Some posts deserve all capital letters, really.
A little teaser from Alpha Rev on their Facebook page today promising a new album in 2013. Alex had mentioned this to me a year ago when they were in town, and now it’s actually happening. And the news comes with a new song lyric video! “Sing Loud.” IT IS GORGEOUS! (Not that I’m shocked; Casey McPherson is a genius writer). I may listen to nothing else between now and the end of 2012.
As 2011 draws to a close, I’m starting to put together my “best of” lists for the year, and I can say with absolute certainty that Austin’s Saints of Valory will top a number of them. They were my favorite new band discovery this year… So, it makes me merry that the fellas put out an original holiday ditty to finish out the year!
“Winter Lights” sparkles with everything I love about this band’s music…questioning, self-reflection provoking lyrics, sticky choruses, lovely guitar interludes (and a striking little organ intro) … and builds to this gorgeous crescendo of a children’s choir and a snappy military snare breakdown. Of course, Gavin’s plaintive vocals are huge, as always. It’s timeless enough to be played year round, honestly, but definitely wrapped in a great little holiday package, complete with a meaningful message and jingle bells.
And the video is gorgeous, too. There’s something about the golden light that just lends itself to the song… Love the drummer boy outfits and the paper confetti cannons!
Pick up your copy of “Winter Lights” and get on board this year with Saints of Valory. By this time in 2012, they’ll be shining for the world to see.
More Saints of Valory: Web | Twitter | Facebook | Bandcamp | YouTube
I think my soul lives in Austin, TX sometimes. This week’s Friday Awesomeness belongs to the fabulous Austin band The Soldier Thread. I am not a huge fan of female vocals in general, but Patricia Lynn goes right up there with Grace Potter in my book. Just love, love, love her voice (and her hair, but that’s a different story). This video of her and Justin performing their song “Anybody” acoustic just puts into perspective how incredible her talent is. The song is hella powerful to begin with, but slow it down and just have it hang out with a piano and it’s incredibly beautiful. Ho.ly.in.sane.bat.man.
Get the full band version of “Anybody” here (and pick up “Matador” while you’re at it).
More The Soldier Thread: Website | Twitter | Facebook | iTunes | YouTube
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