Austin Music Minute

Black Books Plays Friday Night at the Mohawk

December 6, 2012 3:43 pm by: Laurie Gallardo

I'm a fan of local quintet Black Books' mesmerizing style, which they've aptly described as "Southern dream pop." And they do weave expansive, shoegazey psych-pop waves, providing the perfect soundtrack for the vibe you get as you lay back and absorb a star-filled Texas sky. It also remains with you after you've listened, warm and shimmering in what I can only describe as the colors of bliss. The band members have played together for awhile now, but officially formed Black Books in 2010, and they’re ready to release their debut full-length early next year. But keep in mind they've just released a 7-inch with two new tracks that will not be on the upcoming album, so make sure to check those tunes out. Make plans to attend a big local bill show Friday night at the » read more

Austin Music Minute

The Mountain Goats Play Tonight at Emo’s

The Mountain Goats have been recording and playing together since 1991, and thanks to their prolific frontman John Darnielle, they have an impressive fourteen albums to their credit. And throughout this time, fans have come to expect a darker point of view in Darnielle's songwriting, a certain level of cynicism or rage. He develops characters and, in turn, rather evocative images of each individual struggle with incredible insight - and empathy. Basically, he's a damn good songwriter. The band's latest album, Transcendental Youth, may lean more toward that brooding side we're familiar with, perhaps even with parts that are bittersweet. However, this time around, Darnielle seems to...
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Austin Music Minute

HAAM Benefit Day Raising Funds For and...

We're very fortunate to have some of the most talented musicians around working in our lovely city. That may be stating the obvious, but being the "Live Music Capital of the World" includes having that sort of privilege. Amazing bands, incredible songwriters, and up-and-coming artists in...
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Austin Music Minute

Elaine Greer, The Long Tangles, and Th...

These are a few of my favorite things. Or bands, rather. It's another delectable triple-bill show this evening at Frank, and each band will have some new material to share with you. On the bill: Songwriter » read more

Austin Music Minute

Hello Wheels Final Show of September R...

Local "stomp-folk" quartet Hello Wheels has got the last show of its September residency ready to roll at the Cactus Café this week, and what a grand time it’s been. This is the sort of roots...
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Austin Music Minute

Colin Gilmore Wraps Up September Resid...

I gotta admit that I, your humble Austin Music Minute maven Laurie Gallardo, have long considered Colin Gilmore one of my favorites, and over the past few years, I finally pinpointed why. Colin, of course,...
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Austin Music Minute

The Happen-Ins Play Friday Night at Th...

The Happen-Ins, an Austin quartet formed in 2009, weren't exactly determined to carry on musical traditions. They're about mixing things up. Their approach is more of an homage to the riffs they love, while simultaneously blowing up the comfort...
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Austin Music Minute

Deadman Plays Tonight at The Continent...

It was time to make some changes... Vocalist Steve Collins was searching for another direction in his songwriting, so in 1999 he formed Deadman. It quickly went from a quartet to a six-piece outfit, with guitarist Kevin...
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Austin Music Minute

Ditch the Fest Fest 2 and Stop, Drop, ...

t's as if we blinked, and then the Austin City Limits Music Festival was upon us. Zilker Park is buzzing with activity, and over the course of the three-day fest, more than 200,000 people will pass through the gates to see their favorite touring - and a few...
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Austin Music Minute

Viva Voce Plays Tonight at the Mohawk

Portland-based husband and wife duo Viva Voce released their eighth album, The Future Will Destroy You, this past summer. The title, and some of the tracks, seem to have a foreboding air to them, but despite the apocalyptic vibes, it's not all gloom and doom invading the music. The overall tone is...
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Austin Music Minute

Quiet Company Album Release Show Frida...

Last year was a biggie for Quiet Company. Non-stop attention and accolades were pouring in from several directions. The Austin-based indie pop quintet's self-produced EP, Songs For Staying In, got them not only new fans and more radio...
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Austin Music Minute

Junior Boys Plays Tonight at The Mohaw...

Canadian indie-electronic duo Junior Boys is currently on tour supporting their latest album It’s All True, which again delivers that crystal-clear, seemingly effortless sleekness they're known for without eliminating any of the intimacy they bring to...
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Austin Music Minute

Great Live Music at The Pecan Street F...

Way back in the day, when Austin's streets were first being assigned names, 6th St. was known as Pecan St. Hence, the name of this weekend's arts and crafts semi-annual event, The Old Pecan Street Festival, honoring the original name of the...
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Austin Music Minute

Michael Kingcaid, Anna Egge and Elaine...

Call it a weakness, but there is no resisting a great triple bill. And I, your Austin Music Minute maven Laurie Gallardo, have got another gem for you - three remarkable indie songwriters under one roof. Michael...
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Austin Music Minute

Sleepy Sun Plays Tonight at Emo’s

In describing the expansive black (Sabbath-like) magic of Sleepy Sun, I couldn't resist paraphrasing a little line made famous by Bogey: This is the stuff that dream jams are made of. The San Francisco-based band is on one major, heavy trip via killer riffs and spacey male/female vocal waltzes....
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Austin Music Minute

Art Disaster No. 13 Tonight at Beauty ...

This is the thirteenth installment of this locally produced event. And it's guaranteed to highlight some of the best local talent around......
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