Austin Spotlight: Balmorhea

BALMORHEA1At this point in their musical career, I’d say that Austin based group Balmorhea are easily one of the most recognize names in the indie scene.  They caught our attention around the inception of our website with their roots and atmospheric take on instrumental music.  I’m pleased to be sharing with you today their latest single called “HEIR I”.  The track has that familiar Balmorhea feel as it slowly builds towards this moment of sheer beauty about two or so minutes in.  This would a perfect song to enjoy some Sunday morning coffee.

This song appears on a brand new 7″ coming out on October 14th via Western Vinyl.

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Another New Track from the Rosebuds

blueeyesWe’re just a few short weeks away from the release of the new album from The Rosebuds, and another single has made it’s way into the world.  Ivan takes the lead on this track, and I’ll be the first to say that this is one of my favorite songs from the group, period.  There’s a pronounced energy to it, which highlights the band’s exuberance.  There’s also a few moments when the band pulls back just for a second; those moments get me every time.  Sand + Silence will be released by the good people at Western Vinyl on August 5th; it’s shaping up to be one of those records that wins everyone over, so don’t be left out.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/04-Blue-Eyes.mp3]

Download: The Rosebuds – Blue Eyes [MP3]

Music Premiere: Secret Cities Unveil Thumbs

Secret.Cities.2014.3We’re happily here today to premiere the brand new single from Secret Cities; it’s the third track to be released on their forthcoming LP, Walk Me Home.  Up until now, the band have largely crafted their work via email and phone calls, but the work within this record was composed in a studio in San Francisco, a first for the band.  Whatever the cause, the music they’ve crafted for their 3rd LP has left us with some of the most dynamic tracks they’ve composed to date.  “Thumbs” will have you swirling in the dark pop crafted by the band, accented by touches of strings and horns, weaving a web of musical bliss.  You can grab this new LP from Western Vinyl on June 24th.

 

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New Music from The Rosebuds

rosebuddiesThere’s always been something incredibly special about the music of Rosebuds. No matter when I throw a track on, be it in a mix or just on random shuffle, there’s always an immediate change in emotion.  It’s a welcome change, even if it only enhances current states of happiness; it just feel good to listen to this band.  News just broke that they’ll be releasing a brand new album, and even more exciting is that they’ve signed on to release the record with the much revered, local label, Western Vinyl.  This LP is titled Sand + Silence, and it will be released on August 5th;  the first single is streaming below.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/01-In-My-Teeth.mp3]

Download: The Rosebuds – In My Teeth [Mp3]

Fresh Music from Secret Cities

2010_Secret-CitiesIt’s been a bit since we’ve heard from Secret Cities, but they’re returning now with a bit of a change in direction, one meant to better fit their live shows.  If you take in this single, you’ll immediately notice the bob and weave of the bass line, uplifting the band’s music.  Marie Parker takes the vocal duties on this tune, providing even more melody and pop sensibility than we’ve witnessed before from the group.  Now, we loved the group’s previous work, but I’m interested to see where they’re going on this new LP, Walk Me Home; it’ll be released by Western Vinyl on June 24th.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/02-Bad-Trip.mp3]

Download: Secret Cities – Bad Trip [MP3]

 

New Music from Stone Jack Jones

stonejackI’m sorry for offering this tune to you on Monday, as it’s definitely not going to make your spirits any higher, but you’ve got to strike while the good songs are hot! Nashville’s Stone Jack Jones has a great way with words, and I like the intricate way the guitar works within this track.  His new album, Ancestor, is meant to tell the narrative of his own life as a descendant of generations of coal miners; you get the impression of the isolation of the culture, yet Jones seems to look upon it with gratitude and acceptance.  The new album  will be out via Western Vinyl on March 18th.

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Show Preview: Abram Shook @ Mohawk (1/24)

120613-abram-shook-600-1386353714

Date 1/24/14
Location Mohawk
Doors 9pm
Tickets $6 @ Door

If you’ve been a reader of our website in the past, you know that Abram Shook has long been one of our favorite Austin musicians.  That being said, you know the ATH team will be making it down to Mohawk tomorrow evening for Mr. Shook’s show celebrating the release of his new album Sun Marquee.  Let’s of course not forget the rest of the bill, with a solid undercard of Good Field and Royal Forest.  We’ll be inside rockin’ out all evening.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/2013/11/19/austin-spotlight-new-music-from-abram-shook/coastal/]

Download: Abram Shook – Coastal [MP3]

Abram Shook – Sun Marquee

Abram-Shook-Cover-ArtRating: ★★★★☆

Abram Shook has toiled around the streets of Austin for some time trying to find the right band to fit his unique vision of where his songwriting could go.  But, after various line-up changes to his former group, Great Nostalgic, it seems Abram made the right decision to try things out all on his own.  His album Sun Marquee carries his vision further than we expected, leaving listeners with a warm experience that you’ll find ultimately rewarding.

Those of you getting your first introduction should immediately take notice of Abram’s unique voice when you play “Recovery.”  It’s got a bit of a drawl to it, coated here in an effortless cool that evokes the best of warm climes. He uses the strength of his voice as a central focus in his songs, and he builds the tracks from there.  The following tune, “In Mind,” has incredible layering with varying guitar parts working in unison, though each occupying their own space and time.  It reminds me of the best moments of old Here We Go Magic tunes, though there’s more of a dreamy quality to the numbers on Sun Marquee.

But while much of the record is devoted to songs that carefully unfold as minutes pass, there’s a few tunes that have some immediacy to them that’s gratifying upon the moment you press play.  Take the smooth stomp and swagger of “Distance,” which features a melodious chorus that allows Abram Shook to display his knack for catching the ears of even the most casual of passersby. Or you could take the bright ringing of the guitar that starts “Lifeguard” before the rest of the track begins to unfold into a blissful world of purposeful pop music. It even pulls in this great bit during the chorus that illustrates a bit of playfulness, not to mention Shook’s musical range/influences.

Ultimately, you want an album to be about an experience, about a journey you take as a listener, from start to finish.  I couldn’t think of a better way to wrap things up for this listen than with “Black Submarine,” taking all the convincing aspects of the record to this point and compiling them into one strong tune.  Whether it’s the guitar interplay or the wash of layers or even the distinctive vocals, you’ll find that it’s a perfectly emphatic finishing stroke by a talented artist.

People always reference stepping out of the darkness and into the light, and it seems that Abram Shook‘s own journey to solo artist serves as   his own coming party.  Sun Marquee shows him stronger and more creative than we’ve heard him to date, providing listeners with an album they can revel in for more than just a few rotations on the turntable.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/03-Distance.mp3

Download: Abram Shook – Distance [MP3]

CONTEST: Abram Shook Sun Marquee Vinyl Giveaway!!!

Abram.Shook.1.300As long time supporters of Abram Shook, we’re overly excited about the release of his new album, and you should be too! Sun Marquee has already shown its promised with a few incredible singles (which you can stream below), but we’ve got a steal for you! For the price of a simple comment, you can get your hands on a vinyl copy of the record, courtesy of Western Vinyl (and us). I figure since it’s an Austin artist, we should make you leave a comment about the best place in Austin to get a taco.  What’s your favorite place? Comment, and it could win you a free LP!

But, if you’re not able to win, and you live in the Austin area, you’ll have a chance to get your hands on a copy during his release show on January 24th at the Mohawk.  Tickets are $6, and opening acts Royal Forest and Good Field aren’t too shabby either.  Stream the tracks and leave a comment. Contest ends Monday at 11:59 PM.

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/03-Distance.mp3] [audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/06-Coastal.mp3]

New Music from Stone Jack Jones

artworks-000065604035-0u4pf0-t500x500As the temperature drops across the Northern Hemisphere, we’re all seeking out some form of solace.  For some it’s a fire, but for me, it’s sad bastard/slow folk tunes. Luckily, this new tune from Nashville’s Stone Jack Jones came our way today, so we had to share the number.  It’s got a real slow pace, with the vocals carefully floating atop the guitar, and backing vocals added by Patty Griffin.  If you ask me, tunes like this are much better than a fireplace, but that’s just me.  His new album, Ancestor, drops on March 4th via Western Vinyl (those guys are going to have a rad 2014).

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/State-Im-In.mp3]

Download: Stone Jack Jones – State I’m In [MP3]

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