Sounds Under Radio
With the recent release of their new EP Communist Heart, Austin’s Sounds Under Radio are making a bold statement in the field of modern rock. They are arguably the finest unsigned band in the state of Texas, and 2010 is looking to be their breakout year. Take the best of the UK’s biggest rock band Muse and cross it with Radiohead’s finest hour and you can begin to imagine the depth of these songs. The vocals can be described as astonishing and awe-inspiring and the music from an over the top band of perfectionists that soar like an exploding supernova wall of sound that would make Phil Spector proud. My pick for show of the year, song of the year (a close tie between the hauntingly gorgeous “Sing” and the mind-blowing “I Am an Ambulance”) and all around breakout band in the waiting. They are sure to put the great state of Texas back on the map for outstanding artists. Good fortune is currently shining upon the band as their moody soundscapes have been recently featured on the CW’s hit series The Vampire Diaries. You can read more on the band at www.SoundsUnderRadio.com.
Ishi
Like The Faint, Broken Bells, and MGMT all rolled up into one, Ishi have invented their own genre referred to as “folktronic.” These guys can write some hooks and they have the beats to match. This is the kind of band that could easily sell out my favorite venue, The Granada, two nights in a row with Hipsters of all kinds dancing and drinking up a storm. Their undeniably catchy and probably soon to be Pitchfork darling of an album Through The Trees is out now. You can listen to a few tracks on their Myspace page at www.myspace.com/ishiisound. Or just check them out live July 17th at Trees and August 7th at The Loft.
Here In Arms
Led by the ultra-charismatic, and generally nice guy, Brent Engel, Here in Arms are one of Dallas’ best kept secrets. The first time I saw these guys live was similar to the moment when I first saw Ryan Adams many years ago. It is raw, gritty, remarkably catchy Americana at its finest. Throw in some Springsteen and Costello influences and you have their debut album Outlaws which is available now. A fantastically enjoyable record perfect for the long hot summers in Texas and a solid enough effort to last all the way through it. The band is currently recording their much anticipated follow up in Nashville and look to have it released late this year or early next. In the meantime, do yourself a favor and see the upcoming live show; you may very well have your very own “Ryan Adams” moment as I did. Read up on them at www.myspace.com/hereinarms and see them live July 23rd at La Grange.
