When I think of the state of Texas, oil wells, old cattle range traditions (likely that no longer exist) and that old evening soap opera 'Dallas' (and so many people who used to wear those "Who Shot J.R." t-shirts) are the first things that come to mind.
OK, there is also the Psychedelic Sounds of the 13th Floor Elevators and how could I not mention the infamous Austin Psych Festival and shoegaze kings-of-now Ringo Deathstarr.
This week, I had the fortune of discovering an excellent emerging shoegaze artist who is also from Austin, Texas – get to know Ask For Joy, which is actually the solo project of Aaron Rossetto. Not only does he have an excellent new single out, called 'Pinprick Eyes', but it’s a free download via Bandcamp and you can't go wrong with a sonic gift this good.
Measuring up against his previous few singles, I'd have to say that 'Pinprick Eyes' is more centered and cohesive. It also gives rise to a sweet euphoria of the kind I would get in the mid-1990s when listening to particular college radio stations during certain cherished freeform shows where they still had the ability to pleasantly surprise me.
Ideally laced in guitar reverb, great inviting vocals and with a great catchy chorus / verse pattern throughout, Ask For Joy combines the innovation of shoegaze forefathers Chapterhouse, My Bloody Valentine and Catherine Wheel, while being perhaps a bit more accessible in the indiepop universe. This single shows Ask For Joy to be a clever, calculated ambassador of gaze.
'Pinprick Eyes' is the lead track off of his forthcoming album 'New Private Window'. The album will be released on March 4th via Infinitely Recursive Records.
Ask For Joy's website
Free download: 'Pinprick Eyes'.
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