James LaValle is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist who has been circling the globe and projecting songs into the void as The Album Leaf since the late 90's, when his former project, Tristeza, disbanded. His songs are warm, earthy, and simultaneously intricate, ambient and modern. His albums are private moments of yearning, loss, hope, and simple pleasures translated for public intimacy. Simply put ... LaValle is one of the most original and confident songwriters of......

Have you recently realized, sometime in the course of your busy day, that W is still in "charge" and will remain so for another 18 months? Remember that acid-churning queasy sensation in the pit of your stomach that followed? There's a sound for that, and it's on tour right now. The indescribable Bay Area noise-trashers The Locust have a new record out that's a perfect fit for a summer of drinking yourself into a stupor......

Trans Am - Sex Change Trans Am practice a style of Krautrock, infused with Vietnam-era mood-rock fetishism, that at first glance seems to place them uncomfortably close to the Norwegian retro outfit 120 Days. On closer inspection, however, Trans Am's mostly-instrumental style is far more musically versatile than 120 Days' self-serious posing. Sex Change, while conspicuously lacking the hooks that have made their European counterparts international stars, is light as a feather in comparison to......

* This post comes from Austinist guest contributor Chad Beck Emo’s generally has a healthy dose of heavy bands for those who like abrasive, eardrum-shattering, live music. It isn’t everyday, however, that Emo’s plays host to groups that intend on actually punishing the audience. Some Girls, who take Emo’s indoor stage around Midnight, Tuesday the 24th, are out to do just that. Their latest record, Heaven’s Pregnant Teens (out Tuesday on Epitaph), is about......

Mike Patton and company delivered once again. Last Monday’s show at Emo’s was an inspiring event of extreme rock shenanigans. But before we get to the main course, let’s start with the openers. Trevor Dunn’s Convulsion Trio started their set as if they just bought their instruments twenty minutes before hitting the stage. The Austinist wondered if Trevor just picked people out of the crowd to play along with him (ummmm…. Does anyone know......

Ever noticed how 96.8% percent of songs you hear on the radio all sound alike? It's like there's one guy sitting around writing "hits" for whoever is popular at the moment. Cookie-cutter songs from one-hit wonders. The Austinist demands to know where have all the real musicians gone? Enter avant-rock supergroup Fantomas. At the forefront of this sonic attack force is Mike Patton, he of Faith No More/Mr. Bungle/Loveage fame. Surrounded by an amazing supporting......