welfare sounds and records – Austin Town Hall

Sylvie’s Head Share Frankie + Announce Debut

March 11, 2026 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

The Swedish scene is always a studious one, looking back through the annals of rock n’ roll history, then repurposing sounds as they see fit, which is the case with Sylvie’s Head. The group embrace a bit of nostalgic 90s alternative, but in doing so, they’ve also embraced the techno culture that was simultaneously working in the underground. Those beats are infused in a heavier fashion than most, leaving the listener with sort of a club version of Jesus and the Mary Chain; it’s a fun trip, and one that comes with lots of tension and release, so you’ll want to be aware of the group when they release Everything is Free via Welfare Sounds later this year!

<a href="https://sylviesheadgbg.bandcamp.com/track/frankie">Frankie by Sylvie’s Head</a>

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Makthaverskan Share Black Waters

February 20, 2026 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

There’s one ominous tune left before Makthaverskan release Glass and Bones to the masses, and it’s now available for you to crank below. Lonely guitar lines open up the scene, dominating the production from the instant you press play. When the vocals come into the picture, they almost seem like a plea for help, which correlates to the thematic discussion of addiction in the song. For a band with such a dominating pop song coursing in their veins, it’s a nice plot twist to seem them turn inward and carefully melt into classic pop construction. Glass and Bones drops on April 3rd via Welfare Sounds and Records.

<a href="https://makthaverskan.bandcamp.com/track/black-waters-2">Black Waters by Makthaverskan</a>

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The Mary Onettes Announce Sworn

September 10, 2025 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

If you’ve been reading our site the last few months, you should have been expecting the welcome news that the Mary Onettes have a new LP to offer us this November. As ever, they’re wrapping dreamy guitar notes around a sugary sweet center, using synthetic structures to provide the rhythmic pulse and atmospheric wash. For me, having been a fan since their earliest release, it’s always been the cresting of the vocals that’s won me over; they seem to embrace the shadowy elements of the genre, offering this sort of deluxe wintry vibe that’s blankets your life and record collection for years to come. Sworn is dropping Novemeber 14th via Welfare Sounds and Records.

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The Mary Onettes Return with Easy Hands

March 10, 2023 nathan.lankford Leave a comment

The Mary Onettes have been part of this site for the better part of a decade; I even spent a good deal of this year hunting down a reasonably priced copy of their self-titled LP, so I’m happy they’re back with a fresh set of tunes. They open things up here with an infectious bounce immediately, letting the guitars drift distantly before the vocals decide they’d like to join up. Honestly, Philip’s lyrical writing isn’t too far off from Glenn Donaldson’s RPP track from last week, calling on artists to take care of themselves while being drawn to create…sadly a sentiment folks like me need to remember. Oh man, this melodic chorus too, is just something special. Stoked to have the Swedish outfit back in any form.

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