Local Live @ KVRX Austin

White Dress :: 2010-09-19

Arum: Guitar, VoxThomas: Drums

White Dress is made up of members from several groups that have played through Austin in the last couple of years, but one hopes that with the latest release of their new EP, these two musicians will continue to play together for a long time. Old Weird Americana for a new century, the music is thick with a creamy guitar in the center surrounded by galloping drums. Arums guitar playing perfectly matches the drum style of Thomas (also with The Laughing) and they let each song rise and fall according to its own dynamics. That is of course saying nothing about Arums voice, which is the focal point of the mix and provides the guitar and drums with a strong melodic line to respond to. Co-mixing this session was the producer for White Dress, who on commenting about his live mixing between Arums vocal reverb and delay effects told me, "I like to push the envelope, really press the mix and see how far I can experiment with things." As this session reflects, experimentation is a very good thing.

Wave Hands Like Clouds :: 2010-03-07

Tyler Norton: Sampler, Synth, Guitar, SawAaron Oberlin: Computer, Drum Machine, Vinyl

As every year goes by, I find it more and more amazing how much can be done in music. Using a mixture of live and electronic equipment, the duo of Tyler Norton and Aaron Oberlin have created a series of songs that seem to flow like a dream. They have a homemade charm, especially shown in their limited handmade CD cases and an old projector casting drawings and shadow puppets as they play. They are a full multimedia project, and they are just getting started.

Wild Harem :: 2010-02-21

Phil: Guitar, VocalsPhil: Guitar, VocalsAlex: Guitar, VocalsJean-Paul: BassWill: Drums

Wild Harem is committed to the tried and true rock spirit. Led by three guitars, each song slowly churns to life seemingly out of thin air. Drums and bass provide a powerful rhythm section, while the dirty yelled vocals offer overall power and direction to the melodies. A band that would not be far removed from the underground basement gigs that are the hallmarks of independent rock, it is good music to listen to anywhere.

Low Red Center :: 2010-02-14

Erich Ragsdale: Vocal, KeyboardChristine Aprile: SynareDeena Hyatt: Whispers, SaxChad Allen: FR-6, SR-77, MF-102, TR-77, MS-20Matt Lacomette: Fast Guitars

Low Red Center is a difficult band to describe, which is one of their strengths. Very atmospheric, very electronic. The synth and guitar trade off lonely riffs while the two ghostly vocals talk about kittens, hotel-motels, and STDs. It all feels very chill, suave, and sexy. This would feel right at home as the backdrop music for some intergalactic after-hours cocktail party floating out somewhere in space.

Galveston :: 2010-01-24

Spencer Dobbs: Singing, GuitarJosh Hogan: Wah-WahTaylor Smith: Electra PianoKelly Dewitt: Keyboard, Singing

After only being together for a week, Galveston already has the loose confidence of a well worn band. Their music has a mystic quality emitting from a deep, weirdly twisted Americana. The vocals, especially the duets between Spencer Dobbs and Kelly Dewitt, are beautiful and float over the slow acoustic ballads while the interplay of the Wah-Wah and Electra provide ominous overtones.

Literature :: 2009-11-15

Seth: BassErik: DrumsKevin: GuitarNate: Guitar and Vocals

And you thought power pop was dead? One listen to Literature should assure you the genre is alive and well in the twenty-first century. Twin guitars interweave and create the melody, while the omnipresent bass springs from the background to hammer the beat straight into the listeners head. Encase in powerful drumming and you have got a fully wraped sweet piece of rock confection.

Shawn Pittman :: 2010-01-10

Shawn Pittman: Guitar and Vocals

Celebrating his ninth studio release, Shawn Pittman continues the tradition of many proud, self-reliant blues men in this fine solo acoustic performance. The songs are tuneful ruminations of life and love and, as he will readily say, the all to cumbersome differences between men and women, especially what happens when they try to get along. In between songs, he is always ready to talk about his beginnings and influences.

Freshmillions :: 2009-12-06

Geoff: Bass, Keys, Talkbox, Computer VoiceDanny: Guitar, Keys, Vocoder, Computer VoiceMike: Drums, Vibes

Who knew a trio could make such funky music? Tight drumming, deliciously distorted guitar, punchy keys and Vocoder work out of some 50s Sci-Fi film. This is the soundtrack for that great party all your friends went to, but you had too much work. No worries. With this in your CD player, you will never be too far off.

E-squared :: 2009-11-29

Eric ArcherErich Ragsdale

Headdress :: 2009-11-22

Caleb Coy - Vox, GuitarGabe Bishop - BassTrey Ramirez - GuitarAdrian Carrillo - Drums

Headdress in its newest incarnation incorporates founding member Caleb Coy with Gabe Bishop on bass. Add Trey Ramirez on guitar and Adrian Carrillo on Drums from Austin metal band Pack of Wolves, and you have a recipe for annihilation. Headdress feasted on KVRX studios for an hour, rattling the windows and rumbling the chairs. Enjoy "My Enemy, I Come After Your Good White Horse" for a sampling of what Texas drone should sound like.