Austin Sound

Led by the mesmerizing vocals of band centerpiece Celeste Griffin, Monarchs sway in a space between hypnotic Americana and evocative soul, melding the powerful and alluring force of Neko Case, Hope Sandoval, Chan Marshall, and even touches of Erika Wennerstrom. Splitting the band lineups between Griffin’s hometown of Birmingham, Alabama and her current base of operations here in Austin, Monarchs released their sophomore EP, Those Words, Those Frames, last year, and have proven a rich addition to the local scene. Find out for yourself this weekend as Monarchs injects some soul into the Hole in the Wall and helps Haunting Oboe Music say farewell this Friday, January 15, alongside Salesman and Obsolete Machines.

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.