Austin Sound

It’s the little things that kill with Austin’s Yellow Fever. The infectious pop trio’s toxic combination of minimal arrangements and vocal harmonies leaves listeners experiencing various degrees of euphoria. Guitarist Jennifer Moore, who also performs in the 60’s-inspired girl group Carrots, the Pinecombs, and Voxtrot, and bassist Isabel Martin, formerly of Teenage Dog, come across like the daughters of the Mommas and the Pappas, free-spirited sisters who spent their teenage years singing together in front of bathroom mirrors while holding hairdryers and combs. Their vocals are, in fact, their most effective and inviting instrument. So effective that little else about the group’s self-titled limited-edition EP (81/240), which was recorded and mixed at the home of drummer Adam Jones, who used to handle percussion for Basic and Care Bear Crew, seems to matter.

With their sophomore release The Trials of Van Occupanther, Denton’s Midlake produced one of last year’s best releases from Texas. Changing direction from the quirky psychedelic pop leanings of their 2004 debut Bamnan and Slivercork to a more 70s-inspired folk-rock feel, Van Occupanther is the musical equivalent of Thoreau’s retreat to Walden Pond, a journey through nature in an attempt to find solace in a simpler way of life. Tim Smith, singer and lead songsmith of the quintet, recently spoke with us from New Orleans to shed some light on his inspiration for the album.