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Purity Ring

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Purity Ring Returns to Austin

Concert Reviews, Photos, Pop Artists

September 9, 2015

After their last show was rained out this spring, Purity Ring returned to Austin on Sept. 5 to perform at Austin Music Hall. The show was more than an hour behind schedule when solo artist HANA opened the show. She received a surprising amount of praise for an unknown opener. Her hypnotic electronic vibes and sweet voice got the crowd moving for the main attraction. Half an hour after HANA’s set, singer Megan James of Purity Ring ran on stage unannounced and said “the generator is blown out and we can’t perform.” The crowd gave several confused shouts before James laughed and said it was a joke. The other half of Purity Ring, Corin Roddick, joined her on stage for a performance and light show fans would remember.

All photos from the show can been seen here.

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Wolf Alice

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Ones to Watch: Wolf Alice

Concert Reviews, Indie Artists, New Music, Photos, Rock Artists, Uncategorized

May 29, 2015

All photos from Wolf Alice’s show May 19 at Holy Mountain in Austin, TX can be viewed here.

Halfway through Wolf Alice’s 12-song set, I find myself with a huge smile on my face when I soak in the reality of the moment. “Storms” is not the soundtrack to this moment. Packed into sold-out 200 capacity Holy Mountain with fans jumping and head banging, it is the moment.

There is a special feeling to hearing music performed live – the raw, unedited vocals, distorted guitar, the sound of fingers running up and down the strings, the thumping bass and the tinging cymbals. If the atmosphere is right, it is magic. It’s easy to get lost in it. Smiling to myself, that was my realization. It’s such a dream-like state, you forget it’s real. A 12-song set turns into hours and with the blink of an eye back into a second.

For the time being, Wolf Alice transported me to the place where all that mattered were the vibrations ringing in my eardrums. Some people say Rock ‘n’ Roll is dead. But Wolf Alice is gives me hope that it very much alive. Wolf Alice is a young band, no doubt, still solidifying their sound. But they are talented.

Starting out as a a folk-tinged pop project, “Leaving You” was the first glimpse we saw from Ellie Roswell and Joff Oddie in 2010. Followed by “Fluffy” in 2013, with the addition of drummer Joel Amey and bassist Theo Ellis, they formed their rock roots. The end of 2013 also brought us Blush EP, showing off a mix of driving drums and grunge guitar distortion on “She” contrasted with hauntingly delicate vocals and resonating guitar progression on “Blush.” Creature Songs EP, released May 2014, displays different sounds still – more guitar distortion, more hard-hitting rock beats, more driving bass, and overall more play with vocal expression and distortion.

Wolf Alice’s songs translate well in the live setting, emphasizing the grunge appeal. The four-piece are outfitted in Dr. Martens and ripped skinny jeans. Oddie uses a pedal board that looks like it could control the starship Enterprise. And Roswell adds another mic for distorted vocals. It’s a ragged act that could use some cleaning before hitting the big stage, but surely, their sound will command the audience at the many festivals they are playing this summer and fall, including Austin City Limits Fest’s second weekend. Listening to “Moaning Lisa Smile,” I can feel myself surrounded by tens of thousands of people singing and jumping along with the sun bearing down on my shoulders mid-day at a festival.

Wolf Alice

With the many different sides Wolf Alice has shown, there is much anticipation leading up to their debut album release My Love Is Cool on June 23 (US). Most recent singles “Giant Peach” and “Bros” establish that roller coaster sound that we are likely to hear on the album, from soft and tender to driving and powerful. It is one of my most anticipated albums of the year.

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All Time Low

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Future Hearts Tour

Concert Reviews, Photos, Pop Punk Artists

May 6, 2015

Future Hearts Tour stopped in Austin, TX on April 29 at ACL Live’ infamous Moody Theater. State Champs, Tonight Alive and Issues opened the night for All Time Low. All photos can be seen on Flickr.

Starting the show, State Champs brought the energy to the stage, jumping around and head banging across the stage, never standing still. Fans reacted by cheering and jumping, giving the same energy back to the band. Singer Derek DiScanio slowed down the set for one song, performing “If I’m Lucky” solo on acoustic guitar. Fans got out their phones and turned on their flash lights to light up the Moody Theater. Fans roared as The New Yorkers ended the set with 2013 hit “Elevated” before handing the stage over for Tonight Alive.

Tonight Alive delivered an impressive pop-punk set. Jenna McDougall’s vocals ring out in a surprisingly clean and powerful tone, giving a unique face to the music. The band came on stage in all smiles, and remained that way throughout the set. Half way through the set, McDougall made the crowd repeat after her: “From this day, I refuse to live in fear of someone else’s judgement.” After several repetitions, she dedicated the song to the crowd before jumping into “What Are You So Scared Of?,” a 2010 release. From her delivery and the reaction of crowd, it was clear this song meant a lot to her and to Tonight Alive fans. Before the end of the set, she asked in her Australian accent, “Is anyone else feeling that good energy in the room tonight? It’s running through me.” The crowd cheered loudest of all, pushing the energy back at her before Tonight Alive ended the set with “The Edge.”

After signing to Fearless Records in 2010, Tonight Alive has gained huge popularity among pop-punk fans. At this rate, they are sure to stick around for awhile longer.

Issues continued the hype, brining hardcore to the otherwise pop-punk show. Clean vocalist Tyler Carter and unclean vocalist Michael Bohn ran around stage, taking turns singing and screaming. Bassist Skyler Acord was an impressive whirlwind of head banging and jumping, never standing still for more than a second. At one point, Bohn asked to see a circle pit, but with Austin’s laid back mentality, it was hard to tell whether that was a reality or not.

Nine years after releasing Put Up Or Shut Up EP and five albums later, All Time Low’s Future Hearts album went number one in the US. Released April 7, the album also went number one in the UK, number three in Canada, number four in Australia, and sold the most vinyl copies in the US and UK, gaining them the title of number one album in the world.

The Future Hearts Tour production was bigger than anything All Time Low has done in the US before. Their stage set-up and lights show surpassed their previous productions. While Moody Theatre feels like an intimate venue, the stage still powers over the audience. Banners hanging from the ceiling, several stories high, served as the backdrop for the show. During song changes, the top layer fell down to reveal a new layer with a new image, featuring images like the Future Hearts cover and the band members. All Time Low are known for their lights show. And thanks to their light engineer Jeff Maker, the light show went above an beyond, swallowing the stage in colors from green to red to purple and white.

All Time LowFor just having released Future Hearts, All Time Low’s setlist was surprisingly typical of the band. Opening with “Satellite,” the set featured only four other songs from the new album – “Runaways,” “Missing You,” “Something’s Gotta Give,” and “Kids in the Dark.” The rest of the set was filled with all of the usual hits and fan favorites like “Weightless,” “Damned If I Do Ya,” “Lost In Stereo,” and “Six Feet Under the Stars,” among others. And of course it wouldn’t be an All Time Low show if they didn’t close with “Dear Maria.” As of April 21, it was announced that “Dear Maria, Count Me In,” So Wrong, It’s Right (2008), is now certified platinum, despite never receiving radio play. This comes after the news that “Weightless,” Nothing Personal (2009), went gold in Nov. 2014.

Despite the average setlist, All Time Low delivered the same, lively and fun set as always, interspersed with comical commentary from singer Alex Gaskarth and guitarist Jack Barakat. Bras, letters and hats were thrown on stage as gifts for the band. All the while, fans sang their hearts out, and jumped at the opportunity to be pulled on stage during “Time Bomb.” There was so much love in the room from and for the band, that there wasn’t a soul in the crowd that didn’t go home satisfied.

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Matt and Kim

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Matt and Kim Party With Austin

Concert Reviews, Indie Artists, Photos, Pop Artists, Uncategorized

April 24, 2015

Matt and Kim played at Stubb’s in Austin, TX on April 23 with support from WATERS. Their current U.S. tour is in support of their album New Glow, which released earlier this month. All photos from the show can be seen here.

The first time I saw Matt and Kim was at Stubb’s in 2012. I remember them bringing the party to the big stage, and I must say three years later, they’ve still got it.

The 2,000 capacity sold out show packed in people of all ages from young teenagers to moms and dads. The concert goers at the front of the crowd had been waiting for hours in 80 degree weather and humidity so high it felt like you stepped into a sauna. WATERS opened the show and brought the fun. It was hot. It was sweaty. And it was a dance party. The stage was adorned with flowers on each mic stand and in vases spread across amps. Keyboardist Sara DaMert also brought out a bouquet of flowers and handed it out to crowd members before starting the show. They rocked their set with a San Fransisco sound reminiscent of Grouplove’s good vibes. Frontman Van Pierszalowski even commented that he hardly saw anyone distracted by their cell phones. Instead the crowd’s full attention was captivated by WATERS.

Austin was a special show. You could feel the energy the crowd had before Matt and Kim even started. Audience members were singing and chanting as the anticipation rose. One of the security guards even commented, “this is going to be a fun crowd.”

Finally an ecstatic Matt and Kim took the stage to a wild, roaring crowd. Kim Schifino ran around the stage, waving and smiling at different parts of the audience, while Matt Johnson waved a Matt and Kim t-shirt above his head before throwing it into the audience. Ascending an elevated stage that seated them high above the crowd, Matt and Kim mounted their keyboard and drums to start the first song with a bang. From that moment until the end of the hour and a half set, there wasn’t a sweaty body in the crowd that wasn’t dancing.

Matt sang in his quirky voice and played the keys while Kim banged on the drums, never stopping from smiling and yelling with the crowd. Already after the first song, the duo stopped to talk to the crowd before entering a dance break. Matt, laughing to himself, asked the sound engineer to turn down his in ear monitor and explained that the crowd that they have monitors so they can hear the crowd, but Austin was already so loud on the very first song that they didn’t need the extra amplification. Matt played a recorded dance track before shooting confetti at the crowd, all while Kim danced.

The rest of the night continued in more high energy antics set to new songs with a couple oldies here and there. Multiple times both Matt and Kim stopped between songs to talk to the crowd, repeatedly saying how insane the crowd was. Austin has always been a favorite city of theirs, and they expressed how thankful they are to be able to play sold out shows on all of their Texas dates. Matt said to come back to a city like Austin and have a crowd like that is an amazing feat for any band, and they are grateful for it.

One of the loudest crowds I have ever witnessed, it was no lie that Austin really was a special show for them. The pure energy exuded from the band and the crowd was larger than anything I’ve felt at a show in a long time. When the two left the stage, the night was far from being over. With the crowd chanting “Matt and Kim,” they returned for an encore that was almost more epic than the rest of the set. Matt explained that the two agreed on this tour not to do what they were about to do, but if it felt right they would. Going in, they both knew Austin might feel right, and it did. So for the encore Kim climbed on top of the crowd to dance, for a minute of booty shaking and head banging. For the final song, Matt and Kim both took their shirts off, a rarity for Matt, and asked the crowd to do the same. The duo hardly wanted to leave the stage when the show was over, taking time to say good-byes and toss memorabilia into the crowd.

At the end of the night, every sweaty body in the crowd left wanting to continue the party. That show wasn’t just one for the books, it was one to remember for a lifetime.

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The Ting Tings

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The Ting Tings Concert Photos

Concert Reviews, Photos, Pop Artists, Uncategorized

April 23, 2015

The Ting Tings stopped in Austin, TX on April 22 at Emo’s on their U.S tour with support from KANEHOLLER. See all photos from the show on Flickr.

I was able to catch The Ting Tings twice at SXSW, and both times they played an energetic set. Their music is so carefree that it just makes you want to dance. Of course the crowd favorites were “That’s Not My Name” and “Shut Up and Let Me Go,” their early hits. But my favorite is the 10-minute-long live version of “No Hands” that loops what feels like forever in a trance of guitar and drum build-ups and bass drops.

Their performance at Emo’s was somewhat disappointing compared to the sets I saw at SXSW. That is not to say they did not perform well, but their lights show was severely lacking from the potential it could have to take their show to the next level. The show was not sold out either, and I couldn’t quite pinpoint what made the crowd different from the times I saw them. It was mainly adults who came to watch, and hardly dance. It always changes the dynamic when people aren’t interacting with the music in a positive and energetic way.

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Broods

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Broods Concert Photos

Concert Reviews, Photos, Pop Artists, Uncategorized

April 5, 2015

New Zealand’s brother and sister duo Broods stopped in Austin, TX on their last night of their US tour on April 2 at Emo’s. While the show was not sold out, many endearing fans and adults packed the house for a night of music. See all photos from the show on flickr.

Broods worked with Joel Little (Lorde, Sam Smith) on their debut Evergreen. The sound is akin with Lorde and Chvrches manipulation of synth and instrumentals. With “Bridges” and “Mother & Father” on the radio, expect to see and hear more of Broods around.

See their Instagram post about the tour. Original photo by Jenna Million.

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The Maine

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SXSW 2015 Showcase with The Maine

Concert Reviews, Indie Artists, New Music, Photos, Pop Punk Artists

March 23, 2015

Before The Maine heads out on their U.S. tour in support of their new album, American Candy, they stopped in Austin, TX for a showcase at South By Southwest. Night Riots and Pianos Become the Teeth joined them for a night of rock music. Go here to see all photos from the show.

Fans eagerly lined up hours before doors to get a spot at the free show at Emo’s. Pianos Become the Teeth, a Baltimore-based punk rock band opened the show, serenading the crowd with Brand New-esque vibes.

Dressed head to toe in black, Night Riots took the stage for an energizing set of alt-rock anthems. Their up-beat sound and use of synthesizers and poppy guitar riffs, along with driving drums and bass-line gives their music a playful undertone. Charismatic frontman Travis Hawley commanded the stage in his jean jacket and leather gloves, flipping his hair and dancing. Hawley’s hauntingly sweet vocals add a unique face to the music, akin with bands like The Killers and Muse. Guitarists Nick Fontinakes and Matt DePauw shared their turn in the spot light, shredding the guitar during solos. Even fans of The Maine were impressed, leaving the show with a new favorite band to listen to.

Finally The Maine took the stage to play old songs for adoring fans, and showcase new ones. Starting out with “Miles Away,” a recently released track off of American Candy, fans went wild, singing every word. The Maine went straight into some old favorites, mixing it up with two new ones “Hair” and “English Girls.” As always, The Maine delivered a solid set, showing off their maturity and refined rock sound since their earlier pop-punk days.

With Pioneer (2011) and Forever Halloween (2013), The Maine crafted a guitar-heavy rock sound. From the sounds of “Miles Away” and “English Girls,” they will keep the rock ‘n’ roll vibes, embellished with signature distorted guitar riffs. American Candy is sure to please fans, and hopefully will open new doors for the band to reach new audiences.

American Candy is set to release on March 31 and is available for digital, CD and vinyl pre-orders here.

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Cold War Kids

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Cold War Kids Concert Review and Photos

Concert Reviews, Indie Artists, Photos

March 8, 2015

Cold War Kids stopped on March 7 in Austin, TX to play Stubb’s on the last night of their U.S. tour. More photos from the show can be seen here.

Austin locals The Vanity opened the show with a rocking punch. Vocalist Alex Dugan was a crowd entertainer, passionately yelling and jumping around. Between their alternative rock sound and their entertaining performance, it was clear that these guys have the potential to go far.

Next up was Elliot Moss, getting the crowd warmed up with his unique alternative electronic music. Most akin to Odesza and Disclosure, Moss takes a more relaxed and rock-based approach to electronic music, using guitar and baritone saxophone to shape his sound.

Finally Cold War Kids took the stage with “All This Could Be Yours,” the opening track from their latest album Hold My Home. Immediately, they got the crowd hyped with fan favorite “Miracle Mile.” Every member gave it their all. Frontman Nathan Willett sang soulfully while skillfully switching between tambourine, guitar and piano. Bassist Matt Maust swung every which way across stage, never standing still in one place. Meanwhile Dann Gallucci jammed on guitar and sang along every word, even when he was not contributing to back-up vocals.

Willett said how excited they all were to be in Austin for the last night of tour. Austin is one of their favorite cities and it felt right for the band and everyone in the crowd.

The hour and 20 minute set was accompanied by a psychedelic lights show, adding to the rock vibes. Performing a mix of new song from Hold My Home and old favorites, the crowd danced and sang along every second.

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Taking Back Sunday

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Taking Back Sunday Tour Review and Photos

Concert Reviews, Photos, Pop Punk Artists, Uncategorized

February 24, 2015

Taking Back Sunday stopped in Austin, TX at Emo’s on Feb. 20 for a night of high-energy rocking. The Menzingers and letlive. opened the show. Click the photos below to see more of each band or go here.

The Menzingers  have been around since 2006, but are making the rounds in the pop punk scene since the release of their last album Rented World in 2014. They brought the energy to the sold out show, jumping all over stage and getting the crowd pumped up for the night.

The Menzingers

letlive. has been on my bucket list to see for awhile now. I’ve heard stories about their reckless, insane, energetic show, but I was not prepared for the reality of it. Before the first song was over, Jason Butler, vocalist, jumped off stage and made his way through the crowd. Unexpected fans searched for him eagerly, and those lucky enough to be near him screamed along to the song, while others took selfies or watched on with smiles from ear to ear. The rest of the set continued with manic actions from Butler, breaking a lamp on stage and climbing speakers all while fervently singing and screaming lyrics. The rest of the band, feeding off each others’ energy, supported him with solid instrumentals. The set was truly a spectacle that is bound to be unique every night.

letlive.

Finally it was the time of night fans had been waiting hours for. Taking Back Sunday took the stage and wasted no time to get straight to rocking, which they did a lot of that night. It was clear many of these fans have been waiting a long time to see Taking Back Sunday, who for many, could be called their favorite band. There was not a soul in the crowd who wasn’t singing every word. It is always a pleasure to see a veteran band deliver a performance with precision and passion from years of touring.

Taking Back Sunday

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Lights

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Lights Lit Up the Night with Her Performance – Concert Review and Photos

Concert Reviews, Indie Artists, New Music, Photos, Pop Artists

February 22, 2015

LightsLights stopped in Austin on Feb. 21 at Emo’s as part of her Little Machines Tour across the U.S. It has been years since the last time she has played in Austin, and the fans made it count. All photos from the show can be found here.

Although the show was not sold out, fans of all ages still packed the house for an evening of singing and dancing. X Ambassadors, opening the show, showed off their rocking talent. They brought their all and left nothing behind, passionately delivering each song with vigor.

Lights took the stage at 9:00 p.m. to a roaring crowd, starting it off slow with an intro to “Muscle Memory,” quickly picking up the pace for this retro-dance anthem.

Lights delivered an hour and fifteen minute set filled with songs from Little Machines as well as old favorites from Siberia. Her loyal fans soaked up every second of it, giving back the energy she put into her performance. Trading keyboard for guitar throughout the night, she never missed a beat.

Song after song, Lights upheld her electric energy that radiated throughout the room. Her genuine happiness to be playing to the crowd in Austin was matched by adoring fans signing every word back to her like nothing else in the world mattered. And Lights even took the time between songs to address that state of mind – she realized the importance of living in the moment and appreciating what you have here and now. The message is translated in “Running With the Boys,” which emulates the innocence of the carefree mind of a child.

LightsLights killed the set, going above and beyond vocally. Her albums display her songwriting and lyrical skills while her smooth voice to bring it to life. Where many singers fall short live, Lights pierces the show with powerful projecting vocals that shine through the smokey room. It is an impressive and extraordinary feat to have an artist so well-rounded in every aspect of performance from musicianship and vocal clarity to endurance to crowd captivation and entertainment.

Halfway through the set she slowed it down for a solo love ballad on her piano, and fans came together in appreciation and admiration. The rest of the night was a high-energy dance party until it was over all too soon. Giving a full-force finale of “Up We Go” and “Oil and Water,” Lights said goodbye with nothing but smiles and love for the Austin crowd, and the promise to come back soon.

 

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