Cautiontape

Hey everybody, to bring you out of the winter blues, there is some new music to sample from the warmth of Texas. Last week a new musical obsession, Austin’s Cautiontape, has been taking over the ears of music fans, myself included. Cautiontape just released their new EP How We Shine and it is a pop sensation of foot tapping tunes. Via a Twitter follow, I stumbled upon these musicians after my daily music review morning session. Needless to say, I was hooked. Key tracks that have been on repeat are Get To Me, I’m Sunshine and The New Normal. However, the whole EP has a glamour of danceable pop rock that is impossible to escape from.

Get To Me is the first track that grabs you. It reminds me of No Doubt yet holds onto its original Cautiontape flavor. A bass driven tune leads with a follow up of drums and keyboards. Britani Woods’ singing captures a soul embrace that compels the listener to jam on especially with the funky instrumentals supported. She provides a slight punk aspect in her vocals, which is appealing. What starts off as a focus on the vocals turns into a drive through music consciousness. All the music seems to send listeners to a club lounge where the tragically hip kids all hang and bob their heads. Damn, we all want to be a part of that crew, with drinks in hand of course.

Conveniently enough, I’m Sunshine, is perfect for a wake up call in the morning. Setting this EP to the train, bike or car ride to work or school playlist is ideal. A strong bass line and drum beat sends the music pulsing as life builds up with the guitar and keyboard riffs all the way through. Wood’s voice lightens things up. I can see this song in travel scene in a movie. You simply cannot help but snap your fingers and jerk your head at the on your way to the office or classroom. Hell, keep dancing away once you get there!

The New Normal is a trippy one. A bass twang starts off with Wood’s voice immediately entering the ear buds. While it seems be a slow jam, the head still bobs. Cautiontape’s bass power is a key attribute in their stuff, this song included. Where silence lies, the bass remains. The New Normal is a short yet significant track on the EP. With the strong vibes in the other songs, The New Normal, takes a slow walk in the park.

Cautiontape’s sound is built upon a pop hold, but there is a strong soul presence that permeates each song. As Britani’s crooning awakens the message, the music funks you up. It is the best of both worlds. For listeners who may have the case of the Mondays or the joy of Fridays, Cautiontape will help you get through it all. Jam on in peace and rock out when you can. Let Cautiontape get to you.

Jam on. - Punchland

The Austin Music Minute is always pleased to share the numerous locally-based music resources available online, which never fail to provide a wealth of information about up-and-coming Austin talent. There’s one that stands out because it’s presented by someone who understands music, and is a musician himself: How Did I Get Here?, a very fun and insightful podcast produced by Johnny Goudie. I refer to it because he recently interviewed keyboardist Jason Garcia and vocalist/percussionist Britani Woods from today’s featured AMM band, Cautiontape, to talk about their new EP How We Shine.

Right off the bat, Goudie intuitively pointed out the vibe throughout the effervescent How We Shine – it’s perfect electronic pop but without being “drum-machiney,” as if the EP had been produced in 1979, which is what Garcia said he had in mind. It’s the best parts of pop, rock, and New Wave influences, and it’s all about the melodies.

Cautiontape is celebrating the release of their new EP with a release party tonight at Spider House Ballroom, 2906 Fruth St. The bill features sets by Zettajoule, The Painted Redstarts featuring accompanying vocals by Jamie Harris, and Joanna Barbera. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. How can you resist all of this coolness? Recommended. - KUTX

A group still finding their feet while exploring indie pop, Cautiontape recently released their EP 'How We Shine' which mixes mellow ballads with upbeat, pop-infused tracks. When Texas fourpiece Cautiontape reached out for review, I'll be the first to admit I was skeptical. I was however, pleasantly surprised by what I heard.

Made up of lead singer Britani Woods, bass player Matt Bell-Roberts, Jason Garcia on keys and Asher Alexander on drums, the band state they wanted to keep their production played down, as if they were performing in a room.

This is achieved well too, giving the entire EP a very organic and raw vibe. The band also works without guitars in some places, which in turn creates a unique sound. However it doesn't leave you feeling like something is missing as you'd expect.

There's a humbling retro sound to their music. Describing themselves as giving a 'nod to The Cardigans', this is evident with Woods offering a cheerful yet borderline soulful tone. A tone that collides with the raw instruments and synth elements that contribute to each song.

A short and sweet five tracks but enough to showcase the sound they identify with, 'How We Shine' serves as a sturdy foundation for the band, kicking off with a killer bass line in 'Get To Me'. "Our songs are cautionary tales", says Garcia. "They sound upbeat, but the lyrics tell a different story."

Track 'I'm Sunshine' stands out for it's sheer like-ability, including faultless structure and simple yet upbeat lyrics. This song plants itself as the bands forte, once again featuring a strong bass line from Bell-Roberts that does the song a million justices along with the melodic vocals.

EP closer 'We Belong To Us' shows a complete contrast and versatility in the band, a more ballad like approach with a tamed use of instruments - giving you room to breathe between each line.

Despite the good quality and laid-back tone to the entire EP, parts do feel as though they could be tidied up a little.

But perfection isn't what good music is about, it's humbling to see simple production and no overdone techniques - just an intricate and unique composition of sound, that has contributed to a well-rounded EP. - Sound Relay

Austin-based indie rock outfit Cautiontape isn’t famous yet, but don’t be surprised if there’s some serious buzz by the time this band hits the studio for a full-length album next year. These guys possess some serious entertainment bones.

Their ebullient EP “How We Shine” is available on iTunes now, and is absolutely worth picking up, if for no other reason than their lead singer is credited with both vocals and glockenspiel. It’s a rare band that uses a glockenspiel well, and Cautiontape belongs to this generation.

Their sound is somewhat airy and electronic, more keyboard-driven than anything else, but with serious backbeat from a very real drumset and bass guitar. The lead singer’s gender aside, this band reminds me very strongly of Chicago rock veterans Oh My God.

Cautiontape’s EP leads off with the catchy and infectious “Get To Me” – which, on its own, is a solid introduction to a promising group – but stick with it through “Be Sweet” (where the glock really shines) and “I’m Sunshine” and you’ll be hooked. They are fun times ten.

The real reward is “The New Normal,” a brooding and introspective lament (from which the title of the EP is derived) that is both singularly personal and broadly universal – not just to interpersonal relationships, but to our country’s relationship with itself. It’s a secret treat for those who listen closely.

It’s all capped off with “We Belong To Us,” a surprisingly big anthem from a not-yet-famous little rock band.

After several listens, I am certainly eager to see what a full-length album brings. But until that happens, I’m just gonna try to spread the word of Cautiontape and hopefully catch a show if they ever head to L.A. - Bil Gaines

I have a new EP and new band to introduce you to!

Austin, Texas based indie pop /rock, electronica band Cautiontape have just released their first EP ‘How We Shine’.

Cautiontape consists of Asher Alexander (drums), Matt Bell-Roberts (bass), Jason Garcia (keys and vocals) and Britani Woods (vocals, glockenspiel and percussion).

‘How We Shine’ was produced by Robert Harrison, and mixed by Robert Harrison and George Reiff, and features five tracks:

-Get To Me

-Be Sweet

-I’m Sunshine

-The New Normal

-We Belong To Us

‘How We Shine’ is a great first release from the band, with the use of their infused styles of indie pop, rock and electronica, this creates a solid sound of their own. But they also have a slight glimmer of other decades integrated into their sound bringing the past back into the modern age.

Filled with melodies and grooves, this is an EP you can’t help but really like, and with the addition of Britani Woods slightly husky vocals creating a great level to this music and overall EP release.

If this EP doesn’t have you swaying and nodding you head, I’m not sure what will! - ShoutItLoud Reviews