are just leaking out singles, so we’ll keep you posted if we hear anything else.

Masculine Pain Share Hot Suit

Austin’s Masculine Pain are fairly new to the scene, though its various members are longtime staples of the music scene here. You’ll recognize the vocals of Eric Braden of Big Bill, while Nate Cardaci of Tres Oui/Literature and Tim Bond round things out. This one’s a slow-burner, building over beats and a bobbing bass line; it’s the perfect setting for Braden’s vocal delivery, matching each syllable to the movement. Dreamy guitar notes filter in from the background as Braden sings “I’m not in control.” For me, the climax comes right at the 1:50, the mood twists, guitars and synths wash in more of a dream vibe, and as the vocals match, it’s this huge wall of euphoria blasting you right in the face; I should have been expecting this. Putting great songwriters together doesn’t always work, except when it does…and here, it does.

Best of Indiepop 2018

Everyone has their own definition of indiepop; but I tend to ascribe to the original craft where DIY aesthetics and a softer response to punk were all the rage. But, to each their own. So I went through last year to compile what I think is a pretty all encompassing Best of Indiepop 2018; there’s no order, just a collection of really great indiepop. Some of the below are songs, some are albums, some are just bands or labels that were important. Click on for my picks and a playful playlist. Read more

Nathan’s Top Austin Albums of 2018

In the year’s end, those who “write” about music claim our superior tastes by spouting off about our favorite releases. I figured I should start off all the shenanigans with a list from our home base, Austin, Texas. Below you’ll find a list of my favorite releases from the confines of our fair city.

Let it be known that we released albums by Marmalakes, Feverbones and David Israel (and an EP by Blushing), but those will not make this list for the sake of favoritism…though they’d all obvious take the top spot…duh. Read more

Show Preview: Smokescreens at Hotel Vegas (8/23)

Thursday night is as good a night as any for a rock show, and all of Austin is in for a treat, should they choose to visit Hotel Vegas on said night. You get two great traveling acts in the Molochs and Smokescreens, the latter associated to our site’s highly regarded fave label, Slumberland Records…not to mention a Terry Malts/Business of Dreams connection. If you haven’t, as we suggested, picked up Used to Yesterday, then we suggest you do so now. The Molochs, for their part, will likely play a good deal off their forthcoming LP, Flowers in the Spring, so why not sneak a peak? And, both Tres Oui and the Zoltars will be peforming on the night, both ATH approved! Doors are at 9!

Go See Tres Oui, Talkies and more Tonight @ Cheer Ups

Looking around at various spots, and it looks like this show this evening over at Cheer Ups is the best place to maximize your good times/good music. For starters, Talkies are celebrating their Tape Release tonight, so you should go on over and support a local band. But, if you’re not one to support local music, at least cheer on all the bands, as Nothing Song has gotten together a pretty solid bill; you’ve got Tres Oui, Talkies (of course), Springtime and the Changes, and the Hermits. All of these are reason alone to venture out, but I’ll throw in a hit or two below to further entice you. Doors are at 9!

Photos: ATHvsSOTO 2018

We’ll be out and about the rest of the week to view the things during SxSW so remember to check out the twitter and our various instagram accounts.

Either you missed the big Austin Town Hall vs. Side One Track One party, or perhaps you were there and want to relive it. Check out the gallery after the break that features faces, bands, instruments, lights, beverages, scenes and moods from the day and night at Hotel Vegas. Highlights for me were Glaze, Nite, El Lago, BLXPLTN, Tres Oui, Daphne Tunes and Marmalakes. Find these bands during SxSW. You’ll be happy if you do.

Read more

Announcing the ATH vs SOTO SXSW Party

Today’s the day you’ve all been waiting for, the announcement of our annual AustinTownHall vs Side One Track One SXSW party. We’re throwing down at Hotel Vegas/Volstead again, and we’ve booked a pretty solid lineup of acts. We’ve got some bands with huge buzz like Caroline Says or Why Bonnie, a handful of ATH Records artists…and we even got in a few out of town acts like Nite and El Lago. Best news of all? It’s absolutely free, so all you have to do is come on over and just enjoy yourselves…there’s something for everybody. Show kicks off at 2 PM and lasts all day and night. Plus, we love you, so you don’t even have to RSVP! Check out the event page, and plan ahead, you’ll be here all day!

1 2 3 4