Temple of Angels, Mujeres Podridas, Touch Girl Apple Blossom

Guitarist Avery Burton recently gave Brooklyn Vegan a succinct rundown of his inspirational Texas music pals: “Victor Gutierrez (Impalers/Fugitive), Mike Sharp (Hatred Surge), Cole Tucker (TOA), all of our friends in Narrow Head, Nosferatu, Stunted Youth, legends Iron Age and Power Trip.” With such hardcore connects, when I call Burton’s new Temple of Angels record gushy, you might assume I mean in the abrasive lyrics and disgusting album art way. Rather, it’s all head over heels, Eighties jangly, and effusively in love over here.

Still making best punk lists despite years of Cocteau Twins comparisons – not to mention fest placements like Sound and Fury and Not Dead Yet – Temple of Angels embraces Cure-ish pop anthems and windswept, powerhouse delivery from vocalist Bre Morell on July release Endless Pursuit. Their first new music in four years, the Run for Cover debut maintains gothic, shoegaze-twinkled tones for the heavy crowd. Recent press reveals that Morell, relocated to L.A. between releases, has moved back to Austin to join Burton, Tucker, and Patrick Todd. Proper homecoming, TOA reunites with Austin punk companions Mujeres Podridas, fronted by Dru Molina, and a new band of familiar DIY players, Touch Girl Apple Blossom, led by Olivia Garner.