OUT THIS WEEK
My Jerusalem, “A Little Death” (Washington Square). As much as My Jerusalem is deeply anchored in Austin — this new album was recorded here at the Church House and Public HiFi studios, and leader Jeff Klein has solidified the band’s previously revolving lineup with a trio of locals — “A Little Death” arose largely from his upbringing in New York. Klein returned there to write these songs, which deal partly with his family’s influence on his life. The third My Jerusalem album — Klein previously had released three solo records, and worked with Afghan Whigs frontman Greg Dulli’s Twilight Singers and Gutter Twins offshoots — is largely a dark and haunting affair. Multi-instrumentalist Jon Merz fleshes out Klein’s deep minor-key explorations with guitar, keyboard and horn accents, while the rhythm section of bassist Kyle Robarge and drummer Grant Van Amburgh push the beat toward a relentless intensity. The opening track “Young Leather” features a cameo by rising pop star Elle King, while Heartless Bastards siren Erika Wennerstrom turns up as a backing vocalist elsewhere. The most immediately appealing track, though, is “No One Gonna Give You Love” (official video above), which casts Klein’s brooding vocals in their best light on a chorus that rises up with lush, full instrumentation. Release show Saturday, June 25, at 3Ten.
Graham Wilkinson, “Because of You.” The latest full-length release from the eclectic Austin singer-songwriter and 2014 Black Fret grant recipient is self-described by the artist as “a collection of photos, music and stories from my life on the road, in the studio and with you.” Release show Friday, June 24, at the Continental Club. Here’s the title track:
Carl Sagan’s Skate Shoes, self-titled (Super Secret). Nine songs from the local noise-rock trio. Release show Tuesday, June 28, at Beerland.
COMING SOON
JULY 2: Watters, “The Great Unknown,” release show July 2 at the Parish.
JULY 8: Basketball Shorts, “Hot and Ready” (Fleeting Youth/Austin Town Hall), release show June 30 at Cheer Up Charlie’s.
JULY 8: Quin Galavis, “My Life in Steel and Concrete” (Super Secret).
JULY 8: Jane Ellen Bryant, “Twenties” (EP), release show July 8 at Lamberts.
JULY 15: Nightowls, “Royal Sessions” EP, release show July 15 at Scoot Inn.
AUG. 12: Kim Simpson, “Songs and Sightings 1992-2014,” release show Aug. 12 at Good Shepherd on the Hill.
AUG. 14: Dickie Lee Erwin, “Shadetree.”
AUG. 26: Jack Ingram, “Midnight Motel” (Rounder), moved from June 24; playing July 22 at Nutty Brown Amphitheater.
AUG. 26: Wildfires, “Aguas Frescas (Part II)” EP.
SEPT. 17: Henry & the Invisibles, title TBA.
SEPTEMBER: Band of Heathens, title TBA.
