Austin 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.