true - Austin Town Hall

Shady Cove Prep Part II

June 4, 2024 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

Listening through to the new single from Portland’s Shady Cove, some might be inclined to sort of file it away under stereotypical dream-pop, perhaps even pushing it towards a Beach House adjacent apartment. But, when I went through, perhaps informed by reading a book on the Go-Gos, I was reminded of some of the really great harmonizing on 80s pop records. Sure, there’s a bit of haze, and that definitely helps whet my whistle, but there were some moments when I felt as if the duo were channeling Wilson Phillips, and I mean that as a compliment. The notes are succinct and powerful, pulling the emotion out of the listener as the crest atop the dreamy nature of the tune. Be on the lookout for Part II, the new LP out August 30th.

<a href="https://shadycove.bandcamp.com/album/part-ii">Part II by Shady Cove</a>

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Skirts Share Another Single from Great Big Wild Oak

June 15, 2021 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

Listening through to the latest from Skirts is quite a mind-fuck, but in the best way possible. Bounding piano lines call to mind an old school saloon feel, not to mention the bending guitar lines giving off a forlorn Western tilt. But, Alex Montenegro’s voice has this pure pop sincerity you don’t get to encounter too often; it just feels honest and available, as if you could read Alex’s emotions right through the vocal tones. It’s contrasting, sure, but it’s also cohesive, illustrating the ability of Montenegro to lead us by the reins as we journey through the Skirts musical journey. Great Big Wild Oak is out July 30th via Double Double Whammy.

<a href="https://skirts.bandcamp.com/album/great-big-wild-oak">Great Big Wild Oak by skirts</a>

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New Music From Violens

March 8, 2012 RayRay Leave a comment

Yes here we are again, stealing a sweet jam posted by our amigos over at The Gum. I’m sure some of you have heard the tune already, but it’s just too irresistible to pass up posting on the site. As previously reported, Violens have a new album called True due out in May via Slumberland Records. This new song “Der Microarc” has a lot more of that twee vibe to it than the previously reported “Unfolding Black Wings” and I dig it.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Violens-Der-Microarc.mp3]

Download: Violens – Der Microarc [MP3]

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Stereogum Has the Hits – Violens and Crocodiles

February 22, 2012 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

We’re a small site, so we don’t always get the hits as soon as everyone else. Normally, I wouldn’t post everything, as you can clearly go to Stereogum, but I absolutely am loving these two tracks. The first one comes from Violens, one of our favorites. The band’s always writing tracks it seems, and they’ve apparently got True set to see release in May on Slumberland Records. Then there’s Crocodiles, who’ve refined their sound, bringing about this ridiculously awesome track. The group will release Endless Flowers on June 4th, and I hope it all sounds like the track below. Check out both these tracks, as they’re worth your time, and tell us which one’s better!

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Violens-Unfolding-Black-Wings.mp3]

Download:Violens – Unfolding Black Wings [MP3]

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Crocodiles-Sunday-Psychic-Conversation-9.mp3]

Download:Crocodiles – Sunday (Psychic Conversation #9) [Mp3

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