The Zoltars 'Should I Try Once More?'

Following on from the first self titled single just over a year ago Sundae Records brings us debut album from Austin's The Zoltars entitled 'Should I Try Once More?' Switching up from his initial garage pop approach Jared Leibowich further explores layers of murky fuzz and echo utilizing elements of folk clouded with psychedelia. Up until Leibowich's final year at Chicago University in 2008 his main medium was film and had never played in a band or written a song before. Playing music kind of fell into his lap when he was resigned to his dorm room whilst resting up from illness. Mixing the two together 'Should I Try Once More?' is a concept album whereby each song is a scene telling the story of someone falling in love once more, a music video will accompany each track on the album which will be released periodically throughout April.

'Should I Try Once More?' moves at a super consistent pace allowing subtle shifts in rhythm and guitar patterns to denote different moods in the story. Sure, it's narrative heavy and the lyrics clearly guide you through however, it's more like they're an advert to draw you in and pull you to the core where the music sits and gives the story depth. "Perfect Girl" was the first song to get stuck in my head, it weighs out shoegazing, daydreaming and straight up downer pop that swirls and roams, "We'll walk through the city when it's late at night, we'll be in the right place we'll be out of sight, she'll make sure that we'll always be close, even if I ever get comatose" laments Leibowich. The other stand out track is "I Took Your Girl Away", a totally cocky number full of attitude mixing folk, psych and pop, Leibowich boasts, "When we're naked in the night and you keep hoping she's alright, I hope we'll get in quite a fight because she won't leave without a fight". 'Should I Try Once More?' definitely deserves repeated listens as more of the story unravels with every spin, the departure from garage pop and developing new ideas and approaches has served The Zoltars well, great debut.

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Find copies at Sundae Records

The Zoltars 'The Zoltars'

Sundae Records has treated us all to one more release before 2010 draws to a close. Ending the year on a high note The Zoltar's new self titled 7" is a humdinger. The single was recorded at The Neckbeard Ranch, Dikes of Holland's studio with Chris Anton at the helm and mastering by Aaron Schroeder. The Zoltar's type of garage pop makes them Austin's answer to bands like Fresh & Onlys and Ty Segall. But it you think this means you've heard it all before, think again. Charismatic, heady guitar melodies, jangly rhythms come through an overlay of haze juxtaposed with a lovable cockiness in the idle/laid back tone in the vocals which begs for repeated listens. Before you know it you'll be catching yourself singing 'It's the batcay-ay-ay-ay-ave'! The trio's new single comes with a download and you can listen to it here!


Also available a split tape with Cowabunga Babes on Kill/Hurt

Also available a live tape on Voice Academy Records

Dikes of Holland 'Dikes of Holland'

Exciting new bands have been erupting from Austin's bedrooms, basements and bars solidly for quite some time now. Earlier in the year this was celebrated on Matador's 'Casual Victim Pile Austin 2010' compilation. This garage rock treasure trove has seen many of the then unsigned bands snapped up and gone on to release their first albums. This is how I was introduced to the Dikes of Holland. (Track 'Little City Girl' featured on said compilation and isn't on this new record.)

Just last month Sundae Records released Dikes of Hollands' debut self titled LP, with art work by Jeff Swanson. Recorded by John Paul Bohon at the band's home studio, The Neck Beard Ranch, it sure does sounds like these guys rolled up, plugged in and belted the 11 songs out. In its energy the record brings the Carbonas stuff to mind. Make no mistake though, 'Dikes of Holland' is a solid party garage rock piece. The quintet amalgamates that familiar jangly sound that can be heard in contemporary acts, (Harlem are a one of my favourites for that) and 80s garage rock revival. Spewing catchy-as-hell hooks and unrelenting clobbering rhythms Dikes of Holland morphs 30 minutes of your time into a pummeling party. One for the Christmas list.