Austin’s Frank Smith turned heads in the Austin music scene with their 2009 release Big Strike In Silver City. Being the band’s 5th release, it was the first release since relocating to Austin, the music city that can swallow up great music and not think twice about doing so. The band has been plugging away at the follow up, recording at the Bubble Studios with Alex Lyon, and if this track titled “Nineteen” is of any indication of what to expect…well, you tell me what you think.

The track is only available for stream on the band’s website or myspace.

No release date mentioned, but I’m guessing sometime in the Fall.

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

Blonde Redhead fans anticipating the release of the forthcoming Penny Sparkle out Sept 14th might be in for something a bit unexpected. The follow-up to the popular 23 is a wonderful lush, dreamy escape from it’s predecessor, but might challenge some lesser devoted fans.

Here’s a peak as to what to expect, in the form of a live 4AD Session on VEVO. “Here Sometimes” from Penny Sparkle

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.

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’

Dead Confederate’s Sugar arrived at the office just a few days ago, and it has been spinning non-stop, while I try to digest this monster of rock album. There’s some seriously heavy shit on this record, along with songs like this, which show a different side to the band that previously revealed on their debut LP Wrecking Ball.

Push play, turn it up, and sing along while J. Mascis adds his shred to the track.

Don’t forget, that the band will be giving it away on the Mohawk stage Aug 28th. GET TICKETS

Austin’s Black Angels are looking to drop another bounty of their self-styled psych-rock, in the name of Phosphene Dream on 9.14.10. Changes are involved with a new label, the recently resurrected Blue Horizon, a new producer, Dave Sardy, and possibly a new direction with their sound.

Patiently we await, and until the drop, a sneak peak…

The Black Angels : Phosphene Dream from LaundroMatinee on Vimeo.

Blonde Redhead have their 4th 4AD release scheduled for a street date of 9/14, and as expected a nice little tour to follow in support of Penny Sparkle. It’s been 3 years since the band’s previous release 23 secured their reputation as a mainstay in the music scene, that doesn’t threaten to become commercial, but remains as pertinent if not more.

You may remember the surfacing of the track “Here Sometimes” not too long ago that we speculate will be found on Penny Sparkle.

There will be a pre-sale for many of the shows, so click HERE for details, including opportunity to upgrade with poster, CD, and an instant MP3. Oh yeah, password for pre-sale is “Sparkle”, and the presale begins 48 hours prior to city’s general on-sale date.

Dates after the jump, jump, jump, jump around Read more

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.

Montreal’s Land of Talk have always been one of those bands quietly bubbling under the surface, just threatening to become recognized for the talent that it posses.  Or maybe I should say for the talent that Elizabeth Powell posses? The crafty songstress and gifted guitarist for the band has been the foundation for the band since it’s incarnation and continues to grow as a writer and performer.

August 24th will see the band’s sophomore full length come legal, on the Saddle Creek label mysteriously titled Cloak and Cipher. Soon after, the band embarks on a headlining tour that will bring them to Austin for a performance @ The Parish. If I’m not mistaken, this would be their first performance in town in more than 2 years. I’m not mistaken that I’m completely giddy about seeing this band once again.

Cloak and Cipher was produced by Jace Lasek ( Besnard Lakes, Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown) and features a slew of Canada’s finest in the modern rock scene. Patrick Watson, Jeremy Gara of Arcade Fire, and members of Stars, Wintersleep, Besnard Lakes, and Esmerine.

A sneak peak with the band performing Cloak and Cipher’s “Quarry Hymn” on La Blogotheque’s Take Away Show

Tour dates follow the jump Read more

Dead Confederate have their sophomore full-length titled Sugar hitting the streets legal on Aug 24th. Check out this short little video shot during the making of the album, and then jump over to the band’s website for a free download of the first released track from the album titled “Giving It All Away” featuring some dude named J. Mascis.

Or……….you could listen here

MP3> Dead Confederate ‘Giving It All Away’

Interpol have been pretty quiet for the past couple of years, but the silence is about to be broken. September will see the release of the band’s 4th album and with a recent lineup change, the band is booking the live dates. More to come soon for sure, but for now… the video for ‘Lights’

June :
Wednesday, June 23 – Pittsburgh, PA Mr. Smalls Theatre
Friday, June 25 – Allentown, PA Crocodile Rock
Saturday, June 26 – New York, NY, Creators Project Party, Milk Studios
Friday, July 23 – Northampton, MA – Pearl Street Ballroom*
Saturday, July 24 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place – +
Sunday, July 25 – Baltimore, MD – Ramshead Live – *
Thursday, July 29 – Richmond, VA – The National – +
Friday, July 30 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVA – +
Saturday, July 31 – Atlantic City, NJ – Showboat Atlantic City – House of Blues – #
Wednesday, August 04 – Montclair, NJ – Wellmont Theatre – +
Thursday, August 05 – Boston, MA – House of Blues – +
Friday, August 06 – Clifton Park, NY – Northern Lights – #
Monday, August 09 – Montreal, QC – Metropolis – #
Tuesday, August 10 – Toronto ON – Kook Haus – @
Wednesday, August 11 – Pontiac, MI – Clutch Cargo -+
Friday, August 13 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave – #
Saturday, August 14 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue – *
Sunday, August 15 – Chicago, IL – Vic Theatre – #
Wednesday, August 18 – Charleston, SC – The Music Farm – +
Thursday August 19 – Lake Buena Vista FL – House of Blues – #

@ – on sale June 23
* – on sale June 24
+ – on sale June 25
# – on sale June 26

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.