I’m running a million tracks today so had to make sure I got a touch of Austin in the coverage, and it never hurts to offer up a single. While they’ve traditionally been working on a more punk aesthetic, you’ll find that they’re latest track continues to see their allegiance to Paul Westerberg grow a bit. There’s still an edge with the guitar work in the mix, but the rhythm guitar is out there running with a nice little jangle, which ultimately allows for a soaring pop vocal from singer Ian MacDougall. There’s just enough pop hear to satisfy your cravings, while not straying too far from the r ..read more

 track immediately did the trick. Both the rhythm and the guitars are off and running from the get-go, encouraging you to get just the slightest bit of a wiggle running through your body; if you give in, you’ll find that wiggle turns more into a full-blooded head-bob and toe-tap. The Swedish duo’s bread and butter is locking into that energy, then juxtaposing it with a bit of sugary sweetness, which you’ll certainly get when you hear the intermingling of the voices! Another hit ..read more

Ah Springtime…the time of year when there are so many records coming out that you don’t even know where to begin listening…or at least that’s how we see it here at the ATH. So, why not try and give you a little bit of guidance to find a record that’s perfect for you to enjoy…maybe even an idea of what it sounds like to go along with our guidance ..read more

We’ve received two pretty energetic tunes from thus far, all hinting at an exciting new record from the group. Today, there’s a bit more of a relaxed vibe in their work, playing with our expectations while also illustrating some of the differentiation we’re likely to find on the LP. The crunchiness of the guitar lines hints at an almost Pacific Northwest rock jam, but while burning up their amps, the band also remain tethered to their pop tendencies, using dueling vocals and overlapping melodies to provide that emotional connection. All things are pointing towards being a knockout; it drops on ..read more

 , then there were some recent favorites dropping in new stuff like . Me personally, I loved the new single, and that new plays into similar territory. This collection of songs, like my own catalog, is pretty random, though we always tend to aim for left of the left of the dial. Stream on ..read more

Streets Got Your Baby by Eastside Suicides . They’re reissuing their debut LP shortly, with all the tracks getting a touch up through remastering, so why not toss out another teaser for folks. While their pop tendencies were all over “Streets Got Your Baby,” this tune below is all New York Dolls; it has the bravado and a more just a punch in the face rock aesthetic ..read more

If you’re looking for a bit of darkly twisted pop music, you’re going to want to try on the latest single from that popped up at the end of last week. For me, the lighter guitar notes that set the song in motion were the perfect set up; you find yourself fully expecting a dreamier pop fare until that bass starts to growl and tear at the underbelly of the tune. From there, the song takes in a jagged lead guitar, momentarily toying with a heavier vibe, only to pull it back and offer in backing vocals to further the song’s melodic elements. Playing with contrast in both themes and music is defini ..read more

If you’ve grown to accept that the Melbourne music scene is all bright guitar sounds and warm breezy melodies, might I ask you to listen to ? This bunch are working with a sound that’s much much darker, akin to that sort of middle period for Liars when they were moving from rock to more electronic sounds. That said, this isn’t an electronic piece, though there are certainly elements of that bleeding into the tune; it’s instead a study on locking into a groove and bringing in new pieces to see what fits. There are horns and discordant notes that almost seem as if they’ve been thrown at the cent ..read more

Eye To The Ear by Cosmo Sheldrake who just released the new LP. Perhaps its that time of year when I settle into campfire singalong pieces, or maybe just good songwriting, but when I got to the track below it was difficult to pull myself away from it. The arrangement takes this sort of gospel vocal and lifts it into the territory you’d find in a Tim Burton film, taking on these ethereal angels that allow the tune to float and flutter about your room. You’ll find a bit more risk in the craft if you dive into the LP as a whole, so feel free to find this jam as the perfect entry piece to ..read more

Pop and Circumstance by Lunchbox LP, and the band follow it up appropriately with the album’s second track. This track displays the true power of pop, as the tune works efficiently with a stomp and clanging tambourines; the vocals are delivered in this matching moment that seeks to meet up with the march. Still, further success lays in the chorus, hinting at a slightly more melodious moment, then it gets buoyed by some additional horn arrangements. Catchy and cool, you’re going to want to dip your toes in the proverbial pop waters below ..read more