Austin Sound

Artist: Wine And Revolution
Label: None
Genre: Retro Pop

It’s not too often that I regret not being able to make it to a show, but after repeated listens to the pure retro bliss that Wine And Revolution sent for sharing I very much hate that I had to miss them open for King Kahn And The Shrines a few weeks back. Bummer.

Artist: The Dirty Hearts
Label: Socyermom Records
Genre: Rock

For every act in the world that a hipster feels is worthy of name dropping there is a band like the Dirty Hearts. Sure, to some that won’t sound very flattering, but on my end I think it showcases the fact that at the end of the day you still need those classic sounding rock bands to help keep the balance. I mean, experimental folk pop with a dash of mid-60s idealism all mixed together into a sound that can only be described as noisy can only go so far. Know what I’m saying? Now jump in the car, roll down the windows and prepare to be loud.

Tuesday, July 7, 2008

Artist: Brothers and Sisters
Label: Calla Lilly
Genre: Folk

What better to come down off of the 4th of July weekend with than a little something new from a band that has long been compared to great American folk acts like the Mamas and the Papas, the Byrds and the Jayhawks, with a little Canadian Neil Young thrown in to boot? I say nothing!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Artist: Murdocks
Label: Surprise Truck Entertainment
Genre: Indie Rock

For many years the act known as the Murdocks have been shoving their sound down your throat, so is the Roar EP a change of pace? Not really, but some of you may find yourselves singing-a-long a bit more as you pump your fists in the air

Friday, May 23, 2008

Artist: Rae Davis
Label: Exponential
Genre: Instrumental

Most of you will probably collect a bunch of upbeat tunes to fill out your holiday weekend playlists, but if you’re thinking about kicking it at home with some air conditioner and whole lot of lazy then Rae Davis is all set to be your best friend. As for you party-goers, his smooth sounds will patiently wait to please your ears during the killer hangover you’ll acquire over the next few days.

Artist: My Education
Label: Strange Attractors Audio House
Genre: Instrumental

It has been awhile since My Education has been a hot topic of discussion, but the act once praised by the Rolling Stone is making sure that they aren’t just part of the past with a sweeping new effort that will more than likely put some epic qualities into your summer. Are you ready?

With everyone and their second cousin focused on the Black Angels’ Directions To See A Ghost it should come as no surprise that anyone operating an even slightly similar sound would be overlooked. However, that’s what we’re here for. Let’s talk Indian Jewelry.

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.