Blue October, “Home” (Up/Down). Originated in Houston, Blue October now has long roots in Austin and environs. Leader Justin Furstenfeld resides in San Marcos, while band members C.B. Hudson (recently departed) and Matt Noveskey spent much of the time since the band’s 2013 album “Sway” opening their new Orb Studios just southwest of town. On “Home,” they deliver radio-ready songs that lean toward the commercial-pop end of the alternative-rock spectrum, drawing more from classic ’80s new-wave bands than from the contemporary indie realm. The material ranges from more intense, fully fleshed out rockers to stripped-down acoustic-based arrangements. After building a considerable following with four albums on Universal, Blue October has released its last two records on its own label with help from larger distribution companies. Acoustic in-store April 22 at Waterloo Records, release show April 29 at Stubb’s. Here’s the video for the title track:
Sharks in the Deep End, “Killin’ Machine.” Debut from the punk-influenced indie quintet fronted by Tucker Jameson that made waves earlier this year with a cover of David Bowie’s “Heroes.” Release show April 22 at Sidewinder. Here’s the track “Shadows in the Sunset”:
Ducharme-Jones, “Strangest Things” (Blissed Out). Thirteen tracks of tasteful and melodic folk-rock from the husband-wife team who co-wrote the songs and share lead and harmony vocals. Release show April 22 at One-2-One Bar ($10 admission includes the CD).
RECENTLY RELEASED
Los Jazz Vatos, “El Jefe.” Thirteen years after their last release, this Latin-tinged jazz project of durmmer Ernie Durawa — who plays every Tuesday at Strange Brew with a rotating cast of guests — is a joyful 11-song instrumental affair. Horns (Freddie Mendoza, Jimmy Shortel, Steven Vague) and keyboards (Terry Bowness) trade licks back and forth as Durawa and bassist Brad Taylor lay down low-key but always lively rhythms underneath. Los Jazz Vatos’ live shows appear to be very few and far between, but on record, they’re a hidden Austin treasure.
COMING SOON
APRIL 29: Greyhounds, “Change of Pace” (Ardent).
APRIL 29: Dave Insley, “Just the Way That I Am,” release show April 23 at White Horse.
APRIL 29: Star Parks, “Don’t Dwell” (Paper Trail), playing May 2 at Sidewinder.
APRIL 29: Justin Stewart, “City Fox,” release show April 29 at Scoot Inn.
MAY 3: Jeremy Nail, “My Mountain,” release show May 6 at Strange Brew.
MAY 5: Beth Lee & the Breakups, “Keep Your Mouth Shut,” release show May 5 at One-2-One Bar.
MAY 6: A Giant Dog, “Pile” (Merge), release show May 7 at Barracuda.
MAY 6: Sam Baker, “Live at the Folly,” release show May 6 at Strange Brew.
MAY 13: John Evans, “Polyester,” release show May 13 at Continental Club, in-store May 19 at Waterloo Records.
MAY 13: Migrant Kids, “Primordial Soup” EP (Pure Joy).
MAY 14: The Deer, “Tempest & Rapture,” release show May 14 at the Parish.
MAY 27: Boyfrndz, “Impulse” (Brutal Panda), release show May 27 at Sidewinder.
MAY: Cotton Mather, “Songs From the I Ching,” first in a series of vinyl releases collecting 64 digital tracks.
MAY: Emily Gimble, Title TBA.
JUNE 5: Kidlat Punch, “If Only We Could Hear Them” (We’re Trying).
JUNE 10: Shawn Colvin & Steve Earle, “Colvin & Earle” (Fantasy).
JUNE 10: Charlie Faye & the Fayettes, self-titled, release show May 6 at Strange Brew.
JUNE: Jack Ingram, “Midnight Motel” (Rounder).
JULY 15: Nightowls, “Royal Sessions” EP, release show July 15 at Scoot Inn.
