indie rock

Brian HillsmanReview

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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Mike CosmicReview

New Music Review: Austin Acts Color Candy, March and Beauty Drop New Records

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Get ready for a flood of new music with Color Candy’s new album “Something, Somebody” along with March and Beauty’s single “World Made Sense.” Both bands celebrated their new releases at Cheer Up Charlie’s on Wedenesday, March 4.

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My Cruddy Valentine
Greg AckermanPreview

Live music preview: My Cruddy Valentine at Far Out Lounge Feb 14

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Valentine’s Day can be a drag. If you’re in a relationship, you feel obligated to get your partner candy, cards, flowers, dinner, the whole ball of wax. If you’re not hanging out with anyone during the holiday then it can be a source of stress or at least mildly annoying. The Cosmic Clash along with Dad Presents and Covert Curiosity are taking care of all those details for you this year by booking and planning a great night of live music, performance art and vendors February 14 at Far Out Lounge and Stage.

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Mike CosmicReview

New music review: Cowboy Diplomacy drops Bad Man

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Austin’s Cowboy Diplomacy dropped their second track, “Bad Man” October 25. The song is from the group’s upcoming debut album, Burn Down The Road which was produced by Grammy-nominated producer Chris “Frenchie” Smith.

“Bad Man” explores the self-indulgence of one’s dark side, focusing too much on imperfections while searching for salvation is a recipe for hurt and turmoil. According to lead vocalist, Ian Cochran, “Bad Man” is a sort of self-manifested alter-ego of sorts.

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Cage the Elephant at ACL TV
Brian HillsmanReview

Live Music Review: Cage the Elephant Austin City Limits TV Taping

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On Friday, September 27, Cage the Elephant made a triumphant return to Austin for a taping for the 45th season of Austin City Limits.  This would mark the band’s second performance in Austin since late July, when they amazed in a stellar performance at Circuit of the Americas, co-headlining with Beck with support from Austin’s Spoon on their Summer tour.

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Kalijah at HITW
Brian HillsmanLive

Live music review: Austin rockers Kalijah at Hole in the Wall

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Saturday night, legendary campus-area venue Hole in the Wall across from the University of Texas hosted up-and-coming Austin-based rockers Kalijah. The late night show followed a busy day on the Drag as LSU narrowly defeated Texas in a thriller of a game.

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Greg AckermanLiveReview

Live music review: A two-night stand for the ages by Beach House in Seattle

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It’s been a perfect storm or more accurately a comedy of errors that have allowed me to miss Beach House over the years of touring in Austin. The band would come play ACL’s Moody Theater and I’d be out of town on tour with one of my own bands.

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Deerhunter with Britt Daniel
Brian HillsmanLiveReview

Live music review: Deerhunter slayed at Mohawk Monday with surprise guest

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There is something refreshing when a band consists of members playing various roles within its construct.  Throughout their set at Austin’s Mohawk on Monday, Deerhunter band leader Bradford Cox managed tambourine, guitar, bass and lead vocals. Javier Morales masterfully operated the keyboard, synthesizers and saxophone. Guitarist Lockett Pundt took over lead vocals in a crowd-moving execution of song, “Desire Lines.”

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