Before we sampled the most recent work from Tahni Handal, and before we comment on what our feelings and thoughts are, it’s important to say: Austin is an amazing, fertile soil for musicians. Most people know this but many may not truly appreciate why it’s the leading city for live music, as well as the starting point for dozens of creativity singers and songwriters.
Good company for Tahni Handal!!
Listeners have come to anticipate rock and soul from an area of the nation that seems to inject a tiny bit of country flavor into all music. In fact it’s hard to put a label on Austin music and make it stick. It’s just Austin music! Bite into the screaming guitars and Handal voice on “Roll the Dice.” That voice has been called “thick” and “haunting,” both great adjectives for her.
“Take a Look” might be a favorite on To Kiss You. Some of the attraction might attributed to a love for the blues and for Bonnie Raitt, not to mention Lucinda Williams, Stevie Ray Vaughn and all the others on Handal’s list of influences.
Here’s what she adds as a comment at the end of the list: “I hate to even start this list because so many greats (and not-so-greats) have provided inspiration and paved the way. I hope some of these primary influences reveal themselves in my music.”
Her piano background and guitar experience are part of who she is. Don’t depend on the words of a reviewer. This is her third CD. Buy it and listen!!
Tags: indie music, tahni handal, music, indie, independent music
This reviewer is a sucker for good band names, so this one definitely attracted our attention. However, a lifetime of music experience also keeps our head on straight so that the good name must be supported quality music from talented players.
StickLips has released a CD that is self-described as “a mix of folk, noise, pop and acid.” Yet, on the band’s MySpace page, the music is billed as “Jungle, Neo-soul, Screamo.” Those who haven’t heard this music might be tempted to ask, “Which is it or What is it?”
The musicians would have a difficult time convincing a listener that they are jungle or scream with “Our Shoving Leopard.” This tune is certainly strengthened by the “haunting vocals” of Johanna Warren. No argument with that assessment from the band itself. The sound effects employed on the tune add a bit of mystery to the group’s reputation.
Experiencing “We’ll Have the Hags Flung Out” won’t take the listener too far from the emotions of the song mentioned previously. Comfortable percussion supports the plaintive vocals of this song. “Fighting a Liar” begins with excellent musical touch and the consistent Warren vocals. There is some instrumental talent here that should be noted by serious music fans.
So what is the story with StickLips? I suppose I’ll have to give in to the obvious misdirection. This ain’t jungle or screamo. I get it now!
Tags: music, indie music, indie, sticklips, independent music
This young performer has impressive credentials already, with a song that’s part of one of the major television advertising (“Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop” featured in AT&T commercials) and an appearance in the new movie “Whip It” which stars Drew Barrymore. The song from the commercial is a fine tune, no doubt.
With that type of experience on the resume’ why would you want to pursue a separate music career? The answer would be that he probably loves songwriting and performing music above all else.
Before we dig into a tune or two from Landon Pigg hear what “they” say about him around the country: “Random instrument players take note. Landon has been pulling fans with instruments out of the crowd to join him onstage. So you know what this means…grab a ticket for Landon Pigg’s next show, and come ready to play with your slide whistles, accordions, triangles, saws, and what-have-yous in hand.
For some of the latest music from Landon Pigg, find a copy of The Boy Who Never.
“High Times” and “Can’t Let Go” are cut from different cloth, with the first being a pop-flavored song that brings back memories. The second has a different pace but the vocals don’t seem to quite keep up. It’s a good tune, not great.
One thing is sure in Pigg’s life, he’s already caught the attention of the right folks. He’s based in Nashville, Tennessee but I have a feeling Hollywood will be calling. He’s too cute for that not to happen.
Tags: indie music, music, independent music, landon pigg, indie
With a few awards on his mantel and the enthusiastic support of Canadian fans, James Kasper is in prime position to continue his thriving singer-songwriter career. He follows his 2007 collection The Old Fashioned Way with a second CD small town gods & devils.
Intended to “show a darker, edgier Kasper” the new CD is billed as “roots” and “folk-noir.”
In the opinion of some music fans, the United States and North America need serious, well-constructed music in this genre. Kasper seems to provide some of that. “Breezy” has a couple of strengths – harmonica and an almost “southern” mystery. The tune’s pace builds toward the end, which may or may not be a good idea. The individual listener will decide.
“This Town” has a curious beginning that gets the listener’s attention. The lyrics get stronger as the song builds to conclusion. “Liam’s Lullaby” draws on the age-old flavor of Irish/Welsh history for its fire-warmed, living-room atmosphere and chiming music. It’s an adorable little tune.
“One Dead and Counting” goes a bit beyond its ominous title with a couple studio tricks (you’ll get them!) and then brings to mind a song by the late Warren Zevon. The “breathy” spoken vocal is a bit different than Zevon, however, with its European folk flavor.
This might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Kasper is a pro.
Tags: music, indie, independent music, indie music, james kasper
With a witty moniker like Bi-Polar Bear some might expect a quirky, even off-the-wall sound. This reviewer didn’t quite know what to expect from the group and Today I Found Happy.
Of course, the fans of this Brooklyn-based group know that they should attach such labels as “Indie” and “Hip Hop” to the group. Self-described as sounding “somewhat” like Atmosphere and working with Blue Sky Black Death on a new project, Bi-Polar Bear is at least putting out the effort to gain attention in the music industry.
One smart, up-to-date thing the band is doing is offering a free album download, an offer that is clearly marked on their MySpace samples. “Test Your Might” offers the professional production expected from a group on its second CD. The pace and vocals are tight enough to draw any Hip Hop fan. This tune and others indicate that Bi-Polar Bear and the genre have traveled a comfortable distance from B.I.G. and others, meaning that the quality and truth are maintained but the flavor is slightly different.
Check out “NPFJ” for the smoothness and soul that also pour from this east-coast group. “Good Moanin’” also gives the listener something slightly off-center (horns!?).
Tags: independent music, indie music, bi-polar bear, indie, music
