Austin Sound

There seems to be a general contention these days between the single and EP. We love that the single is making a comeback, especially in 7″ form as we get from Sunset and the Black below, but we have to continue to take issue with the idea of a three song EP. We’ll let our hangups over the issue of EP vs single slide with Leatherbag and Corto Maltese, though, as both are excellent and welcome offerings that compact their distinctive sounds into great releases. Leatherbag’s Everything I Once Knew encapsulates the range of styles that he has progressed through over the years, while the Corto Maltese’ Answer, Answer proves appropriately more polished than their much acclaimed demo while still retaining their unbridled edge. Okkervil River offers up a new song, “Millionaire,” on their single to The Stand Ins’s, “Pop Lie,” along with an alternate take on the song, and the recent 7″ vinyl releases from Sunset (Loveshines II) and the Black (Little Hits) are must have local singles.

Although the buzz was a buzzin’ at Emo’s Lounge about Oh No! Oh My!, who were just back from their European tour, Legs Against Arms and Corto Maltese stole the spotlight with their effervescent energies and incredibly catchy set lists. But, let’s start at the beginning. Before opener Gulf of Mexico had even started, there was a decent amount of people shuffling into a poorly lit Emo’s Lounge. The Lounge isn’t quite the pinnacle of the Emo’s trilogy, if you know what I mean… Even so, if you build it, and call it Emo’s, they will come.

On the strength of their just released demo and excellent live shows, the Corto Maltese have already been making waves around town. With the frenetic ruckus of the Arcade Fire and a touch of David Bowie, “Providence” is a spirited anthem that is fast becoming an early summer hit, even getting weekly rotation on 101.X’s “The Next Big Thing,” while “Man Alive” courses through high-wavering vocals that would fit nicely next to Peel’s energy and “Never a Waver” bursts with pounding rhythms and reckless shouts. You can the quartet live this Friday, June 8, at Emo’s inside stage opening for Nymph Echo, Mars Wars, and the Visitors.