Austin Sound

Monday, February 11, 2008

Artist: Oh No! Oh My!
Label: Dim Mak Records
Genre: Indie Pop

In what was probably a case of me being too busy trying to take over the world, I completely missed out on the stellar Daytrotter Session that was done a few weeks ago by Oh No! Oh My!. I thought last year’s Between The Devil And The Sea EP was a pretty good listen, but it left me wanting more.

Friday, February 8, 2008

Artist: What Made Milwaukee Famous
Label: Barsuk
Genre: Indie Rock

As I pointed out on my own blog not so long ago, I’ve never really paid much attention to What Made Milwaukee Famous. However, that’s all changed with their upcoming full length for Barsuk, What Doesn’t Kill Us.

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Artist: The Weird Weeds
Label: Autobus
Genre: Experimental Pop

As if a load of touring, numerous collaborations, two full lengths and EP over the last few years wasn’t enough, Sandy Ewen, Nick Hennies and Aaron Russell have readed a new Weird Weeds album titled I Miss This. The disc, which took a rather long seven months to record, is their first for Austin’s own Autobus Records, and it’s said to feature the trio expanding the dynamic of their sound.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Artist: The Ars Supernova
Label: Crescent Eye Records
Genre: Rock

The Ars Supernova - The Other Night

In all honesty, I don’t listen to much modern rock these days. I find that much of the genre has become stale, as most acts are just trying desperately to score the one hit that will land them a spot on the charts. However, as with all genres of music there are a few groups out there who are making material that’s worthy of your time, and one of them is the Ars Supernova. Coincidently, the quintet is also avoiding the stadium-tour-or-bust mentality by using their musical talents for a foundation that they started together. The non-profit effort is called Soundwave and the main goal of it is to help local and global communities, which is pretty admirable. I know many of you are probably looking for something that’s either pop or wildly creative, but if you want to get involved in a good cause and/or hear a style of music that may not already be residing in your playlist then give these guys and their album, Messenger, a shot.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Artist: The Normans
Label: Goatchimp Records
Genre: Pop

The Normans - Windowsill Dust

I don’t know much about the Norman’s full length (Dreams Of Autocrashes) that was released a number of years back, so I can’t say for sure what kind of jump in quality or sound that they’ve made on the Stereo Savant EP. However, just listening to the five songs that are on the EP I will note that the future looks rather bright. The quartet seem to have a real knack for crafting the kind of pop songs that effortlessly glide back and forth between upbeat and ballad-like while maintaining a certain level of catchyness. Clearly, it’s balancing act that a lot of artists would probably be more than happy to avoid. Kudos to Brent Baldwin, Byrne Rock, Corey Butler and Nina Singh for extra effort that was put into this interesting listen.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Artist: Wiretree
Label: Cobaltworks
Genre: Pop

Wiretree - Big Coat

Who doesn’t love singer/songwriters? Me! Actually, that’s not true at all. I just have a problem with how many artists in the genre go the way of picking up an acoustic guitar and pushing out a bunch of songs that all sound alike. Although, because of that it does makes it all the better when guys like Kevin Peroni, who operates under the moniker of Wiretree, releases a sweeping effort like Bouldin. The record, which is Kevin’s first full length, is a good listen from front to back, and it features numerous pop influences that range from retro to more modern day folk-enthused work. In other words, you don’t get the same song over and over again. This is good. If you missed out on the album in 2007 then I would certainly recommend picking it up and giving it a listen here in the new year. You won’t regret it.

Is there anything more interesting to consider than what an artist’s potential is? After all, with so much music being made these days the easiest way to break it down is to seek out those who appear to have bright futures. This way, with each effort they release there is at least some hope for improvement and new ideas, and not just the same music with different lyrics. Of course, along with this approach comes the inevitable disappointment in finding out that you latched onto an act that peaked with whatever attracted you to them to begin with. Then there are bands like Brazos, who shine with so much potential on a single release that you can’t decide if future outputs will be disasters or pure brilliance. This is where A City Just As Tall comes into play.

Let’s face it, transitioning from the summer to the fall can be tricky for the avid music listener. The upbeat, dance-worthy sounds that matched up so nicely with the pretty summer days no longer feel as desirable. That doesn’t necessarily mean everyone is ready to bundle up and spend the coming months with mixtapes that consist of moody artists, but there is a need deep down for something to provide sounds that are more appropriate. With that being said, The Story Of’s The World’s Affair is seemingly the album to help with such a thing. Its sound is expansive, almost to the brink of epic, and its songwriting is accessible in a way that defines fall weather; colorful and different.

In some ways there is probably not an easier thing in the world to do than to get lost in the massive shuffle that is Austin’s music scene. Obviously, an artist has to either be at least partly original or so amazingly accessible that they make a quick jump into the consciousness of the people. So what about everyone else? Well, a select few eventually work their way up, others falter and fall apart, and then are some like the Heirs.

For a band that’s only been around since February of 2006, the Politics have managed to make a quick impression amongst locals who like their rock music to be rooted in pounding beats and swift guitar riffs. Most of the attention has been well deserved, but when based solely on These Bridges Will Not Stand one has to wonder if all the excitement is due to what the trio is capable of, and not what they’ve managed to do at this point in their short careers.