The Majestic Show

The Majestic Show is a North Texas leaning internet music magazine devoted to celebrating the titans of sonic ability and the censure of second-hand pretenders.

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Camera Obscura knows how to craft a pop song. It is abundantly clear on the new track “Do It Again”. The Scotland group will bless the world with its fifth album, Desire Lines, on June 4th via 4AD. The 12-track LP is available to pre-order on iTunes now, and “Do It Again” will be available as an instant download.

The song is addictive and finds Camera Obscura perfecting its signature craft. It has been almost four years since the excellent My Maudlin Career was released, but it seems to be well worth wait. Listen to “Do It Again” and then do it again.

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The wait is almost over. The National will release its highly-anticipated new album, <em>Trouble Will Find Me</em>, on May 21st via <a href="http://4ad.com" title="4AD" target="_blank">4AD</a>. We have missed the glorious baritone of Matt Berninger. The Brooklyn by way of Cincinnati band appears to be bearing gifts of satisfaction based on the first two singles from the new LP. "Don't Swallow The Cap" and "Demons" find Berninger, the Dessner brothers and Devendorf brothers in fine form. We should expect nothing less from a band that seems to get better and better with each album. 

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Finn Andrews has a voice that stings…in a good way. The Veils is set to return with its fourth albumTime Stays, We Go on April 23rd via Pitch Beast Records. One of the highlights from the LP is a rousing track called “Dancing With The Tornado”. The energetic song starts with a bang. Andrews voice sounds like a young Nick Cave, demanding your attention. This London quintet is back with a vengeance. Stream “Dancing With The Tornado” 

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Fryars is the music of London’s Benjamin Garrett. He has been releasing music for several years under the name, but his new single might push him further into the spotlight. “On Your Own” is a soulful track that proves minimalism can produce grandiose results. It’s a song that captures your attention with the first line of introduction and doesn’t let go until you hear the words, “stay strong when you’re feeling like you don’t belong,” at the end. Get ready to put this on repeat. The full album will be out later this year. Stream and download “On Your Own”

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Sigur Rós is sharing a new album with the world this year. Kveikur will be released on June 18th viaXL. The follow-up to last year’s Valtari is said to be far more aggressive in sound. The first single, “Brennisteinn”, is a thrashing dose of post-rock ecstasy. Describing this as “aggressive” might actually be an understatement. Personally, we think this is a welcome change from the ambient-leaning tracks that filled Valtari. Admittedly, the songs were beautiful and worthy of repeated listens, but the power of Sigur Rós is most evident when its sound triumphantly builds up to the heavens.

If everything on Kveikur sounds like “Brennisteinn”, this could be the most epic album ever produced by Iceland’s greatest export. We hope you will join us at Verizon Theatre on April 8th for Sigur Rós with Oneohtrix Point Never; it should be incredible. Prepare yourselves by watching the stunning Andrew Huang directed video for “Brennisteinn” 

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Earlier this week, Vampire Weekend shared two new tracks from its upcoming album, Modern Vampires Of The City, out May 7th via XL. The follow-up to 2010′s Contra is already building buzz based upon the appeal of “Diane Young” and “Step”. These tracks find the group navigating familiar territory, but with an added confidence. This could be a breakout year for a band that has been on the precipice of superstardom since the release of its debut self-titled album in 2008. Vampire Weekend has yet to disappoint with its easily palatable, yet very eclectic, blend of indie rock, African, Latin and Jamaican influences.

Modern Vampires Of The City is now available to pre-order on iTunes, and each order comes with an instant download of “Diane Young”. These 2 songs will also be available to purchase as a limited edition screen-printed 7-inch vinyl single that has been hand-printed at XL Recording’s London offices. Watch the video for “Diane Young”

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Future Bible Heroes is back. The project is just one of many involving The Magnetic Fields’ Stephin Merritt, who writes all the lyrics and melodies. The group also consists of Merritt’s longtime friend Christopher Ewen, who composes the instrumental backing tracks, as well as Claudia Gonson of The Magnetic Fields. Partygoing will be the first new album released by the group since 2002. The LP will be available on June 8th via Merge Records. In addition, Merge will compile all three Future Bible Heroes albums and an additional disc of EP tracks into one newly remastered collection entitled Memories of Love, Eternal Youth, and Partygoing.

The first single from the new album is a catchy track called “Living, Loving, Partygoing”. It has been quite a few years since we’ve heard anything from Future Bible Heroes, but this tune is worth the wait. If you’re a fan of The Postal Service, The Notwist or The Magnetic Fields, this is music for you. Listen to the song and remember to keep up your partygoing.

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Every March we make the trek down to Austin for the music event of the year: South By Southwest. After months of keeping up with lineup announcements, weeks of preparing a schedule and hours of listening to new music, we finally have prepared a preview of the festival for you. There are thousands of incredible artists performing this week in the “live musical capital of the world,” but we have narrowed a list down to 25 must-see acts. Check out the playlist and prepare for a week you won’t soon forget.

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Rock ‘n’ Roll is still alive. There has been a resurgence of blues-infused rock music over the last several years. Seattle’s Rose Windows take us to the next level. This music sends the listener on a journey through the psychedelic sounds of old, classic hard rock, Eastern European groove and the melodies of India. Every band pulls from its influences, but few pay homage to so many sources in such an effective way.

Rose Windows will release its debut album, The Sun Dogs, on June 25th via Sub Pop. The first single is the epic “Native Dreams”. The band will be playing several shows in Austin this week for a little event called SXSW. Check out the track and then add them to your schedule.

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Geography matters when it comes to music. The time and location of a recording can influence countless aspects of the overall sound. The music of Moddi is clearly inspired by the landscapes of Northern Norway. Pål Moddi Knutsen is a twenty-six year old singer-songwriter with a beautiful, honest voice from the island of Senja. He just released a new album, Set The House On Fire, under the Moddi moniker. When discussing the LP, Knutsen said,

“I never really intended to make a second album. Secretly I considered my mission to be over after Floriography, and didn’t want to dig as deep ever again. The words were spent, the melodies just an echo, every concert a routine. I needed a break. A long one.”

Thankfully, Moddi has released a second album. The first single is a sweet track called “House By The Sea”. You can watch the Jørgen Nordby directed video above.

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All you need is love…and a good friend. It’s true and Cloud Cult will make you believe it. The Minnesota band released its new album, Love, today. The 13 tracks on the album are sonically huge and full of hyper-joy. This release would fit nicely alongside The Polyphonic Spree or Danielson. If you’re ready to turn your frown upside down, check out one of the tracks called “Complicated Creation.” It’s an instantly catchy tune that will have you singing along by the end. If you prefer reminiscing over your childhood imaginary friends, you should watch the music video for “Good Friend” 

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Bajofondo is an Argentine-Uruguayan group led by Grammy, Latin Grammy, Golden Globe and Oscar-winning producer Gustavo Santaolalla. The energetic band released its new album Presente today via Sony Masterworks. Santaolalla describes the album as “a trip that takes you from the most magical to the most epic urban moments.” The founder also directed the music video for the first single, “Pide Piso”. The animated video is a fun 8-bit adventure through the streets of Latin America. Bajofondo will be performing at SXSW before embarking on a full North American tour. Check out the video for the very danceable “Pide Piso”.

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Smith Westerns is back. This is good news for all of us that fell in love with the last album, Dye It Blonde. On June 11th, the Chicago trio will share Soft Will via Mom+Pop. The first single is a track called “Varsity.” It finds the band exploring similar territory from its previous endeavors, but that’s not a bad thing. Smith Westerns know how to make solid, lo-fi indie rock. There is no need to fix what is not broken. “Varsity” will be available digitally March 12th and as a 7-inch on May 14th. 

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Are you ready to hear a stellar new single from "a band from New York hailing from Germany, England, and the United States?" Ready or not, here comes HAERTS. This quintet has shared a track called "Wings" with the world and it will invigorate you. Sometimes it takes a few listens to dig a new band, but sometimes it just takes one song and you're hooked. HAERTS has something. It will be releasing a debut album later this year and you can check them out at SXSW next week. In the meantime, push play and then repeat.

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The Leisure Society is a stellar quintet from the UK. The band is set to release a brand new album,Alone Aboard The Ark, on April 16 via Full Time Hobby. The new LP was recorded at Kinks frontman Ray Davies‘ Konk Studios. Our first taste of the album is a track called “Fight For Everyone.” If you’re in the mood for some cheer, this song is for you. If you’re already feeling giddy, this ditty will be the perfect accompaniment to the emergence of spring.

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Get ready to familiarize yourself with the name Fallulah. This is the moniker given to the wonderful music of Danish artist Maria Apetri. Denmark is a country that is increasingly becoming known as a hotbed for incredible female-fronted pop music. Fallulah’s music will make you happy. The first single released in the US is “Out Of It.” The song is a perfect introduction to the sounds of this rising star. You can sing, you can dance and you’ll want to hear more. This could be a big year for Fallulah.

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We all need a little more whimsy in our lives. Luckily, The Capsules can provide a little of that and much more. The trio released its wonderful new album, Northern Lights and Southern Skies, last month. Jason and Julie Shields have been writing music together since high school. In the process, they feel in love, got married and started a band. As the initial band slowed down, they got together with drummer Kevin Trevino and formed The Capsules.

The music has hints of shoegaze, but the synthpop elements create an atmosphere that will lift your head and move your feet. If My Bloody Valentine and Metric went on a date, this is the love child. Speaking of children, the video for “Across The Sky” will bring back memories of your early years. We’ve all played with our toys on the floor and imagined they were at a concert…or maybe that was just me. Regardless, you’ll love this video and you’ll dig the song.