Tag: video

Dream Pop from Shikoswe

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I always like to move into Mondays with something a little bit calming, something that seems to have sensation of easing into the week…so here I am with this wonderful Shikoswe track. While the first 50 seconds feel like my day, slowing moving along, there’s a nice uptick in the energy around 53 seconds that I couldn’t turn away from when listening; it added an underlying energy that crafted that dream drift we all search for…at least for fans of the genre. The chorus “it’s all the same” is a sublime slice of pop sensibility surely soothing several of you. Look for this track on the new album Back in the Tall Grass.

Surf Curse Shares Hour of the Wolf

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It’s really hard not to fall in love with Surf Curse; they haven’t really dropped a bad note since they’ve burst onto the larger scene this year (they haven’t really set a foot wrong, period). Their latest single, as the video would hint, has this natural brooding to it; it’s both ominous and dreamy, with notes occasionally cascading off through the tune that allow for the flare of artistry. What really gets me is the faint quiver in the vocals; it’s both fragile and intimate, giving us the briefest glimpse into the soul of the duo. Their debut album Heaven Surrounds You is out on September 13th via Danger Collective, and if there was a band I was wishing success upon, its this bunch.

Bodega Return with Shiny New Model

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When Bodega dropped their debut LP last year, it seemed, to me at least, like a refreshed version of early Parquet Courts; Ben Hozie had a similar delivery to the aforementioned, with the band walking the line between art/postpunk. Now here we are with the announcement of a fresh new EP, and at times, a fresh new sound. Ben still has that matter-of-fact lyrical delivery, though he seems to have softened the notes on the ends, stretching them into song. Guitars still have this sharp fuzziness, but there’s textured layers built in, supporting the band with this underlying pop sensibility. The brief instrumental starting right before the 1:30 mark might be some of the best bits the band have crafted to date; it’s clear they’ve really grown their sound, and I can’t turn this song off. It’ll appear on a new 8 song Shiny New Model EP, out on October 11th via some label called What’s Your Rupture.

Another Tune from the Golden Dregs

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We’re just over a month away from the release of the next album from the Golden Dregs, thus today warrants another single from the project. I think those of you who have found yourselves fans of Cohen or Waits might find some comfort in the baritone voice of Benjamin Woods, much as I do; it’s got this effortless croon, like only the hippest of lounge acts. For me, the success in this song revolves around the contrast in all the guitar bits; there’s this heavy groove that drives through the track, though its intermittently juxtaposed with this funky guitar line boogieing through the tune. Thus far, this might be my favorite off Hope is for the Hopeless; it drops on September 27th.

Mimico Offer New Haze

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I often steer clear of the six minute song, at least when it comes to posting things on the site; some folks just don’t have the patience these days to indulge in what’s around them. But, this Mimico tune caught my ear the moment I heard it. While they’re psychedelic tendencies definitely unfold as the song traverses the galaxies, the core musical elements offer up this bopping bounce of dream pop that I can’t help but to encourage you to indulge…just a bit. This exploratory pop tune features on the band’s new album, Hi Action, out in October via Hand Drawn Dracula.

JW Francis Shares Place I Know Video

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JW Francis quietly dropped his I’ll Love you Forever, Bye EP almost a year ago, but to be honest, its just now making its way to my ears, especially now that he’s sharing this brand new video for one of the standout tunes. The tune has this sort of warped pop bent to it, it’s got this warbling meander to it; I feel that’s apt as the video sort of encompasses the same sentiment, particularly in the bike scenes. That said, I think the full-toned voice of Francis is particularly charming, weaseling its way right into my ear holes; this is a nice early Monday morning jam, if you’re listening.

Skux Share Painted Blank

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I feel like I needed a solid kick in the ass this morning, something to get me up out of my own way and jumpstart the day…so here I am with the latest single from Skux. It’s a grungy little rocker, blasting out its energy from the get-go; it’s all guitars and drums just driving you furiously towards an unknown end. All that energy and fury seems fitting for a song about the end of a relationship, but what’s special is what Ayisha Jaffer’s voice offers in its performance. Jaffer has this controlled howl that hides the faintest pop sensibility, which ends up bringing some calm over the verses and choruses. The band will release the Kudis EP on August 23rd.

ATX Spotlight: TVs Daniel + Annabelle Chairlegs

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It’s the time of year when releases come hard and fast, everyone trying to cram music in between their Fall tours and what not; I mean, we have 3 releases on our label in the next two + months, so you know the rest of Austin is busy. Two things I missed while on a brief beach vacay were these new jams from TVs Daniel and Annabelle Chairlegs.

TVs Daniel is the most recent project from all around rock n’ roller Daniel Fried; he’s also the key element in acts like Video and Bad Sports (amongst others). I love this track for its huge buzzsaw guitars disguised beneath a penchant for anthemic arena rock; the subtle backing vocals are a really nice touch. This track appears on a 7″ for Italian label, Wild Honey Records. It pretty much rules.

Annabelle Chairlegs are everyone’s Austin favorites; they’re the band that all the bands love…they even appeared on the Slack Capital Compilation we put together with Eric of Big Bill and First Human Records. This new single has this swagger lurking in the midst of psychedelic waves; I love the tenacity of the vocal performance. This tune should pop up on a sophomore LP any day now.

Elizabeth Shares Parties Video

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Elizabeth is one of my favorite Australian voices; she’s previously been the leader of the wonderful Totally Mild, though her attention is now 100% on her own project. This video completely captures the feelings of the track’s lyrics, showing Elizabeth isolated in the foreground while parties rage on behind her, where she misses her ex partner. I found the track has this subdued enchantment; the guitars ring carefully while the beat stays calm and steady, building the tension for the release of the chorus. Clearly, Elizabeth owns the song, drawing you in with her powerful performance…she’s just incredible. Her debut solo effort, The Wonderful World of Nature will be out on Our Golden Friend on November 1st.

Parsnip Share Rip It Off Video

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When watching this new Parsnip video, I honestly was perplexed; I’m still perplexed, which ultimately is the point, I reckon…to leave you thinking after you’ve watched. It’s filled with beautiful scenery, choreographed dance and Victorian-nutcracker attire crafted by Tim Burton. But, while I was mesmerized and trying to figure out what I was watching, my ears were burning with joy. Guitar lines jangle in psychedelic fashion while the rhythm section employs the proper cymbal work to keep this mystical enchantment. The Melbourne quartet will release their debut When the Tree Bears Fruit on August 30th via Trouble in Mind Records.

 

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