Sunday, April 28, 2024

Album

AlbumBrian HillsmanReview

Album review: Swallow the Rat sophomore effort South Locust positions band well for SXSW 2024

New Zealand hard rock trio, Swallow the Rat, released their latest LP, South Locust, on September 1, 2023, and are set to perform at this year’s SXSW music festival as part of the Aotearoa contingent. The band has a number of performances slated for the festival including an unofficial event, Webberville Block Party presented by The Cosmic Clash and Play to the Plants at The Lost Well, Cavalier and Fading Yellow House on Saturday, March 16.

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AlbumCase CockrellReview

Album review: DIY act Mulch Cult released their eclectic new EP Bulch

Austin uutlaw punk rock outfit Mulch Cult has released their new EP Bulch. The latest release comes after their 2023 LP Gulch, released to amid the underground Austin DIY scene’s acclaim last year. For this new release, Mulch Cult takes a step forward, delivering three new tracks that turn the page for what’s next for the band.

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AlbumDaniel SalasReview

Album review: Semihelix has a new seven inch EP out that will revive your faith in indie music

Rock music is doing just fine thanks to artists like Semihelix. Based in Austin, Semihelix play a mix of American indie underground of the 80s with a smidge of C86 jangle-pop with their chiming guitars, driving bass lines and dreamy vocals. Semihelix has been in the scene over 12 years comprising of mastermind and founding member Geannie Friedman on guitar and vocals, along with long standing comrades Mike Cota on bass and Valdermar Barrera on drums. This solid EP release comes with three bangers; “Slower Pace,” “Renovate” and “Downstream” released on Strawberry Pancake Records.

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AlbumGreg AckermanReview

Album review: Fading Yellow to drop debut EP and host Chess Club release party December 1

Austin psychedelic pop and art-rock band, Fading Yellow are set to drop their first EP, Stereo Assessment Friday, December 1 on all streaming services. The talented foursome are set to host a release party at Chess Club with an expanded lineup presented as Fading Yellow Arkestra with support from Large Brush Collection. The evening promises to be an entertaining one for local music fans at the intimate Red River Cultural District venue. 

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AlbumCase CockrellReview

Album review: Danny Brown delivered reflective Warp Records solo record Quaranta

With a blockbuster collaboration and tour with experimental Hip Hop powerhouse JPEGMAFIA under the Detroit-turned-Austin artist’s belt, the modern rap icon has ceremoniously unveiled his most personal album to date, Quaranta. For those who aren’t fluent in Italian, the record’s title means 40, showing Brown’s vulnerability as he ages into a seasoned rhyme sculptor who still feels like he has lots to prove despite his glowing resume. On Quaranta, he treats like Hip Hop has been a double-edged sword, and he is finally seeing destiny as he has painted it over his long, fabled career.

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AlbumCase CockrellReview

Album review: Walkabouts shows chops with honed songwriting on debut, Bloomin’ Ocotillo

After assembling a lineup of seasoned local musicians who called the Midwest home like the band’s founder—bassist Kyle Douglas, lead guitarist Ryan Girard, and drummer Drew Dederer—Bandleader, Sam Shaffer has built his full band, Walkabouts. Since getting their bearings, the rising Austin act has been chipping away at the musical block to craft energetic live shows that drift between personable songwriting and dynamic rock-and-roll energy. For Walkabouts’ debut full-length, Bloomin’ Ocotillo, the Midwest-turned Austin musicians take a new stride that provokes thoughtful lyricism and massive instrumental triumph.

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AlbumCase CockrellReview

Album review: Lauren Lakis sculpts ethereal brand of shoegaze with songwriter chops on new album A Fiesta And A Hell

For musicians like Lauren Lakis, the guitar-obsessive lifestyle of indie-gaze isn’t just about the noise but the high-stakes lyricism refined on a track-to-track basis. On upcoming new album, A Fiesta and a Hell, the Los Angeles-Austin musician offers potent song structures and celestial soundscapes that pitch her discernment with modern greed and corrupt world leadership. 

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AlbumAmanda QuraishiReview

Album review: The Bright Light Social Hour’s new record Emergency Leisure is here to cure what ails us

Fans of The Bright Light Social Hour have been waiting patiently for their new album, Emergency Leisure (Escondido Sound) to drop ever since it was announced earlier this spring. It’s been three years since the release of their last LP, Jude Vol. II, and a lot has changed with the band since then. 

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AlbumMike CosmicReview

Album review: Rival Waves to release latest record A Meaningless Chaos August 5

Rival Waves is set to release their eagerly anticipated new album, “A Meaningless Chaos,” on Saturday, August 5 at ACL’s 3Ten venue.  The spectacular lineup is sure to make it the party to be at that evening. Openers are none other than Austin powerhouse acts The Dead Coats and Lola Tried.

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