On their Bandcamp page, Nashville-based Lawndry tags themselves as “stoner rock,” but they are so much more than that. Their February release, Yoko, offers two versions of the same song; both engage the listener into the world of stripped-down psychedelia through hypnotic, distorted guitar riffs, a mesmerizing melody, and lyricism that is simultaneously genuine and a bit funny (“Did you come to Nashville / To Yoko my band?”). The main difference between the two tracks (aptly called “Yoko” and “Sloko”) is that the latter plays in slow motion. Listening to the full double single is almost like entering a trance (in the best way possible.) They will be playing at the East Room in Nashville on August 20th. – Lilly Milman, photograph by Yuri Figueroa
Kew brings emo party anthems to the Glove on 7.20, plays house show 7.21
Brooklyn-based Kew’s latest release Typical Me is a great summer EP for the dejected and self-deprecating. Energetic bass lines and bouncy angular guitar riffs counteract downtrodden lyrical themes, resulting in lively tracks that hurt in just the right way. The tune “Blind” (streaming below) echoes early emo acts like Rites of Spring with its melancholic lyrics and explosive energy, while the overall mood on the EP is still more playful than somber. In short, Typical Me is a party soundtrack any emo kid can bang their head to — see for yourself on the tonight at The Glove or the 21st at a house show.
Float Fest 2017 Local Artist Preview
Float Fest takes place this coming weekend, and while the festival’s lineups have gotten progressively massive over the past few years, the honorable festival bookers have remained loyal to Austin artists. Joining MGMT, Weezer, and Passion Pit onstage will be a slew of local musicians who represent some of Austin’s most electrifying live shows.
Sweet Spirit – Arguably the most recognizable local act on the fest lineup, ‘Queen Sabrina’ never skimps on a live show. Raucous, empowering, and theatrical, a Sweet Spirit show is as magnetic as it is unforgettable.(4:45 PM Sunday @ Sun Stage)
Walker Lukens – One of the most creative singer/songwriters to claim Texas as home, Walker has put in the time to get where he is. Eclectic pop diddies exude from his pores, while his hair may be the most recognizable in the austin music scene. (4 PM Sunday @ Water Stage)
Ume – A trio that levels all that stands before them, Ume emits swerving art-rock that rattles ribcages. Lead singer, Lauren ‘LL’, is a deceiving package of wanton destruction that shatters the stereotype of the girl-next-door. (3:15 PM Sunday @ Sun Stage)
Los Coast – A soul-rock outfit on a hot streak, Los Coast is turning heads at every performance. Trey Privott brings ‘Stax-worthy’ vocals to a swirl of multi-genre rock that ebbs and flows with volcanic zeniths. (2 PM Sunday @ Sun Stage)
King of Nothing – Originally hailing from H-Town, King of Nothing, brings enlightened rhymes to ‘Skrewed Up’ beats. Daren Napier channels the angst and pain of a life full of troubling transitions to elucidate a crisis of identity, and the music is stunning. (2 PM Saturday @ Sun Stage)
New Track: “Dog Walker” – Melon Painting
Mountain, the forthcoming release from Missoula transplant Cooper Hepburn, a.k.a. Melon Painting, is scheduled for arrival on October 1, courtesy of HOYA Recordings and Diet Pop. “Dog Walker” meanders in a loose but locked in folk groove, backend-anchored with a sprinkling of keys and guitar sprints. With a feel akin to Hello Shark, a semi-spoken, personal narrative anectdotally recalls before switching gears from a passive, sleepwalking recollection to a proactive push, with accompanying instrumental exclamations.
Søndags blends genres with breezy Bay-area pop
Bay-area indie pop band Søndags recently released a new track called "Haunted Paradise." The song is a mellow homage to myriad genres: the reverb-laden guitars and distant drums are reminiscent of Motown and surf rock, and Jason Swihart’s vocals invoke Joy Division and The Kinks. It’s an understated yet self-assured pop song, clocking in at just under two and a half minutes. Follow the link to hear "Haunted Paradise," and listen to "Ghost Woman" below! – Ethan Ames
Deli Premiere: MICKY drops funky new single “He Won’t”
If we’re going to be honest about it, 2017 has yet to produce a real summer banger. Sure, you can make arguments for a few radio hits, but you’d really have to argue that one of them fits that magical "song of the summer" moniker. However, NYC-based MICKY (aka Michael Persall), might have just delivered the ultimate track to save you from those summer blues. "He Won’t," the Motown-pop influenced singer’s newest song premiering exclusively with the Deli, is another perfect example of MICKY’s penchant for making vintage sounds feel fresh and modern. With smooth horns, soulful falsetto vocals and funky synths, "He Won’t" is easily your perfect top-down driving tune. Stream it below, and we dare you to not fall head over heels in love. – Olivia Sisinni
Urban Theory throws a birthday show in Santa Cruz Friday 07.21
Urban Theory, local to Santa Cruz, CA, plans on packing The Crepe Place this coming Friday, July 21. The four-piece rock and roll recruited two of their favorite local bands, the sinfully satisfying sounds of The Redlight District and the up-beat funk of Ginger & Juice, to help celebrate the 23rd birthday of lead singer and guitarist Ryan Cummings. Get there early as this triple header of local talent will sell out. – Joshua Huver
New Track: “Becca’s Jam” – Hardwork Movement
“Becca’s Jam,” the latest single from hip-hop collective Hardwork Movement, which was produced by Weathervane Music, negotiates a narrative of love from multiple perspectives. A through line of percussion steadies the course as currents of electrified keys and trumpet create a break in the clouds. The storytelling baton is seamlessly passed in a hopeful desire to maintain a deep connection. Paired with Strange Parts, Hardwork Movement will be braving the heat, and performing this evening as part of Spruce Street Harbor’s Waterfront Sessions.
Bunny
Bunny announced their debut EP, Sucker, this week, and released their first single “Not Even You”. Fronted by hazy vocals of Jessica Viscius, Bunny is off to a very promising start. Their EP will be released later this summer.
You can catch Bunny at Schubas (Post-Lollapalooza Show) on August 4th and at The Hideout on September 2nd.
POSSUM – “ELECTRIC PICKLE” PARTY
One of the most talked about bands in the booming Toronto garage scene has just released a new EP “Electric Pickle”. Possum really rock that California garage sound so well. Right up the same alley as Ty Segall and Thee Oh See’s. The appropriately named opening track “Party Jam” features a really groovy curveball of a breakdown. They got mindspinning bass lines on repeat while a noisy solo noodles you back into the head-knodding meat of the song. Fire up the EP for a quick of blast of deadly psych/garage tunes. Possum’s EP Release Party is Saturday at the Smiling Buddha with Double Date With Death, Vypers and Deaf. – Kris Gies
Wooden/Apple/Heart’s new folk-based album
Local band Wooden/Apple/Heart incorporates rhythmic folk instrumentals, quiet harmonizing vocals, and experimental sounds to create a skillful haziness. In their new album, The First Woman to See Her Reflection in the World Before Mirrors, the group employs a modern, experimental-folk approach to music-making; inclusive of jumpy and innovative percussion, layered guitar riffs and occasional background samples. The track “Nora,” reinforces the band’s drifting manner, traveling between a gentle scenery and a lively upbeat mood. Listen to the album below. -Tafari Lemma
New folksy release ‘spring and summer demos’ by Sault is DIY at its finest
One consequence of music streaming is the over-saturation of the DIY scene with sloppy EPs recorded in bedrooms and basements that all end up sounding very much the same. But Sault’s spring and summer demos is not one of those records. Recorded by Nashville three-piece Sault, the EP travels between emo, folk, and indie rock in just four songs. Tracks like “socks” start off slowly, but eventually explode in an outpouring of emotion too raw for a conventional scene (a vocal tactic not too far off from Conor Oberst.) As a first release, this project is extremely promising and marks Sault as a force to be reckoned with on the local scene. – Lilly Milman