Austin Sound Check

If you’re in the mood for some well done, new wave inspired pop rock, look no further than Hole in The Wall. Tribella plays this Friday along with 100 Flowers, Wiretree and The Backsliders.
Tribella will also be releasing their debut EP on January 31st at The Peacock. Stay tuned to Austin Sound Check for a review. I’m excited to see what these very talented ladies can do in the studio.
Free Tribella download: How Long
For more info: Tribella // 100 Flowers // Wiretree // The Backsliders

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Every year rumors swirl around the SXSW music lineup, but the word coming through the 2009 grapevine is particularly juicy.
Although no sources are cited, this blog points to holes in the schedules of Morrissey, Billy Joel and Elton John. All three will be touring the US in March and appear to have gaps in their tour routing that would allow them to make an appearance at SXSW 2009.
I’m not going to tempt disappointment by being overly greedy, but how exciting is this rumor? I’d settle for just one or two of them playing SXSW.
Who else would you like to see …read more

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Last Saturday I had the pleasure of judging Raw Deal Productions’ Battle of the Bands X at Red Eyed Fly. I represented INsite Magazine for the second time on the judging panel and this was the first time since I took over Music Editor duties for the publication.
I was joined on the panel by Sal Silva of CDFuse.com and KLBJ evening DJ B-Doe.
For The Most Part won the night with their post-punk hardcore; undoubtedly a well deserved win. The winner was determined by a 50 / 50 split of judge’s scores and crowd voting.  Petals, a new wave influenced synth-pop …read more

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It’s been a good long while since I’ve posted Soundbytes, but today is the day to dust off the old aggregator and bring you some news clips.

Riverboat Gamblers are the artist of the day on AOL’s Spinner.com. Download your free copy of their single A Choppy Yet Sincere Apology.

Spoon and Iron & Wine are among the multitude of indie favorites who have contributed to an AIDS benefit album called Dark Was The Night out February 17, 2009 on Beggars Banquet. (For the record, yes I know Spoon moved!)

Brooklyn Vegan has some excellent photos from Ghostland Observatory’s December 12th performance …read more

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The calendar this week is strikingly void of big roadshows, but fear not! The music is always alive and well in Austin. Lots of talented locals are taking the stage this week and I’ve got a list of only the finest handpicked homegrown goodies.
Monday 12/15
Murdocks @ Trophy’s
A three piece power pop act that packs a punch. BYOBottle to Trophy’s. They’ll sell you setups (and beer & wine) while you rock out to The Murdocks.
Dan Dyer @ Momo’s
I wasn’t going to recommend Dan Dyer again this week, but I’m calling out my friend Lee from I Love Beer. No excuses to …read more

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The Calm Blue Sea has posted new live video from their November 22nd performance at Red 7 in Austin. Videos for We Happy Few and This Will Never Happen Again are below for your viewing pleasure. You can also read my review of their recent album here.
The Calm Blue Sea is playing with Follow That Bird! tonight at Mohawk, so if you like what you see in the videos, stop by and check them out in person.
We Happy Few

This Will Never Happen Again

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South by Southwest news is usually pretty hard to come by until the festival draws closer, but this year some tasty tidbits are leaking out early. Such as the announcement that Liverpool noise punks Dirtblonde have been selected to showcase at SXSW 2009.
The two piece plays a  raucous brand of lo-fi punk that has been called less Jack and Meg and more Sid and Nancy. Gibson recently ran a feature on Dirtblonde, who appear to be causing quite the stir in their hometown. “This boy and girl duo makes an uncompromising noise and plays chaotic gigs which often end with …read more

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…And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead recently talked to Billboard Magazine about their new album, entitled The Century of Self, which is set for release on February 17, 2009.
Frontman Conrad Keely talks about inspiration he drew from NYC bands like Yeasayer and and Dirty Projectors, as well as how the recording process on Century was different than on previous Trail of Dead albums.
Tracklisting for The Century of Self
“Giants Causeway”
“Far Pavilions”
“Isis Unveiled”
“Halcyon Days”
“Bells of Creation”
“Fields of Coal”
“Inland Sea”
“Luna Park”
“Pictures of an Only Child”
“Insatiable One”
“Ascending”
“An August Theme”
“Insatiable Two”
You can read the full interview on Billboard.com.
 
Image Courtesy Newscom

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The Mother Truckers are hitting the road again, this time on a short swing through the southwest and Southern California. They are slated to open for  Social Distortion frontman Mike Ness on a two of the dates.
The full tour itinerary is below for your perusal, along with live video of the Mother Truckers performing Kaki’s Song.
Dec 11 Santa Fe, NM – Santa Fe Brewing Company
Dec 12 Taos, NM – Shadows Lounge and Grill
Dec 13 Flagstaff, AZ – Flagstaff’s Green Room
Dec 14 San Juan Capistrano, CA – The Coach House*
Dec 15  Norco, CA – The Saddle Sore Saloon
Dec 16 Solana Beach, …read more

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Local indie pop rockers Hollywood Gossip released their new EP You’re So Quiet last week at Club Deville. The band was nice enough to send along a couple free MP3s for your listening pleasure.
Bicycle and Something’s Happening are my favorites from the new EP thus far. Both are catchy up-beat, pop songs with infectious melodies and impressive harmonies. Something’s Happening is definitely worth a listen, as the band wrote it as an ode to Austin. Which, as we all know, is the greatest city for live music in the entire world. Yes, I said it.
For more information on Hollywood Gossip, …read more

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