Saturday night, Tele Novella celebrated the release of their new single, “Trouble in Paradise.” Over the last two weeks, we already brought you coverage of the A-side and the B-side, so you already know that we’re ecstatic for the physical release of these songs. The band has been out on tour, playing dates with some excellent acts such as Portland’s Genders, whose last Austin date had them sharing a stage with Built to Spill. Tele Novella will head out again on tour in the coming weeks for a jaunt up through the midwest.
With two 7″ records out, we’re on pins and needles for the arrival of a proper full-length. Everything we’ve heard from this band, songs on the singles as well as those that we’ve heard live at several shows, support the fact that they’ve got adequate material for an album or at least a robust EP. Live, the band succeeds in constructing infectious, dark indie pop centered around frontwoman Natalie Ribbons’ voice. Ribbons plays guitar, but also occasionally sheds her instruments to theatrically dance around the stage in sync with the surfy-noir tones generated by the rest of the band. Tele Novella’s lush psych pop falls somewhere in between Camera Obscura and the Zombies, but retains a quality entirely distinct, thanks in large part to Ribbons’ vocals and songwriting prowess. If you haven’t grasped it yet, we’re incredibly excited about this band.
Shivery Shakes performed after Tele Novella, delivering an upbeat set of complex indie rock. One of the band’s greatest assets lies in its ability to seem ostensibly simple but hold hidden layers of depth. The listener hears accessible, fun indie pop, and that’s not illusion in any regard. However, a closer listen reveals surprising shifts, intricate guitar hooks, and carefully orchestrated percussion. Each member provides something integral and profound. These parts work in isolation excellently, but the moments when they converge showcase a truly transcendent greatness. Shivery Shakes are one of Austin’s best bands, and the press they receive from this blog and others, continues to reflect that.
Earlier in the night, Daniel Francis Doyle performed a set of quirky, energetic pop. Doyle’s songs serve as cross examinations of cultural idioms as well as music itself. Within his songs, concepts are abstracted, and the subjects of his writing translate as manifestations of ideas. These songs are anyone more than they are every one.
David and the Israelites, a pun on frontman David Israel’s name, opened the bill with a set of down tempo pop. Israel’s songs call to mind the work of Silver Jews and his baritone voice invokes Beat Happening’s Calvin Johnson. The band creates ambling arrangements that move around Israel’s sincere vocals. Fans of the early days of indie rock will find plenty to like here among these refreshing songs.
Check out photos from the night below. All images © Bryan Parker & Pop Press International. Click any image to open in slideshow viewer.
