The Republic Tigers - Buildings & Mountains

We've been waiting all our lives
For things we've always had but have no eyes to see
Something new is going to happen
The most natural thing but nothin' we'd expect

All these buildings and mountains
Slowly they'll arise
Before our eyes

How do cities understand
We drink our wine and wonder why we're really here
What's the point of even asking
You take the good and bad and make the best of it

Kansas City kid Kenn Jankowski (lead vocals/guitar) was in a band called The Golden Republic. Then he joined up with some new/old friends and formed The Republic Tigers, becoming slightly more poppy in their indie rock. And now Kenn & fellow Tiger Ryan Wallace (keyboard/guitar) have formed Jaenki and upped the pop once again. I linked Jaenki in the "Upcoming Shows" for future reference, but still love the mellow groove of this song from 2008. Thinking of Houston right now, under two feet of water and getting higher fast, as it slowly raises to over five inches in my corner of Austin. Could be four or five more days of this. The most natural thing but nothing we'd expect. 

RIYL: Ra Ra Riot, Ha Ha Tonka, A Silent Film, Zipper Club

Upcoming Shows

BANNERS - Into the Storm

If you're far from home
Broken on a lonely road
Helpless when the sky explodes
Then I need you to know
When you're 'round the bend
Close your eyes and count to ten
I'll walk through hell and back again
Anywhere you go

If your strength is falling down
I'll be right beside you now
And I'll keep you warm
Yeah, I'll keep you warm
I'll follow you into the storm

Not sure if this will be my only nod to current conditions here in Texas - no promises. Currently looking out the rain splattered windows, watching wind-swirled trees and puddles growing into ponds. Pretty safe here in Austin, but hoping Harvey goes away more quickly than predicted. And wishing that the one who keeps me warm wasn't in another state right now. Anyway, did you know Banners is the moniker for an English singer/songwriter? I was kinda surprised at first, thought he sounded more American indie-folk, but then I remembered Ed Sheeran & George Ezra, ha. 

RIYL: Imagine Dragons, Vance Joy, George Ezra, Barns Courtney, Phillip Phillips

Upcoming Shows

The Cribs - In Your Palace

And after all she said I'll impress you
With stripes of green and red
The least I can do
And I will scrapbook thoughts
Save the clippings as if they mean something again

I'm always excited about new stuff from The Cribs and their new album, 24-7 Rock Star Shit, is more of the same: song after song of solid, smart and grungy garage rock. They're often compared to well-known British indie pop outfits, and there is something to that, but I find they have as much in common with the American post-punk of the late 80's and early 90's.

RIYL: The Libertines, Junior Astronomers, Seaweed, Quicksand, Sebadoh

Upcoming Shows

Cende - What I Want

Act without a thought
You wish that it was all imagined
Your demons unfold before me
Even what I want I'm bound to let it all end swiftly
I'm in it for the moment

#1 Hit Single by Cende doesn't live up to its name. There are at least a few great tracks on the album! So don't stick to a single and start at the start with the horribly catchy "What I Want" featuring Greta Kline aka Frankie Cosmos.

RIYL: LVL UP, Two Inch Astronaut, Frankie Cosmos, Porches, Cayetana

Upcoming Shows

Tella Viv - Paradise Bop

When asleep I dream of a pink colored sky in my rearview

Swedish "DIY pop" band, Tella Viv released an infectious EP last year. This is my favorite song from them/that release. Not sure if we'll get more... the threesome is down to two recently, as one member left to pursue his other artistic goals. So it goes in the young indie space. 

RIYL: Phoenix, VHS Collection, Cut Copy, STRFKR

Upcoming Shows