Three of Austin's Best at the Mohawk, Friday

You know what y'all? We have some great fucking bands in this town. I know that people say we don't support our scene like we should (which is true) and that Austin isn't what it used to be (which is also true) but this city still attracts talented people from around the world. They hang out, they swim, they eat breakfast tacos and they create. Lots of those creations are beautiful and worthy of your time and attention. Some of them, not so much. This Friday at the Mohawk you can experience three fantastic, contemporary, Austin-based music acts on two stages with music that spans many genres and tastes. They came, they chilled, they created and they'll be showcasing their creations for those of us with hungry ears.

For the price of a $12-$15 Ticket you have the opportunity to see FIVE bands on Friday night. All of them are good but I'm most familiar with (and highlighting) three in particular.

Mirror Travel Mohawk Teaser from XIMedia on Vimeo.

By now, I would hope that Mirror Travel is a familiar name to you but if it's not then you need to get familiar. They have been performing in Austin for several years as Follow That Bird. They were featured with that name on the Casual Victim Pile Vol. 1 compilation. Well, since making that splash a few years ago the band has changed their name, shuffled the line-up a bit and recorded a debut LP. That LP is due out in October from Modern Outsider. In the meantime you can get a taste of the no-nonsense rock 'n roll that Mexico has in store with this, the title track, from the debut LP.



It what promises to be a bit jarring. After listening to some pretty heavy rock from Mirror Travel, Balmorhea will take the stage. One reason I think Friday night's show is so great is because the acts I'm highlighting represent three very different parts of Austin's music scene. The fact that they are all playing the Mohawk the same night is a great representation of the way people listen to music in 2013. Today's music fan wants to see both Atoms for Peace AND Lionel Richie at ACL Fest but I digress.

Balmorhea creates soundscapes. They use traditional rock/folk instruments as well as stringed instruments and maybe some woodwinds I don't know how much shit is kicking around their van. Maybe there will be a harpsichord, show up and find out. If you do show-up, you'll also find out that Balmorhea is fucking breathtaking. If the Lone Star swilling masses can shut their yaps long enough for you to enjoy the show, enjoy it you will. Their latest LP is called Stranger, which was released last year on another one of Austin's best-curated labels (along with Modern Outsider) Western Vinyl. I'm kind of a sucker for all things glacial, weird and precious so I'm sort of pre-disposed to like everything Western Vinyl touches.



The third artist I want to highlight is playing the "aftershow" on the Mohawk's inside stage Friday night. If you buy a $12-$15 Ticket for the outside stage you get to go to the "aftershow" it's free. If you just wander in from the street after the outside show, it's $5 to get in. Emily Wolfe is an artist, much like her peer Dana Falconberry whose music has the power to straddle the two Austins. See for those of you who don't live here, we are in a transitional moment. It's evident in many, many things from our burgers (Hut's Vs. Hopdoddy) to our music scene (Mohawk Vs. Saxon Pub). Now, I'm not trying to say these businesses are rivals. I'm saying that they represent the greatest of these two worlds. The Saxon Pub, Continental Club, Broken Spoke, One 2 One Club, and Strange Brew all exist in same circles. The artists that play one of those places are just at likely to be booked at any of the others. Whereas artists who are booked to play Mohawk, Red 7, Emo's etc probably wouldn't play the Saxon. Well Emily Wolfe can play in both those circles but most likely you'll catch her at places like Holy Mountain that truly give local musicians a place to showcase and explore their talents. Don't take my word for, watch Emily Wolfe and call me on my bullshit if there's bullshit to be called.



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Let's Plan ACL Fest Day 2

If you only have a 1-day pass for ACL Fest, Saturday is the day to have it. This is the day that has the most acts I enjoy playing at the same time, so I had to make some tough decisions. Let's start at the beginning shall we?

We'll start out our Saturday at the Austin Ventures stage at 11:20a where local outfit, Balmorhea will be starting things off for us.


Balmorhea - Rememberance video via YouTube


After Balmorhea we'll head over to the Budweiser stage for the Very Best who's set begins at 12:30p. It's a very early time slot for them but at least they were booked on the headlining stage.


the Very Best - Julia video via YouTube

By 1:30p we'll want to be over at the Honda stage to catch Mr. Pete Yorn.


Pete Yorn - Last Summer video via YouTube

It's back to the Austin Ventures stage at 2:20p where Two Door Cinema Club will be performing. These guys had the opening slot the last time Phoenix played Stubb's and I suspect they won over lots of local fans at that show.


Two Door Cinema Club - I Can Talk video via YouTube

At 3:30p it's off to the Zync Card stage to catch the Black Lips making out with each other. No seriously, this is what punk is like in Atlanta (not really), they spit in the air and catch it in their mouths and they cartoonishly make-out with one another while playing solos. In otherwords it's not to be missed.


Black Lips - Short Fuse video via YouTube

I really want to see a lot of people at the Austin Ventures stage for Local Natives 4:30p set. However, Silversun Pickups put on such an amazing live show that I'm going to have to officially pick the Budweiser stage for your 4:30p time slot. Pretty much any stage you choose from 4:30-5:30 on Saturday is going to be effing awesome.


Silversun Pickups - The Royal We video via YouTube

Although a lot of people think the XX are boring in a live setting they are still who I'm going to see at 5:30p. They'll be performing on the Zync Card stage, but don't expect them to jump around like performing monkeys. They WILL be static but what would you expect from their minimalist sound?


the XX - Basic Space video via YouTube

The 6:30p time slot pits gypsy-punk against dance-punk and you know this blogger likes to dance. Did you know that? It's true. That's why I'll be over at the Budweiser stage to catch LCD Soundsystem. Talk about a great band for the dusk time-slot. Holla!


LCD Soundsystem - Bye Bye Bayou video via YouTube

At 7:30p it's back to the Honda stage for one of the most fun acts of the entire festival, Brooklyn 2-piece Matt and Kim.


Matt and Kim - Camera video via YouTube

At 8:30p I'll be visiting the AMD stage to see M.I.A.. I'm not going to lie her live performance can be very hit or miss let's hope she's inspired by a semi-headlining slot and she tears it up. We'll let time be the judge of that.


M.I.A. - XXXO video via YouTube

Finally after M.I.A. I'll be catching the end of Muse's set.

So, that's my Saturday at the fest.

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Sleep Whale Videos

Hey, y'all! I don't know if you've realized this already but I got a Flipcam for Christmas, which means there's now a Bloggy YouTube channel. How cool is that? Obviously, lots have folks have found the videos I shot of Harlem but no one seems to know or care about the videos of Sleep Whale. Now, I'm going to warn you the sound on this video is sub-par I positioned myself directly in front of the speakers to shoot this, so you can hear the kick drum clipping like crazy but I'm a big fan of Sleep Whale and I feel like you should be too. They have purchase-able music available via, my favorite local label, Western Vinyl. You can also find their stuff on iTunes if that's more your style.


Sleep Whale - Skipping Stones video via YouTube

Free Mp3's courtesy of Western Vinyl, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Sleep Whale - Cotton Curls

Free Mp3 ---> Sleep Whale - Josh Likes Me


My impression seeing Sleep Whale live is that they need to tighten up their setup/soundchecking but that could be fixed by not seeing them as the second of four bands on a stage other than Emo's outside. Other than that, the music itself was melodic, textured and generally beautiful. I found myself drawn into the songs. I'm thinking the, new and improved, Parish room would be the ideal spot. Here's the other video I shot of Sleep Whale at Emo's, and again apologies for the clippy sound.


Sleep Whale - Make Another Picture video via YouTube

Also, if you're liking what you hear from Sleep Whale and you still haven't checked out, their label-mates, Balmorhea then you need to get on that shhhh. Balmorhea put out one of my favorite albums from an Austin artist in 2009, All Is Wild, All Is Silent, and seeing them perform live is even more gorgeous than the LP.

It looks like if you live in Austin your next shot to see Balmorhea will be at their record release party on Feb. 19th featuring Damien Jurado at Central Presbytyrian Church. That's right, a church! That's how bad-ass Austin is, that same church is a registered SXSW venue. Last year Grizzly Bear and St. Vincent both haunted the Central Presby. It appears as though tickets for the Balmorhea show are only available in person at End of an Ear or Waterloo Records. Front Gate Tickets does sell tickets for events at Central Presbityrian Church but they don't seem to have this particular event.

Free Mp3's courtesy of Western Vinyl, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Balmorhea - The Winter (Excerpt)

Free Mp3 ---> Balmorhea - Harm and Boon (Excerpt)

Free Mp3 ---> Balmorhea - Truth (Remixed by Helio)

Balmorhea video courtesy of our blood-soaked, bloggy-brethren over at Cannibal Cheerleader. They've been feasting on Balmorhea since their FIRST LP release party.


Balmorhea - San Solomon (Reprise) video via YouTube

Oh, and if you're one of those unfortunate souls living outside of Austin you too can see Balmorhea on tour!

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{{{Sunset}}} Tonight, Balmorhea Tomorheah?

As the "resident blogger"/"hipster-douche" at work, I'm expected to know the answer to the questions, "So, what's going on tonight? Where should I go?". Today, when posed with these questions I totally blanked out. It's effing Thursday in Austin so you know some shh is going down. My bloggy brethren over at the Peen Scene always have a great, comprehensive answer to what's the haps tonight, in case you catch me slackin' again. Check the blog list in my sidebar for other, informative, talented, witty, bloggy brethren of Austin as well. Tonight, Austin Bloggy recommends you check out one of my favorite, local acts {{{Sunset}}}.

I still need to get my ears on a copy of their latest release from Autobus, Gold Dissolves to Gray but as I've said in the past, the show is the best place to get the album y'all. Find {{{Sunset}}} at Aces Lounge tonight. The door will cost you a measley $5, show starts at 10? Presumably.


{{{Sunset}}} - Civil War video via YouTube


Have you ever heard anyone commit to a metaphor as whole-heartedly as {{{Sunset}}} does in that song, Civil War?

I wanted to mention a show for tomorrow night as well, give you a little more notice than the show at Ace's tonight. You should head on over to the Mohawk to see Balmorhea. I'm a big fan of both the artwork and the music of their latest LP, All Is Wild, All Is Silent. Not to mention, it's just as beautiful as seen in real life.


Balmorhea - Baleen Morning video via YouTube

To be honest, I know little to nothing about this Ola Podrida fellow, but I do know he's is playing the 'Hawk tomorrow night. The songs I found seemed pleasant and fitting for a chilly winter eve in Austin, TX. I also know, he's not to be confused with Olla podrida, which is something completely different. Also, check out this little blurb from the official Ola Podrida site.

After months of preparation, the live incarnation of Ola Podrida will play their debut show at The Mohawk in Austin, TX on December 11th with labemates Balmorhea. The live band features Colin Swietek on guitar, David McComb on bass, and Matthew Frank on drums, and David Wingo on vocals and guitar.

Intriguing, right?


Ola Podrida - This Old World video via YouTube

Get there early though, 'cause Martin Crane will be kicking things off, Frasier stylee with a Jack Russel Terrier, an easy chair and some Whiskey, neat, thank you very much.


Martin Crane - Nobody's Listening video via YouTube

You might be more familiar with Martin's other band Brazos. Hey, how come everyone in Austin is in at least 2 if not, 3+ bands?


Brazos - Tell video via YouTube

Tickets for tomorrow night's show at the 'Hawk will set you back $8. After that you can listen to as much music as you want (some restrictions may apply, don't be a d-bag).

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Spoon v. Deer Tick v. Balmorhea +

Tomorrow is the first of three nights, in which, Spoon will be performing at Stubb's. Each note has two different opening bands, one local, one touring. Thursday Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears will be representing the local opener and Quasi will be the touring act. Friday it's Dale Watson followed by Low. The third, and final show, on Saturday will feature the Strange Boys and Atlas Sound.

By the way I never knew this song had a video but I swear I've been to this furniture store I'm quite sure it's on Burnet near W. Anderson. Just sayin'


Spoon - The Two Sides of Monsieur Valentine video via YouTube

Free Low Mp3's courtesy of SubPop Records, thanks.

Free Mp3 --->Low - California

Free Mp3 --->Low - Monkey

Free Mp3 --->Low - Breaker

Free Mp3 --->Low - Murderer

Don't worry, there's more than just Spoon-related content after the jump...

I love Spoon, don't get me wrong but I'm quite sure those shows are sold-out and this is Austin, which means Spoon ain't the only dog and pony show in town. For my money, I would love to catch Deer Tick at Emo's. They are probably the best thing to come out of Rhode Island since...since, whatever great thing has come from RI in the past? I don't know. I do know at the time of my writing this that you can still get yourself a ticket to hear Deer Tick in person. I love the singer's weathered, belching voice and hey, they even have a jug-band style song. Gotta love that right?


Deer Tick - Easy video via YouTube

If, you're a real Austin snob and you don't watch touring acts let's hang out and form a club. Maybe we could talk about it before and/or after Balmorhea performs at the Cactus Cafe tomorrow it's an early show (8:30) so maybe we can head over to Deer Tick after. Mmm kay?


Balmorhea - Night in the Draw video via YouTube

In a totally un-related note, have y'all heard anything from the new the Gossip record? It's produced by Rick Rubin, which I'm sure was great for the band but as a fan I'm not really sure how to put my finger on his "signature sound" to know in what ways he has influenced this new album. I do know that the first single is vicious, I love it and it pains me to post this video since it's sourced for blogger P. Hilton's YouTube channel :-(. Oh well, I guess the Gossip DOES appeal to mall-rats/tweens/vacant souls/etc.


the Gossip - Heavy Cross video via YouTube

I wonder how the Gossip and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs feel about each other? Are the competitors? Peers? Suckling from the same musical teets? I vote totally self-involved and unaware that there are other bands also making music.


Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll video via YouTube

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Tonight = Rest, No More Sleep After That.

Well dear reader, Monday is your night to rest because the rest of the week is going to be insane. I'm just going to focus on Tuesday right now. My highlight for Tuesday is Black Moth Super Rainbow with School of Seven Bells and, Austin's-own, Balmorhea.

The show takes place at the Mohawk's outside stage, which means the show must be done before midnight. That's a good thing for those of us who have to be at work by 6:30 the following morning. I'd get there early because all of the bands kick ass in their own ways and you won't want to miss any of it.


Balmorhea - San Solomon (Reprise) video courtesy of Cannibal Cheerleader via YouTube


I saw School of Seven Bells before I had heard of them, at SXSW. That's often the case with acts you catch at South By, you appreciate the experience more 3-6 months later when you hear the band on the radio. Just for the record Sirius XMU plays School of Seven Bells pretty often. I'm a fan. You can also download several tracks from their several releases over on the official Ghostly site. I tried and tried to find the direct links from the site so I could just put them above the break, but alas I was foiled. People/sites hate it when you do that anyway. *shrug*


School of Seven Bells - Half Asleep video via YouTube

I have never seen Black Moth Super Rainbow but their latest album, Eating Us has been garnering a lot of praise as of late. So, I'm curious to hear them live. Could be a trainwreck, or could be transcendent, we'll see.


Black Moth Super Rainbow - Born On A Day the Sun Didn't Rise video via YouTube

I want to include one more from Balmorhea because way back in the day I dissed their name, not realizing it was a State Park here in Texas. I was also under the impression it was pronounced like diarrhea, which it's not. It's Bal - Moh - Rhe - Uh, which is a much more pleasant name that what I had originally thought. This is a "Special, Acoustic Performance" for KEXP by Balmorhea live from the ME Television studios.


Balmorhea - Night I the Draw video via YouTube

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