Satellite Stories - Campfire

It’s 7 AM
And the letters I send
Won’t follow you home
It’s too late to go

Waited all summer to get to you
Campfire outside, we fell and kissed
There were only a few words said to you
Sunshade, this lake, one to cherish
Waited all summer to get to you
Campfire outside, we fell and kissed
There were only a few words said to you
Sun, shade, this lake, one to cherish
There were only a few words said to you
Sunshade, this lake, one to cherish

Another wanted-to-see-but-missed band at SXSW this year was Satellite Stories. They are huge in their native Finland, and getting more renowned throughout Europe, but that was their first appearance in the US. (Although I'm sure they'll catch on soon and be invited back.) This track, "Campfire", was the most blogged about song of 2013, according to Hype Machine, so I picked it as their debut Most Important despite their release of a new single just last week that is every bit as catchy, so have it for a bonus.

RIYL: Coasts, Wolf Gang, Circa Waves

Upcoming Shows

Del Paxton - Koolwink

Outside of the motel and I'm drunk
watching cars
Out in August an early star
So slow, green and gold and low
One night so slow, it's green and gold and glowing
I'm knee high and drunk, getting up, held your gaze and fell for us

"Koolwink" by Buffalo-based Del Paxton brings me back to my youth in Seattle, the jangly mid-west style garage rock jam sound and the lyrics put me right back, on my old porch on a warm summer morning, watching the sun come up over green trees, beer in hand, anticipating a short rest and another long day of sunshine and shenanigans. 

RIYL: Sunny Day Real Estate, Sinai Vessel, Braid, The Get Up Kids

Upcoming Shows

Rolling Blackouts Costal Fever - French Press

I'm alright if you ask me
but you never do
is this thing on?
I'm coming at you
from the side of delicate now

"French Press", off Melbourne-based Rolling Blackouts Costal Fever's latest EP, is the kind of song that would have hooked me hard and fast when I was in High School. Back then I walked a line between hard punk rock, wave and the softer, more polished work of bands like The Style Council and Crowded House. Their bio describes them as "tough pop/soft punk" and I think that works well. Regardless, I'm glad I found them and would like to thank them for the throwback to the good old days.

RIYL: The Jam, The Style Council, Middle Kids, Gene

Upcoming Shows

The Wind and The Wave - Grand Canyon

My heart burns, yeah, I'm tired of the same old stuff
Running like a river from God knows what
It's the damndest thing
Oh, it's the damndest thing
Don't die, you're just a baby, yeah you're way too young
You haven't lived till you've been to the Grand Canyon
It's the damndest thing
Oh, it's the damndest thing
Travel maker where're you off to now
I can tell you this ain't workin' out for anyone
Travel maker where're you off to now
I can tell you this ain't workin' out for anyone

Local Austin duo The Wind and The Wave were brought to my attention recently by a Seattle friend (ironically) who had just seen them live and had her socks knocked off. I can absolutely hear why! Patricia Lynn has an amazing voice that they write to great use in their original songs, but the fact is underlined by their covers album which runs the gamut from Stevie Nicks to Regina Spektor to Cyndi Lauper. TMIS bonus track: moving cover of Sia's "Chandelier"

RIYL: Fleetwood Mac, The Oh Hellos, Neko Case, Ha Ha Tonka

Upcoming Shows

Knox Hamilton - Pretty Way to Fight

You got a pretty way to fight
But I think I like it alright
Even on our worst night
We were bright in the right light
We know, we know

It was love at first sight
We were bright in the right light
It was love at first sight
We were bright in the right light

We know, we know
We know, we know

Knox Hamilton finally came out with their first complete album! The Heights is filled with tracks that deliver on the promises that "Work It Out" and "Washed Up Together" made. Looking forward to seeing them at the (relatively) new Austin venue, 3Ten next month. 

RIYL: Hippo Campus, COIN, WALLA, Bleachers

Upcoming Shows