Deer Tick have too long been on my list of bands to check out, and this track from the band’s latest release The Black Dirt Sessions, “Piece By Piece, Frame By Frame” is the perfect motivation to do so. Whiskey soaked vocals over simple acoustic guitar saddled by some delicate sparse piano, soothe the stressed soul.

MP3> Deer Tick ‘Piece By Piece, Frame By Frame’

About The Black Dirt Sessions

Recorded late last year at Black Dirt Studios in upstate New York, The Black Dirt Sessions is a deeply personal record from Deer Tick and most especially from lead vocalist and songwriter John McCauley.  It is the sound of a band coming into its own, finding its voice and pouring its collective heart out.  The comparisons that have often been thrust upon McCauley by the press seem to fall away as his own voice comes through more clearly. On songs like “Goodbye, Dear Friend” and “Christ Jesus” which find McCauley alone at the piano, about as naked as you can possibly get on record. The Black Dirt version of “Christ Jesus,” which also appeared on War Elephant, manages to be even more devastating than the original.

And I almost forgot..Tour Dates for the band, which find them here in Austin @ Emo’s on Oct13th. Jump Read more

Brick by brick, Austin’s Monahans are building their latest release 2010 Recordings by releasing a song a month on their website. The latest track from the band “I Break The Silence” surfaced today, and has a much different feel than anything you may have heard from them previously. Drums, almost tribal, dominate this track throughout with the guitars a bass playing support. Roberto Sanchez could be one of the more creative drummers you might see around town, as he doesn’t use a snare, and this track showcases his unique style.

On a side note, former Spoon bassist seems to be on staff with the band for a little while at least, playing on the recording, and recently in the live shows as well.

If you haven’t been collecting the tracks, which count at 6 now, head over to the bands website.

MP3> Monahans ‘I Break The Silence’

You know I love the ladies in Warpaint, and not just for the obvious reasons. Aside from making great music that walks the line of dreamy, psych-rock, that lends itself to the occasional jam on stage, they are pretty easy to look at as well.

Quickly working their way into the modern music consciousness with critic pleasing performances at last year’s CMJ Festival and this year’s SXSW, the band also managed to score a signing with Rough Trade with their EP Exquisite Corpse. And not wasting any time, the band is prepping the release of their debut LP The Fool which is to be released Oct 26th on Rough Trade.

If you are aching for a Warpaint fix until then, the band has recorded a version of David Bowie’s Ashes to Ashes for the Bowie tribute album We Were So Turned On to be released sometime later this year.

MP3> Warpaint ‘Ashes To Ashes’ David Bowie cover

The band is on the road and heading this way for an appearance at ACL Festival (more on that later), and will begin a tour with The XX later in October.

Bear In Heaven make music that I wouldn’t typically spend too much time with, but there’s something about this band that is stirring up quite the buzz pot lately that keeps spinning my attention. At first listen, you could write them off as a band being thrust into the fallout stream of hipster hype created by bands like Animal Collective and Yeasayer, but there’s something a bit more unique about these guys that I appreciate a bit more. Bear In Heaven seem to posses this idea of futuristic exploration in their music that feels much like some of the music that some of the music pioneers, more specifically electronic music pioneers of the 80′s. Band’s like Gary Numan, Kraftwerk, New Order, Skinny Puppy,  just to name a few, that were making music that was experimental, a bit strange, but curiously good.  Bear In Heaven doesn’t sound like these bands, they just seem to embody the spirit of those bands around that time while still maintaining a progressive sound in today’s saturated venue. Read more

If there’s a Canadian band that should be receiving your attention currently, I would point you in the direction of Land Of Talk. I know that there’s some other group pulling at your musical heart strings currently, but these folks are the real deal. I posted the captivating live acoustic performance of this track “Quarry Hymns” off the upcoming release Cloak and Cipher and the album version of the track just surfaced, and as expected, sounds incredibly tempting.

If you haven’t seen Elizabeth Powell, the driving force for this band, well…she’s a treat to watch live.

Cloak and Cipher hits legal on Aug 24th on Saddle Creek, and locally you’ll have the rare opportunity to see this band at the Parish on Oct 15th.

MP3> Land Of Talk ‘Quarry Hymns’

This isn’t going to be a full review of Colour Revolt’s latest offering The Cradle, as I really haven’t had enough time with the recording, and if you’ve spent any time with the band’s work, you understand that it’s work that requires a lengthy, patient listen that is more often than not, completely rewarding. It’s rich, layered, textural intensity both musically and lyrically, and The Cradle adheres to this equation while shedding some old skin in the process. After a dramatic shift in lineup, losing 3 of the members of the band to more stable realities in life, founding members Jesse Coppenbarger  and Sean Kirkpatrick forge on as the heart and soul of Colour Revolt. The resilience of these two shines well on the album, which still encompasses the complex energy of the past, while the sonic rages are reeled in and their energy dispersed much more dynamically and musically diverse.

I for one, am thrilled that Coppenbarger and Kirkpatrick weathered the storm and continue on as Colour Revolt, as these guys were made for making music. Great rock music to be specific. God knows we can always use more great rock music in our lives.

The Cradle is legal now. Go get yourself some.

MP3> Colour Revolt ‘Our Names’

If you haven’t tuned in to the sounds of Austin’s Monahans, you might be missing out on one of Austin’s currently undiscovered great secrets. While the band’s popularity quietly begins to bubble under the surface, they are introducing us to their newest recording, simply titled 2010 Recordings, one track at a time. The band began releasing a track a month in March and today finds us with track number 5 titled “We Tremble” with a short statement about the track from the band:

“Building on last month’s theme, the title “We Tremble” echoes the refrain of a classic eerie-yet-powerful hymn. Please pardon our progress as we plunge into darkness. (As if this Texas summer heat wasn’t oppressing enough!) We recommend revisiting Track 1 or watching Double Rainbow after you’ve heard this one.”

Maybe I enjoy the darkness unknowingly, because I really dig this track.

MP3> Monahans ‘We Tremble’

Upcoming Austin shows for the band:

FRIDAY JULY 30 at Club DeVille
with Telegraph Canyon and Aaron Sinclair (of Frank Smith)

FRIDAY AUGUST 13 at ND/501 Studios
Milton Mapes (duo set) opening for AA Bondy and JBM

While I would like everyone to believe that I take the time to listen to every band that sends me music whether it be a physical copy or via the digital, I really don’t. I try to give each one a fair opportunity to grab a moment of my short attention span, but most fall short of doing so, and quite frankly, I’m sure I miss out on some good music at times.

Why this band managed a feat that most cannot, I cannot answer.

Grand Lake’s music has been haunting me since I received the package in the mail just days ago.  I continually find myself revisiting the band’s work, seeking some sort of grasp of what it is they are to trying to convey with their music, and while doing so, all I can really manage is a sense of enjoying something that feels honest and fresh.

Grand Lake is the current result of a long ongoing relationship between Caleb Nichols and Jameson Swanagon, who have continually crossed paths since they met as young boys in California. The two brought on John Pomeroy for drums  and even more recently Danae Swanagon for the keyboards.  The upcoming release from the band Blood Sea reflects the duo’s musical kinship shared over the past 10 years covering plenty of ground musically without straining to be something that it isn’t. A delicate, subtle darkness weaves it’s way through the album while the music forges ahead on with the journey being the priority. The album finds itself turn after turn alternating between fuzzed out art-rock, gentle string accompanied slow dance moments, and slow rolling mood rockers.

Blood Sea is currently available on iTunes and will see “official” release on 8.10.10.

Now we just wait for the tour bus to find it’s way to us.

MP3> Grand Lake ‘Carpoforo’

Grand Lake – Spark from Ryan Pierce on Vimeo.

The moniker Ola Podrida which local musician David Wingo masks himself behind, dropped one of my favorite recordings of the past year, late in 2009 on the Austin based Western Vinyl label, titled Belly Of The Lion. The acoustic based recording brings into fold simple instrumentation that stretches between sublime sonic guitars, subtle drum beats, banjo, tambourine, and Wingo’s own lyrics. Lyrics that soundtrack the simple stories of naive human relationships while exposing the genuine and honest treasures lying within.

Wingo has assembled a band for a U.S. tour launching tomorrow night @ Mohawk. Get there early, as the tiny inside Mohawk stage will surely be a bad bet for showcasing one of Austin’s most promising talents.

“I’ll skinny dip with girls in lakes of wine……….”

MP3> Ola Podrida ‘Lakes Of Wine’

In a curious move by someone, Tiny Vipers were booked to play one of my personal favorite venues in town, The Parish. Curious because Tiny Vipers, as much as I feel they should be, aren’t a big drawn in this town, if in many. Tiny Vipers are the work of one talented creative voice named Jesy Fortino, and as incredibly enticing and rewarding as her music can be with a patient listen, it’s not a huge draw for many. It’s one woman with one guitar, engaging time, sound and space in a way that most artists would struggle to even attempt.

Being the 4th time that I have witnessed Fortino work, it was as magical as previous.  Somewhat recluse, Fortino weaves her catalog of work seamlessly with an intensity and restraint that compliments her craft. No need or seeking audience appreciation, just a dedication to the art.

And for the 4 folks that continued to chat during the set until I asked you to shut up…I really don’t know what to say other than..stay at home if you don’t want to watch the music and experience the experience. Either that or Shut The F*** Up!!

Photos by Mary Rehak

Taking an approach to releasing their music that most bands would shrug off, the Austin based Monahans are releasing a track a month from their most recent recording titled simply 2010 Recordings. And I should mention, that the tracks are free for download.

The latest to surface from the Monahans camp is track #4 titled “A Memory Of God”.

In addition to the free tracks being released, the band is also dropping video footage and various reference material as well. If you want to get in on this action, you might want to visit the band’s website and sign up for the email list. Or you could just keep tuning in here, as I’ll likely pass along this stuff to you as well, as I kinda dig these guys.

In related news: The previous incarnation of Monahans, Milton Mapes have received a little attention by some guy named Robert Plant? This guy is recording a version of their track “The Only Sound That Matters”. Nice.

Austin’s Black Angels have a new recording looming in the near future titled Phosphene Dream, recorded with producer Dave Sardy (new for the band), and on the recently revived label Blue Horizon (new for the band). What does all of this change mean for the local artisans of psychedelic drone? For those in attendance of this year’s Austin Psych Fest, you were treated to what Phosphene Dream has wrapped up inside, when The Black Angels performed the recording in it’s entirety live on Saturday night of the 3 day fest. And first impression suggests that change is good.

MP3> Black Angels ‘Bad Vibrations’

The band has several European festival dates lined up before they head back to the states for an appearance @ The Jim Jarmusch curated stage during ATP New York.

It had been awhile since we’ve heard any rumblings from the Blonde Redhead camp, until this most recent single has emerged titled “Here Sometimes”. One would be lead to believe that this would signal a new album on the horizon, but nothing official on the release. Word is there is more info heading our way soon though, so stay tuned.

Until then, enjoy this sleepy haze introduction to new music from 4AD’s Blonde Redhead..

MP3> Blonde Redhead ‘Here Sometimes’

The reunited Pavement have been making the rounds this year, much to the delight of many an indie-rock fan, and as a good majority of their appearances have been at some of the prestigious festivals, the band will make a stop here in Austin, at a much smaller venue called Stubbs. I have to say that I was a bit surprised that the band didn’t make the ACL Fest lineup, but am much happier with this news. Who wants to wade through a sea of lawn chairs, Phish heads, Eagles fans, and misguided weekend music warriors to enjoy the Gold Sounds of Pavement? Not this guy! Two thumbs up C3!!

Pavement @ Stubbs 9.28!!

Tickets on sale June 18th HERE

MP3> Pavement ‘Fight This Generation’

I was just listening to some Built To Spill the other day thinking about what a solid career these guys have had with some great recordings under their belt, and then POOF! they are coming to town. As if I almost willed it to happen.

Built to Spill, who usually find themselves playing the larger Stubb’s venue as of lately, take it down a notch and get real @ Emo’s for not just 1 night, but 2. Expecting them to traverse their illustrious catalog of jams.

Built to Spill @ Emos 10.22 Tickets

Built to Spill @ Emos 10.23 Tickets

MP3> Built To Spill ‘Untrustable Part 2 (About Someone Else)’