Austin Sound

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Artist: The Lovely Sparrows
Label: Abandoned Love
Genre: Indie Pop

If I was asked to peg an album from a local act as a possible break out effort it would certainly be The Lovely Sparrows upcoming debut full length, Bury The Cynics. Why them? Because the Pulling Up Floors, Pouring On (New) Paint EP was stellar enough to give me confidence and high hopes for anything they’re planning on putting out.

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Artist: The Black Angels
Label: Light In The Attic/Suretone
Genre: Psych Rock

With the band’s debut, Passover, vaulting them into the realm of attention spans outside of Austin it goes without question that the Black Angel’s upcoming Directions To See A Ghost is one of the most hotly anticipated releases that the local scene will push out this year. Will it live up to the hype?

Friday, April 4, 2008

Artist: Shearwater
Label: Matador
Genre: Indie Rock

“Shearwater’s knack for the epic is already well documented, but with all due respect to their prior efforts, the broad sweep of Rook’s 10 songs is like nothing else you’re likely to experience in 2008.”

In general, a message like that on an artist’s website would make me wonder what in the world they were doing when they decided to become the most confident act on Earth. However, when it comes from the mouth of Matador Records it seems like a reasonable claim.

Friday, March 7, 2008

Artist: The Sword
Label: Kemado Records
Genre: Metal

When it comes to the Sword I think you can more than likely divide everyone into two groups. One would have those of you who only know them because they were in Guitar Hero II, and the other would consist of music fans who dig a heavier sound. If you’re in the latter group then you’ll be pleased to find that we have the first single from the band’s sophomore effort, Gods Of The Earth, and a link to a full streaming version of the album. The goods await you after the jump.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Artist: Haunting Oboe Music
Label: None
Genre: Experimental

If there is one act in town that’s going all out this year then it certainly has to be Haunting Oboe Music. They struck last month with the first effort in their EP-a-month quest for 2008, and despite a time crunch they have one now for February.

Friday, February 29, 2008

Artist: The Little Bicycles
Label: Jane Awesome Records
Genre: Indie Pop

It’s actually been close to a full year since The Little Bicycles’ debut full length, Broken Hearts And Tired Legs, was released on Jane Awesome, but we’re just now getting to it. Why the long wait? Well, I mostly have no idea.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Artist: The Carnys
Label: Pecan Crazy
Genre: Experimental

One of the most wonderful things about the Austin music scene is that for every act that you could convince your parents to appreciate there is one that would probably cause them to disapprovingly contort their faces. For instance, The Carnys.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Artist: La Snacks
Label: Cash Cow Records
Genre: Indie Rock

It’s been awhile since the one part Austin, three parts Beaumont-based act known as La Snacks brought anything new to the table, but after numerous shows with some of the better bands in Austin they’ve readied a new EP.

Monday, February 18, 2008

Artist: Ghostland Observatory
Label: Trashy Moped Recordings
Genre: Electronic

With the seconds slowly ticking away until Ghostland Observatory’s sold out CD release show at Austin City Music Hall there is plenty of time to wonder whether or not the duo will deliver a proper follow-up to Paparazzi Lightning.

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Artist: Whitman
Label: Sonora Records
Genre: Indie Rock

“Each song evokes untold stories and unseen images in the mind of the listener. The four have worked to establish the perfect blend of progressive soundscapes and loud, biting rock and roll. A mix of melancholy lyrics, soulful howls, harmonizing guitars, ever-shifting back beats and haunting electric keys binds Whitman tightly together. To see them live is to witness solid energy.”

I hate to knock a band for trying to elevate their stature with floaty quotes like the one above, but considering what this act boils down to I feel the need to point it out.