Review: Odd Future at Emo's

Amidst the crowd of twenty-something year-olds and teenagers chain smoking for the thrill was a sense of urgency. The need to be entertained by something as raw as it is playful, as violent as it is sweet, and as rebellious as it is innocent. The crowd was happy, patient, and alive as they danced and laughed through tracks DJ'd by Odd Future's own Taco Bennett. All you could see was a long white tee and an afro as his narrow frame opened up the show and rocked out to song after song, stepping from behind the decks on occasion to throw water bottles out to the fans and give a few high fives. The crowd was pumped and energies were at an all time high as Taco spun his last track which in turn generated an entire set list.

One by one they came out and did their piece. Earl Sweatshirt was the first on the mic quickly killing everyone's anxiety for his return. Vocals overlapped as other members of Odd Future (looking like a famous 90's hip hop group) slowly came out from hiding to join in on the song. With the arrival of Tyler, The Creator (their elusive leader of sorts) it was made clear that he was a bit under the weather. Voice raspy and throat bubbly, he made sure to let everyone know of his sickness by drooling into the crowd and seldom apologizing with a faint shrug for not hitting certain notes correctly. Everyone was charmed.  Odd Future fully covered the stage and each member had a very hyped presence as they dished out hits like "Tron Cat", "Radicals," "64", "Chum", and "Rella" as the crowd screamed back every word, even taking it upon themselves to sing the entire first part of "Yonkers" with no assistance. At one point, I remember looking out into the crowd and seeing a girl in a black lace bra helicoptering her tee shirt as she sat perched atop someone's shoulders. Somewhere else in the crowd was a boy no older than 15 crowd surfing and trying not to lose his shoes in the process. The group members rarely left the stage, Tyler sometimes climbing up on a speaker to pose and joke with the crowd when he wasn't needed on vocals. It's pretty safe to say that there was never a low point in the show. The group had excellent crowd control and presented a certain level of maturity in what they did. Seeing them live diminished any review I had read about a bunch of skater kids running amok on stage. This chaos was systematic with its own highs and rest points strategically placed within each members rhythms. Songs smoothed into each other like a never ending score, each voice complimenting the last only to come together as one melodic force. "Sandwiches" was the grand finale and appeared to be everyone's favorite choice. After a few more mosh pits, crowd surfs, and joints(?) the show was finally over and the few parents who had accompanied their kids to the concert frantically looked about.

All in all Odd Future presented a decent amount of songs from their hefty catalogue and performed both as individuals in the spotlight and as a full on group. Their set list would've pleased fans whether old, new or skeptical and each members performance was bold, charismatic, and fresh. No use of fancy lighting or fog machines. Just pure youth and a certain freedom of existence.


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Odd Future at Emo's

Like them or not, there is no denying that in their short time on the scene the members of Odd Future have made an impact on the music industry. They are shock rockers for a new generation, releasing their songs as performance art videos on YouTube. Their visuals and their music shock and offend and they do so intentionally. In a post-Alice Cooper, post-Marilyn Manson, post-NWA world Odd Future is the embodiment of shocking the music industry in the new millenium. However, I can't dismiss them as nothing more than performance art. This group is as talented as they are young. Based in L.A., they're a musical collective with at least ten members. There are even groups within the group but it's safe to say the whole thing is based around Tyler the Creator. In addition to being one of the most recognizable emcees in the group he is also the main producer for all or most of the group's musical endeavors. His own solo record, Goblin has been hailed as one of the most interesting and refreshing hip-hop albums in recent years and marked a new era for the genre.

In a live setting Odd Future are as punk rock as they are hip-hop. Don't expect to see a bunch of dudes standing around grunting into microphones. These guys stage dive, they assault photographers, they spit at the crowd, they are unpredictable to put it mildly. You never know how many members will appear nor if they'll actually perform a full-set. They have been known to appear with Flaming Lips-esque props on stage as well. Even if you don't like their music it could be worth the price of a ticket just to see what will happen. You can catch the OFWGK†Δ crew tomorrow night at Emo's.


Earl Sweatshirt - Chum video via YouTube

The great thing about seeing a group like Odd Future is even if you don't like one artist, you may like another artist on the roster. Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of Tyler, the Creator as an emcee although I can definitely appreciate his production skills but I am a big fan of Earl Sweatshirt. Earl disappeared from the crew for a period and there are many myths and legends about where he went and why. My favorite story is that his parents saw one of the early Odd Future videos and sent Earl off to boarding school since he was still in High School. That may or may not be true but it's still a great story. Lucky for all of us, he has resurfaced with the release of the song Chum and I would expect that he'll be at Emo's tomorrow. I mean what would you think, if you saw your High School-er in a video like this?


Earl Sweatshirt - EARL video via YouTube

Frank Ocean is also part of the Odd Future crew and he was just nominated for several Grammy's last night but I don't expect him to be at Emo's tomorrow. You can and should expect to see Mellowhype to be there though.


Mellowhype - Break video via YouTube

In a related note, hardcore band and Odd Future label-mates Trash Talk will be performing at Red 7 tomorrow night with a DJ set from Odd Future. Tyler, the Creator has been known to perform with Trash Talk but I'm not really sure how that could or would work tomorrow evening? Tickets for the Red 7 show are only $10 if you buy them today but they go up to $12 tomorrow.

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Review: Gary Clark Jr. ACL TV

Friday night's Gary Clark Jr. performance for ACL TV was the perfect bridge for Old and New Austin. Clark is a torch-bearer for a grand Texas tradition of Electric Blues. He is following in the footsteps of artists like ZZ Top and Stevie Ray Vaughn but he also represents a new generation of Austin artists. In a sense, he himself embodies the two Austins. He plays the old Austin sound but he is making it fresh. He appeals to the folks who go to the Saxon Pub, Antone's or the Continental Club but he manages to slip Frank Zappa influences into his bluesy solos. Even his dress embodies this aesthetic pairing a slim, slate-colored suit with a Jed Clampett hat and some shit-kicker boots. Even the taping itself was a representation of the two Austins. Austin City Limits is an iconic show with 38 years on the air but this taping was in the new studio. Furthermore, the full performance was streamed live on the internet. Clark will only get half an episode when his performance hits PBS but those of us in the crowd and online got a full 60+ minute performance of scorchers.

The performance itself was electric in every sense of the word. Clark's family was seated in the row behind me and you could feel how proud they were, three generations of beaming family members thrilled to see how far he's come in his short life. Every solo seemed to send the crowd into a frenzy. Clark plays basic blues but the audience was reacting as if he invented the guitar and he was playing as if he had. He tore through most of his latest record, Blak and Blu with some blues standards and earlier songs mixed in. He didn't stick with the setlist and definitely played much longer than what will appear on television. With most of the songs stretching beyond the 5 minute mark I do not envy the editors who will have to trim his set down to 30 minutes or less.


Gary Clark Jr - Ain't Messin' 'Round video via YouTube

Both of this weekend's ACL TV tapings were streamed live on YouTube, which I think is a great idea. The demand to attend tapings is already huge so streaming the performances gives a lot more people the opportunity to be a part of the magic. Not only that, as I mentioned the performances that people give are always much more than what makes it to PBS so this gives the audience a chance to see what doesn't make it on the air. Austin is nothing like it was when Austin City Limits started and I'm glad that the show is changing along with the times and the city. I also feel very lucky to have the chance to attend so many tapings.

If you want a chance to attend a taping with three of your friends, that is just ONE of the outrageously fantastic prizes for The Big Deal contest. For the cost of a $25 raffle ticket you could be a VIP at all of the coolest events in Austin.

Check out this prize pack:
• 2 3-Day VIP Passes to the 2013 Austin City Limits Music Festival
• 2 Music Badges to the 2013 SXSW Conference
• 4 Passes to 1 (one) Austin City Limits taping - Season 39
• 2 Producers Badges to the 2013 Austin Film Festival
• 2 PIP 3-Day Passes to Fun Fun Fun Fest 8
• 2 Tickets to the 2013 KLRU Benefit Concert
• 2 You Betcha I'm Somebody Passes to the 2013 Moontower Comedy and Oddity Festival
• 2 tickets to a KUT Live Studio 1-A Broadcast & Tour of the new KUT Public Media Studios with a music host
• 2 Seats to a performance in the KGSR Music Lounge
• 1 Night Stay at the W Austin
• 2 VIP Tickets to a 2013 Austin Film Society film premiere
• 2 Tickets to an ACL Live at The Moody Theater show
• 1 $50 gift certificate to Waterloo Records
This contest is limited to Texas residents but if you'd like to win this amazing prize, buy as many raffle tickets as you can afford!

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Happenings This Weekend

We're approaching that part of the year when I get particularly lazy. I don't really feel like blogging as much nor do I trek downtown as often but that doesn't mean there isn't plenty for YOU to enjoy. This weekend there are lots of good shows of varying genres for you to attend. Tonight, my top pick for those of you who can attain entry, is the Gary Clark Jr. ACL TV taping. He's a local artist who is blowing up on the national scene and his latest record, Blak and Blu is already topping many year-end lists. I knew he was blowing up when I saw Alicia Keys tweeting about him, sure they are label-mates but that's still pretty cool. Tonight's ACL TV taping is destined to be a landmark event and if you don't have tickets already you can watch the live stream or you can get in the standby line early and hope there is space available.


Gary Clark Jr. - Ain't Messin' Round video via YouTube

If you can't make it to see Gary Clark Jr. tonight I recommend you get over to the Continental Club by 9pm to get some last minute tickets for this evening's Ben Kweller show. This is one of those rare evenings where you'll get the chance to see a big-time Austin performer in a small-scale venue. Tickets are $20 and at this point the only way to get them is at the door. Kweller won't take the stage until 11:30pm but if you aren't in line for tickets before 9pm, you're not getting in. To be honest, I'm pretty shocked that this show isn't sold-out yet.

Tomorrow night's shows are all over the map both physically and musically. I'll start with my top recommendation, which is the Sufjan Stevens Christmas show at Emo's. If I'm being honest, all I really LOVE from Suf is Illinois and I really wish he would stop fucking around with all of these Christmas songs but on the other hand, 'tis the season, which is why this show is my top pick for your Saturday night. Tickets are $20 and I don't really expect this show to sell-out, although I have been surprised in the past.

A VERY CLOSE second in my top picks for Saturday night category is the Talib Kweli show at the Mohawk. I almost made this show my top pick but the Suf show was just more relevant to December. Talib is a solid performer with a solid catalogue and even a casual hip-hop fan is sure to enjoy this event. Tickets for this show sold-out while I was writing. So...hope you got yours.

It takes a very special event for me to recommend you go to the heart of dirty 6th on a Saturday night but I like that David Bazan performing Pedro the Lion's (that's him) Control is one such event. I know lots of emo/hardcore/mopey dudes who credit Control as one of the most important records in their lives and hearing the man himself pull it out of the ashes is sure to be one of the most memorable events of 2012. The bad news is the show is Sold-Out the good news is, now you don't have to go to dirty 6th on a Saturday night! No but in all seriousness, if you're interested in this show you should still head down there I'm SURE people will have spare tickets.

I know, I know, that's two sold-out shows in a row! What am I doing to you!?!? Well, I still have options. Keep things local by heading over to Holy Mountain for the CD Release show from The Couch. Check out the new space, while supporting your local scene. There are no advanced tickets for this event so it's not sold-out, it's only going to cost $5 to get in and they'll have Shiner specials all night long. BOOM!

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How to Dress Well at the Mohawk

Thursday night the Mohawk plays host to How to Dress Well whose latest release, Total Loss was named by Pitchfork as "Best New Music." In other words, it's obscure, it's difficult but it's good. Both his first and second records blend R&B with electronic textures creating a sound that is equal parts sex and paranoia. I didn't love Total Loss upon the first few listens but it gets under your skin. There is something about the soundscapes against the vocals that make you want to hear it over and over again. I'm excited to see tomorrow night's show because I think it's either going to be amazing or a hot-mess and either way I want to be there to witness it. Tickets are $10 today or $12 tomorrow and I expect this show to sell-out before the doors open at 9pm on Thursday so if you're interested you should grab a ticket while you still can.


How to Dress Well - Ocean Floor for Everything video via YouTube

As I mentioned, this is an inside show so it's going to run late. Don't expect to see How to Dress Well on stage much before midnight. If you want to make a night of it arrive early enough to catch local band Royal Forest followed by Michigan-based Christian rapper Beacon.

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Danse Macabre Revisited

Tomorrow night The Faint return to Austin to perform the album that put them on the map, Danse Macabre. Originally released in the fall of 2001, Danse Macabre is the third album from The Faint but it was the first to capture the attention of a large audience. It's not that it is vastly different from the previous releases, it was just the most honed and hit people's ears at the perfect moment. Mixing elements of goth-rock and dance music it didn't really birth a new musical movement but it certainly shined a lot on to one. Tickets for tomorrow night's show at Emo's are still available and the newly remastered Deluxe Edition of Danse Macabre will most certainly be available for purchase.


The Faint - Agenda Suicide video via YouTube

One could argue that without the release of Danse Macabre a band like Trust might not exist. Lucky for us, they do, they're fucking awesome and they'll be at Emo's tomorrow night as well. You may recall that Trust was just in Austin playing FunFunFun Fest as well as a Nites show at Elysium. For those of you who like dark, gothic, sparse electronics performed by cute boys this is the show for you. The video below was just released last week and is an acoustic, piano version of a song from TRST, which is out now. Based on the popularity of this piano version I wouldn't be surprised if an acoustic version of TRST was released early next year but that is mere conjecture.


Trust - Sulk (Piano Version) video via YouTube

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Races with Generationals at the Mohawk

Photo Credit: Brian Sheffield

Tomorrow night's Races show at the Mohawk is an ideal double-bill for me. It's an inside show, which means it starts and ends late but let's face it, most of you won't have to work the rest of the week anyway because your job is way cooler than mine. Races' debut full-length came out around SXSW, which means it was sort of lost in the shuffle but I maintain that Year of the Witch is a shining example of indie-pop in 2012. The fact that this L.A. band was signed to New York label French Kiss Records speaks to how bad-ass they are. I trust, pretty much, any release from French Kiss and they have yet to disappoint me in 2012. Tickets for Tuesday night's show are less than $10 if you buy them now but be forewarned it's going to be crowded in there. Also, for bonus points you should wear whatever Lakers gear you may have.


Races - Lies video via YouTube

As I mentioned above, Tuesday night's show is a fantastic DOUBLE-BILL as Races are currently touring with fellow indie-posters Generationals. You may not recognize their name right away but you will certainly recognize their music from movies, television and commercials. There's a reason they land so many licensing deals and that reason is their superb songwriting.

Generationals' latest release is the Lucky Numbers EP, which you can hear for free on Soundcloud.


Generationals - Yours Forever video via YouTube

Like I said, tomorrow night's show is a late one so nap accordingly. Doors are at 9pm and I wouldn't expect the first act to go on until about 10:15 or 10:30, possibly later. Also, I'm not sure which band will be going on first I THINK they are switching back and forth from city to city but that's just conjecture. On the Mohawk website Generationals are listed first, which usually implies headliner-status. Regardless, you should see both bands because they are both great and if you're a fan of one then you'll be a fan of the other. See you there!

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F1 and F-all

Alright, so you pretty much couldn't pay me to go downtown this weekend, which is unfortunate because there are several bands performing whom I would like to see. I'm writing this for those of you, who are braver than I and are willing to battle thousands of middle-aged Europeans set lose in our city for the greater good of rock 'n roll. Let's start with this evening shall we?

Tonight my top recommendation is Bad Veins at Stubb's. You should know that I'm a big fan/supporter of Bad Veins and their melodic indie-power-pop sounds. Tickets are only $12 or you can just pay your money at the door. The gentlemen of Bad Veins did a live session at our very own KUT, which you can listen to here.


Bad Veins - Dancing on TV video via YouTube

My number two recommendation for this evening is the psychedelic show over at Holy Mountain. If you're a fan of Psych Fest then you're going to be a fan of tonight's Young Prisms/Holy Wave show. Tickets for this show are only $8 and I'd expect you could just show up and pay this cover at the door as well.

There's also some Formula 1-related shows but fuck that shit, let's pretend it's not happening. Speaking of Formula-1 shit, if you want to avoid downtown altogether there are a couple of big-name shows happening over on East Riverside. Not only is Paul Oakenfold still touring, he's playing Emo's tonight. If you're looking to avoid Europeans, this probably isn't your best bet but if you're looking to score some fake-Molly HOLLA! It's going to cost you $30 to get into Emo's tonight but in all seriousness Paul Oakenfold is a world-class DJ so, it's going to be bangin'.

Right next to the Paul Oakenfold show Naughty By Nature better be playing a greatest hits set at Beauty Ballroom. So, put your hands in the air and get down with O.P.P. and all of that away from the madness of downtown and with far fewer Europeans. There are different ticketing packages available for this show so you might want to check that out depending on how hard you ball.

Tomorrow night there are plenty of good shows happening but I only want to talk about the Tamaryn show at Red 7. If you go downtown and you attend any other show tomorrow night then we aren't friends anymore and I'm returning your X-Mas (get the Christ out of Christmas) presents! Tamaryn's latest record Tender New Signs is out now on Mexican Summer and it's female-lead-psychedelic-shoegaze perfection. Dan, from End of an Ear, and I were talking and we agreed that anything that sounds even vaguely like Mazzy Star automatically wins our hearts. Saturday night's Tamaryn show will be on Red 7's inside stage and it could be your last chance to see them in such an intimate space so get your tickets now!

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Contest: Jens Lekman

That adorable Swede, Jens Lekman will be back in Austin tomorrow night. He'll be performing on the Mohawk's outside stage in support of his latest record, I Know What Love Isn't. Jens is an International indie-pop troubadour and his songs are sure to delight although if you listen very closely you might also get a bit melancholy. In other words, he is the perfect songwriter. I have the opportunity to get one of you on the guest list with a +1 for tomorrow night's show but the rest of you can still buy tickets. All you have to do to win is email contest[at]austinbloggylimits[dot]com with "Jens" in the subject and your name in the body. I'll pick one name tomorrow afternoon. This is an early show so plan accordingly.


Jens Lekman - I Know What Love Isn't video via YouTube

Taken By Trees play the support slot tomorrow night so arrive early. Bring yourself, and a scarf because Jens & Co. have brought a little taste of Sweden with this recent cold-snap.

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Photo Pop 2012

TGImotherfuckinF y'all! I'm so happy that it's Friday right now. I don't know about y'all but this week seemed to last two weeks and I really need to get my drank on. Tonight, tonight some of my favorite Austin concert-photographers are showcasing their work and selling prints at Red 7. They'll be displaying and selling prints of some of their best stuff from 7p-9p followed by live performance from some great local bands.

The featured photographers this evening include, Pooneh Ghana, Timothy Griffin, Randy Cremean, Brian Gray, Rick Kern and Gary Miller. These photogs have agreed to share the proceeds from the sale of their prints with the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians. So, not only will you be acquiring some beautiful art, you'll be helping Austin Musicians get and keep health insurance!


Tiger Waves - Fireworks video via YouTube

Tonight's event is broken up into two pieces. You are free to attend the photography exhibit from 7p-9p and have some drinks with no cover charge. If you want to stay passed 9p to see the bands perform there is a $7 cover to go to the bands. That $7 gets you performances from 5 bands though, which is a pretty good deal if you ask me. Performing this evening will be Royal Forest, Low Times, Tiger Waves, Shivery Shakes and Grape Street.

If you'd like to know more about the bands, photographers or the event itself, I encourage you to head on over to Austin Town Hall. They are the fine folks who made tonight's Photo Pop 2012 a reality.

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