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| Buttercup joins Garrett T Capps and NASA Country on stage at Stable Hall in January 2024 (photo by Emerson Ocean) |
When El Profe speaks, wise San Antonians know to take notes. Here, he reminds us that when culture devalues nature, Madre Tierra teaches the fortitude to challenge it and the patience to wait it out. This bonkers beat was made by Principe Q (Selena’s nephew y’all), and I’m told we can expect a more extended release from the pair in the new year.
Volcán - Ojos Bellos (single)
With only its second single this side of the pandemic, Volcan delivered a silken cumbia soaked in longing and sexy horns. Every new song the band releases becomes a favorite, and this gem is no exception.
Nicky Diamonds - Perdido en La Salsa (album)
Nick is such a charismatic and disarming artist, with the ability to exorcize deep emotion with his vocal delivery and—this one’s even harder—to conjure stories with his guitar. As a songwriter and performer, whether with Lonely Horse or Nicky Diamonds, he stays remarkably intuitive at avoiding cliche; his vibes are sincerely mystical, refreshingly lacking in irony and cynicism. All pain is transmuted into absolution or damn near it. This is a truly beautiful album.
Probably my actual local top two of the year right here in these two gnarly singles—the band continues to perfect its stretched out and gorgeously dramatic brand of new school grunge-gaze. I know I’m not the only one who already can’t wait for Elnuh’s next one.
GTC + NASA Country - Everyone is Everyone (album)
The exact space country crew that we deserve has delivered again with its finest, most fully-realized and cohesive slab of krauty and far-outie songs to date.
Buttercup - Texas Sun (unreleased)
IYKYK. I can’t wait to hear this one on record. Go watch the band’s most recent Live at Studio E performance to dig it.
Combo Cosmico - En Limbo (single)
If GTC and his boys make space country then Combo Cosmico must make space cumbia. This deconstructed and reconstituted banger is just my latest favorite episode in this band’s ongoing deep space odyssey.
Los Juanos - Fin del Mundo (single)
Tejano bedroom dream pop rock is not something that I knew I needed to exist. Pero, like, wow.
Girl in a Coma - those 2 new ones from the Rah Rah Room show (unreleased)
I was there. I heard ‘em. Be excited about what 2025 may hold on the new music front from our beloved GIAC.
Mr Pidge + Shoshy - Hey Lover (Country Version) (single)
A perfect and unexpected tear-in-your-beer delight from resident experimental jazz chameleon.
Andria Rose - Chica Favorita (single)
All the sultry, gauzy, low-key goodness you could want from SA’s favorite post-Lana Latinx r&b powerhouse.
Dishonorable mention (Austin):
Ramsay Midwood - Manchaca Eyeball (Live at Sam’s Town Point) (album)
This groovy, rootsy live album from ATX music scene lifer Ramsay Midwood really blew me away this year. It’s like an audio chicken fried steak. Fat free. Organic.