Austin Sound

Night One of the three pack of shows celebrating the release of Casual Victim Pile could not have gone off much better for curator Gerard Cosloy, Matador Records, and – most importantly – the five bands representing the Beerland-centric compilation. Sure, it might have been more reassuring to see their home turf packed with only familiar faces, but no one was complaining that many in the full house were hearing (and enjoying) the tunes for the first time. Blasting out five tight, blistering sets on a chilly evening, The Persimmons, The Distant Seconds, Kingdom of Suicide Lovers, Dikes of Holland and Follow That Bird generally did their fans, friends, and the Austin underground proud.

This year’s 4th annual Fun Fun Fun Fest once again proved to be a testament to the eclectic pull of Austin’s music scene, dosing the base of indie rock with metal, punk, hip-hop, electronica, and even comedy. With a headlining reunion on Saturday of the Jesus Lizard and Sunday with Danzig, the hardcore Black Stage set the bar, but across the board, performances were impressive despite the rain that muddied the Fest’s close. Local acts proved impressive among the bigger national names, showcasing some emerging new artists like L.A.X. and The Roller to and those about to break like Harlem and the Strange Boys, as well as top tier Austin bands like Shearwater and the Sword. Our crew was liveblogging the Fest the entire weekend, with photos from the pit and live reviews. Click through to check out all of our coverage.

The second annual Pachanga! Fest probably couldn’t have been a much better event. Packed into one day, the Fest cut a broad swath across the Latin Music scene, from radio stars to indie standouts to the most traditional sounds, and was the perfect sampling of the musical landscape whether as long-time followers or uninitiated newcomers. Contributing to the Fest’s success was the beautiful late May Saturday weather and the event’s move from last year’s location at Waterloo Park to the Eastside’s more intimate and accommodating Fiesta Gardens. With two smaller stages alternating on the Park’s east end and the large Pavilion Stage a short, shady foot bridge walk away to the west, the music was constant and more than could be fully absorbed. The Pavilion handled a combination of most of the bigger acts and more traditional sounds (Michael Salgado, the Chris Perez Band, and the sprawling female Mariachi troupe), but the smaller two stages offered up the more intriguing performances of the day (Mexican Institute of Sound, Brownout!, David Garza, Charanga Cakewalk). Altogether, Pachanga! offered 20 bands and one of the best single days of music that Austin has seen in a while.

This year’s SXSW was one of the best we have experienced in years, not only in the talent ranging from the heavy hitters like Metallica, Kanye West, and Primal Scream, to the new buzz bands that delivered with impressive aplomb, but also the general vibe which felt much more congenial and eager for new music. From Grizzly Bear in the Central Presbyterian Church to Phosphorescent at Ms. Bea’s on the east side, from Daniel Johnston downtown at the Radio Room, to M. Ward at Auditorium Shores, we took to the streets to liveblog it all, including our own amazing Austin Sound dayshow at the Creekside Lounge. You can check out all our SXSW 09 coverage below!

SXSW 09 Liveblog
The SXSW Liveblog, with pics and commentary from all over Austin during the SXSW mayhem

Austin Sound’s SXSW Buzzkill!
We have 30 bands covering this year’s biggest buzz, to the familiar indie powerhouses, to the under the radar groups who we think will make a splash at SXSW 09.

Sound Advice Vol. III: Starry Eyes
Our yearly compilation, filled to the brim with stunning local music from the past year.

This year’s second annual Psych Fest put on by the Black Angels expanded to three full days, which needless to say is more droning and distortion than just about anyone can take. We pushed ourselves to limit and took in as much as we could at the not-really-opened for business Radio Room. Friday’s opening night offered an appropriate dose, with Low Heaven delivering a moody and melodic tone that was just as likely to crash into a wall of sound. It bookended well with the Black Angels closing set, which was one of the best and most energetic sets they’ve served up, with new material that promises to jump beyond Directions to See a Ghost. Most interesting for Friday night’s lineup was the Golden Dawn performing Power Plant in its entirety. While George Kinney and company couldn’t be accused of delivering the best performance of the weekend, they did remind that psychedelia is supposed to be fun, and Kinney’s dancing and crooning was a blast. For the rest of the weekend, we sent Evan St. John into the madness to cover the afternoons, and pics from the evening shows.

Thursday at the Mohawk offered up a delectable variety of southern inspired indie artists that ranged from blues and country to psychedelic rock and Americana. First up was Tyler Jordan who performed with cellist Erin Davis and drummer Robby Pettinato. It made a real difference, and resulted in, what I consider to be, a huge improvement from the last couple of times I’d seen him solo. Jordan’s songs are heavy on acoustic guitar with simple chord progressions that really hook you.

On a quiet (or not so quiet) Monday night at Momo’s, I overflowed. I walked away overflowing with the overwhelming feeling of being touched by a musical performance bigger than the stage it poured from. Momo’s has a way of doing this. Some of my favorite bands I discovered within its dimly lit walls, cementing themselves stealthily within the monthly rotation of resident bands and musicians. But then again, nothing less could be expected from a location that gave birth to the South Austin Jug Band.

Moral of the story: on Monday night, Tiny Tin Hearts gave me faith once again that there is still exciting, stimulating music being made within the city limits. These eight people, who were until very recently strangers, leave me speechless every time. First time I heard them I was freaking out, texting everyone I knew who had the slightest connection in Austin music, about the little known band who had just blown my mind.

This year’s F3Fest was harder, better, faster, stronger, and, well, a helluva lot dustier. All the dust couldn’t kill the fun though, and we’ll get you caught up on what you might have missed. The punk stage proved once again the major draw, though we have to give kudos to the Transmission folks for adding some great Hip-Hop (Clipse; Dr. Octogon) and excellent comedy (Tim and Erik; Coldtowne Comedy). We’re already looking forward to next year. Click through to check out our Live Blog of Saturday, and since we lost internet access on Sunday, you’ll just have to settle for the standard followup.

Set as a local cd release for Tom Schraeder, a Chicago songwriter who spent a spell down here in Austin last spring to record his new EP, Lying Through Dinner, the show managed to bring out a solid crowd for a Wednesday night at the Mohawk. While Schraeder’s headlining return was the primary draw, he was supported by two of Austin’s best up-and-coming artists whose praises we have been singing for while now: Leatherbag and Dana Falconberry. Falconberry was celebrating her own new release, Oh Skies of Grey, and Leatherbag had several new songs to deliver for the evening as well.

“I don’t know what else to say except, be prepared to fall in love with this next song.”

Those were the words of vocalist Marc Ferrino during Low Line Caller’s set at Mohawk on Saturday night. Fall in love?? Did we ever! Not just with the song, but with all they offered. What a great way to begin one’s evening. Luckily, up next was The Lemurs celebrating the release of their new EP - Million Little Bits. Low Line Caller was a tough act to follow and the Lemurs did it with ease. It was a packed patio at The Mohawk, and it wasn’t just hype. Both acts were talented and put on a great, entertaining, rump shaking show.