Photo by Brian Ledden
Flavorsound is a new local label that doesn’t have a unified sound, and that’s a good thing. Started by Ben Shorts–who also plays in local pop-punkers Basketball Shorts and, full disclosure, is a good friend of mine–Flavorsound is putting a spotlight on the sheer variety of Austin music that’s bubbling up from the underground. It’s debut compilation–Austin, Class Of 2016–is head-spinning, featuring everything from Planet Manhood’s DIY shoegaze and Vampyre’s hardcore stomp to Pema’s bright synth-pop and a band brilliantly and simply named SXSW.
Austin, Class Of 2016 rings the school bell with a tape-and-digital release show tonight at the Barracuda. True to form, the lineup is just as eclectic, but there’s something for everyone. Lola Tried balances out the punk and garage rock with a sweet, swaying slow dance sound on “Blue And Green.”
“Blue And Green” appears on Austin, Class Of 2016, out now via Flavorsound.
–Art Levy // host, Sundays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., producer, My KUTX