It's always a sad thing when an old friend stops hanging out. And that's the sentiment sure to be held this Thursday night as Brazos, one of Austin's most solid acts the past few years, hangs up their skins and axes for good. But let's not be too sad for them—the reason for their untimely departure from the Austin scene is that the drummer got into Harvard. Harvard! But really, their nearly flawless approach to pop-folk-rock (the band has existed for only a few years, but they play together like seasoned veterans) will be missed. But don't lose too much sleep—though the drummer will be departing for cooler climes, the rest of the band is sticking around, and new homes surely will be found for the tunes the remaining members write....

Oxford Collapse conjures up vivacious, noisy pop songs and The Mohawk hosts the New York act’s fuzzy textures and inviting melodies this Thursday. The band utilizes layers of vocals (courtesy of Michael Pace and Adam Rizer) to produce catchy verses and sing-along choruses, and engages the listener throughout with jittery post-rock backdrops. “Amongst Friends” is a poignant anthem that a current crop of youth could play on graduation night while “Please Visit Your National Parks” kicks off like an R.E.M. ditty before exploding with Pace’s assertive yowl and sustaining six-strings. In fact, there is an '80s college-rock feel to a number of their songs but whatever their inspirations may be, this trio’s quirk-pop compositions do more than enough to keep things interesting, and they are sure to put on a raucous live show. Oxford Collapse’s upcoming fourth record Bits is scheduled for an August release on Sub Pop. The band just got back from a U.K. tour with We Are Scientists and will tour again with their fellow New Yorkers following the current stint with Frightened Rabbit....

On Wednesday at the Salvage Vanguard theatre, a character named Ethan Master of the Hawaiian Ukulele stripped down to his bathing suit, donned a hat and colorful lei, and then stood on his amp to proclaim, via song, “I heard noise-pop is in.” You know Ethan, you might be right. And leading the fray are none other than our own Peel, a magnanimously kick-ass band whose bits of unbridled feedback and synthesizer explosions are balanced with a collective appreciation for the types of melodies that make ears smile. With some out-of-town friends, Peel will play The Mohawk this Sunday as a fitting end to a great week of music. ...