Brian Hillsman

Brian HillsmanReview

Album Review: Hip Hop duo Run The Jewels deliver timely messages with RTJ4

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Hip Hop duo Run the Jewels is essentially the story of two lyricists who followed differing paths in a journey which lead to the formation of one of the most significant musical groups of our time, Run The Jewels (RTJ). In 2013, they released their self-titled first record to wide critical acclaim.  On June 3rd, their fourth album, RTJ4 was released. The record is timely in that it speaks directly to the systemic violence and oppression that is currently dominating the national conversation amid police violence protests.

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Album Review: Sour Bridges perfect browngrass on latest record “Neon Headed Fool”

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For more than a decade, the Austin-based quartet Sour Bridges has seeded the Capital City music scene with echoes of what they refer to as “browngrass.” The band has repeatedly stated, ”…it’s like bluegrass, but a little dirtier.” Consisting of Bill Pucci (vocals, rhythm guitar), Matt Pucci (vocals,mandolin, lead guitar), Garrett Ross (drums), Wil Vaughan (vocals, bass guitar), Sour Bridges has recently released their fourth studio album, Neon Headed Fool. The record was released May 24 of last year.

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Album Review: Car Seat Headrest take chances with Making a Door Less Open

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On May 1st, Car Seat Headrest released Making a Door Less Open, their first studio album since the 2018 release of Twin Fantasy (Face to Face).  From the start, the new record is a genre-twisting collage, exhibiting the band’s embracement of their vast abilities in the most direct and honest way. 

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Album Review: The Strokes “The New Abnormal” dropped this month

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In 2001, The Strokes released their debut album, Is This It, injecting a new energy throughout the rock music scene.  By 2002, their profound influence was evident as a plethora of similar bands emerged.  The Strokes’ signature sound has since been one of the most recognizable. Since then, the New York quintet has released multiple records, not often venturing far from the recognizable accompaniment that has defined them since.  Their new album, however, displays growth and new territory for The Strokes.

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Book Review: Butthole Surfers’ Gibby Haynes introduces fantastical realm with debut novel, Me and Mr. Cigar

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Austin area punk rocker, Gibby Haynes, of Butthole Surfers fame, initiated his career as a Young Adult (YA) novelist with his first book, Me & Mr. Cigar. The book was released in January by YA publishers Soho Teen, just in time for an era of the coronavirus pandemic shelter-in-place directives when folks have extra time on their hands. This debut novel by a well-known Central Texas rabble-rouser fills the time well.

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Lord Buffalo
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Album Review: Lord Buffalo released timely debut LP Tohu Wa Bohu

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Austin’s own Lord Buffalo released their new LP, a follow-up to their self-titled debut, Tohu Wa Bohu on March 13th, just as the world shifted to a place in which listening to relevant music as a  form of therapy would hover atop everyone’s lists of prioritized tasks. And the current mood of the world is matched in tone from the first notes of the eerie opening track, “Raziel,” an ambient and drone-y introduction of an album that feels tormented in the best possible way.

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The Cuckoos
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Album Review: The Cuckoos recently released debut LP I Hate Love

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Young and fast-rising Austin band, The Cuckoos, recently released their debut album I Hate Love, a sizzling synthesis of varied, classic genres that intrigues and energizes the listener. Heavy synth, classic rock instrumentation and unmistakable, rock n roll vocals, make this record an instant Austin classic, propelling the group to premier status as far as we’re concerned.

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Live Music Review: An Historic Evening With Scarface at Antone’s

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On Friday, February 22, hip-hop icon Brad Jordan, famously known as Scarface, performed memorable, classic songs from his extensive catalog at Antone’s Nightclub.  The fabled South Houston native has been a highly-respected force of depth and integrity in the rap game since the late 80’s.  At Antone’s, fans witnessed Jordan not only rhyming in front of a live band, but participating with the instrumentation via lead guitar for several numbers.

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Andy Shauf
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Live Music Review: Andy Shauf at Mohawk on Valentine’s Day

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On Valentine’s Day, Canadian singer-songwriter and musical auteur Andy Shauf played Austin’s Mohawk, delivering his unique brand of folk to the Red River District.  The soft-spoken lyricist wowed a sold-out venue in an ease-inducing performance that infatuated a sold-out venue of folk fans.

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Eye Can See album art
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Album review: Cosmic Chaos “Eye Can See” release show set for Feb 5

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Psych rockers Cosmic Chaos have been a prominent fixture on show rosters around Austin recently. Those lucky enough have seen them live understand the intense energy they bring to the stage. The band is  steeped in the local music scene, hosting a series of regularly-scheduled showcases themed The Acid Test.  In addition to their live music efforts, Cosmic Chaos has been busy recording their first full-length album, Eye Can See  which will see its release February 5 at Cheer Up Charlies.

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Pat G Whatever It Takes
Brian HillsmanReview

Album review: Austin hip hop artist Pat G’s album Whatever It Takes deserves attention

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The Austin hip-hop scene is loaded with untapped talent.  For some reason, the industry machine overlooks the many adept artists who need only to be heard. However, if Austin artist, Pat G’s new (it dropped in April) sophomore album Whatever It Takes is an indicator of what’s to come for the Capitol City, the hip-hop world may soon take serious notice.

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