Single Frame Ashtray

Single Frame Ashtray

Funny that one of Austin's more interesting electro-hip rock outfits comes from the decidedly uncool berg of College Station. Single Frame Ashtray moved to Austin two years ago and have since honed a sound that's centered on cold, darkwave synth textures and cut with a frenetic rock energy that saves them from black-on-black oblivion. Their debut, recorded by Frenchie Smith at the Bubble, is epitomized by tracks like "Mod Style '68," an Ian MacKaye-like (Fugazi) vocal tirade erupting behind a wall of synth and slinky guitar lines, with an attitude that runs from enraged to resigned. Such is the template for Wetheads Come Running. Three vocalists provide plenty of diversity, but the band's musical axis turns mostly on their commitment to fusing New Wave with hardcore, in the style of Chapel Hill's Milemarker, though the hardcore aspects of Single Frame Ashtray aren't so abrasive. The mellow "Comm. Jet (Creepykid Remix)" throws out a vocal that would be at home on a Built to Spill album. It's this mix of ingredients that keeps the album interesting over the course of 20 concise tracks. Unfortunately, there's no single defining moment here, no single song that really sticks in the craw, but Wetheads Come Running is still an impressive debut. Add Single Frame Ashtray to the list of Austin bands to watch.