• Advertise
  • Donate
  • Write
  • Intern
  • Events
  • About
  • Contact

The Austinot

Discover Austin Texas! An Austin blog with hundreds of unique articles.

  • Things To Do
    • Things To Do This Weekend
    • Things To Do This Week
    • Things To Do This Weekend With Kids
  • Discoveries
    • Austinot Loves
    • Activities
    • Day Trips
    • Local Business
  • Food & Drink
    • Food
    • Drink
  • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • Music
    • Nightlife
    • Theatre
  • Culture
    • Arts
    • History
    • Museums
  • Et Cetera
    • Non-Profits
    • Podcast
    • Archives

Duncan Fellows Delivers Evolving Indie Rock to Austin Music Scene

April 11, 2016 by Bill Tucker 2 Comments

Duncan Fellows Band Members

Close family of music-playing friends, Duncan Fellows is a band worth watching (Credit: Duncan Fellows)

There’s nothing like conducting an interview next to a set of dumpsters on 6th Street. But that’s where I found myself, chatting with the members of Duncan Fellows before their Feb. 23 show at The Parish. Their demeanor was quiet and unassuming, much like their blend of emotional, harmony-driven gaze rock.

But don’t mistake these indie upstarts for boring. With a repertoire of well-crafted tunes about love, loss and longing, Duncan Fellows impresses with their range and simple power. And with a new record being released this summer, buoyed by a standout single, these Austin originals are on the verge of making a serious splash in the local music scene.

Born and Bred ATX

Born from a friendship between Texas natives Colin Harman and Cullen Trevino, Duncan Fellows started while the two were studying at The University of Texas. Over the subsequent years, the band grew into a musical grab bag of folk-playing local artists.

Duncan Fellows Live Concert

Duncan Fellows delivers an exceptional live show (Credit: Marco Figueroa Acosta/MAFA Photo)

But when the group trimmed down to five members in 2012, they named the band after Trevino’s house on Duncan Lane and started in a new direction. With the name change, they focused their sound into the expressive indie rock they play today.

Simple Songs With Complex Emotions

Duncan Fellows’ first two EPs track their growth from folky troubadours to indie rockers. “Twelve Months Older” (2013) is five songs of folk rock goodness. Standout tracks like “Arrow” showcase Harman and multi-instrumentalist Margot Stevenson’s natural harmony, while “Stolen Black Cars” speaks like a Springsteen ballad about growing up and getting out. Filled with the energy and fear of young love, blurred highway lines and unknown destinations, this acoustic guitar tune is beautiful in its simplicity.

Colin Harman of Duncan Fellows

Colin Harman sings his heart out during a Duncan Fellows show (Credit: Marco Figueroa Acosta/MAFA Photo)

Deeper and more rock than their previous effort, “Marrow” (2015) expands Duncan Fellows’ sound with early Smashing Pumpkins fuzz and Kings of Leon leads. “Saints” tells a story of growth and discovery, while “New Skins’” upbeat drum brush rhythms, sparse electric guitars and group harmonies float and sparkle. Even with only six songs, “Marrow” is full of variety and range.

Coffins and the New Record

Tentatively due for release this summer, Duncan Fellows’ first LP is the next evolution in the band’s sound. Thanks to fan feedback and personal taste, Harman promises the album will be more upbeat and driving than previous records.

Margot Stevenson of Duncan Fellows

Stevenson of Duncan Fellows plays the keys during the band’s Feb. 23 show at The Parish (Credit: Marco Figueroa Acosta/MAFA Photo)

“I feel like a lot of the stuff that has influenced us has been the live show setting,” Harman shared. “The more we played, the more we figured out what people liked and what we liked. We also bought electronic instruments, which helps.”

Judging from their live show, they’ve used those fancy electronics well. The newer songs in the set were peppered with electric drum beats, trumpets and huge, room-filling codas. Even the quieter, more contemplative tunes commanded the chatty crowd’s attention.

NOTE: The below video has some borderline NSFW images.

The lead-off single, “Coffins,” from the yet-to-be-titled new album is a perfect example of Duncan Fellows’ new direction. Bouncy and upbeat, while still maintaining an edge of darkness, the song is an instant earworm. If this is a sign of the balance achieved on the album to come, fans will not be disappointed.

Duncan Fellows’ Ever-Changing Voice

As Duncan Fellows played their final song of their 8 p.m. set at The Parish, Harman abandoned his guitar and took to the mic with fury. Disco ball sparkles and stardust painted the crowd as Stevenson’s backing vocals lifted the song above a killer Southern rock lead. Even if the crowd was there for the headliner, at that moment, they were fully engaged with the openers.

Duncan Fellows Backstage

Duncan Fellows enjoys a well-earned backstage rest at The Parish (Credit: Marco Figueroa Acosta/MAFA Photo)

There’s nothing better than watching a group of musical artists evolve. Despite being only three years old with their current lineup, Duncan Fellows has walked the line from folk rock to indie power, with increasingly awesome results. Worth catching both live and on record, Duncan Fellows continues the great Austin tradition of interesting, thoughtful and explosive indie rock. Dumpsters outside The Parish not required.


For show, music and merch information, visit duncanfellows.com.

 

@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:

Who’s your favorite Austin indie rock act?

Filed Under: Entertainment, Music

Best of The Austinot

We always have unique content on The Austinot and we love to give things away. You know, like concert tickets, gift cards, and other cool stuff. We only send out our “Best of the Austinot” newsletter twice a month. It’s where we give you a recap of our best articles and give stuff away. Interested? Subscribe to Best of The Austinot here!

Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
2 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Fan boy
Fan boy
6 years ago

Hot right now.

0
Reply
anna griffith
anna griffith
4 years ago

I grow up with Cullen Trevino. I miss you so much.

0
Reply

Connect with Us

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Things to do

Things to do in Austin this week

10 Fun Things to do in Austin this week of July 4, 2022 include Round Rock Express Vs. Albuquerque, Cedar Park Fourth, and more!

Austin is now among the fastest-growing metroplexes in the US! Keeping up with the growth, luckily there’s plenty going on in Austin all days of the week. There are things to do on Monday in Austin, of course, things to do in Austin on Saturday night, and everything in between! Some of you may be […]

Things to do in Austin with kids this weekend

Top 10 Things to Do in Austin with Kids this Weekend of July 1, 2022 include Bastrop Patriotic Festival, Family Game Night, and More!

If there’s one thing about this city, it’s that there is always something going on. So, if you’re looking for fun things to do in Austin with kids this weekend of July 1, 2022, there’s plenty of fun to be had, including Dive In Movies – Wells Branch, Bastrop Patriotic Festival, and more!   Top […]

Things to do in Austin this weekend | Brick Rodeo

10 Fun Things to Do in Austin This Weekend of July 1, 2022 Include Brick Rodeo, Party at Independence, and More!

  For summer camp information, check out our page for Best Summer Camps in Austin for 2022!  If you would like to discover more Things to do in Austin this Week & Things to do in Austin with Kids this Weekend, check out Facebook for immediate notifications.

texas swimming holes near austin

Texas swimming holes near Austin – 10 watering holes for a fun swim this summer

If you have been looking for free places to swim in Austin or googling ‘swimming holes near me’, you are in the right place! Texas is known for a lot of things and one of them is relentlessly hot summers. The temperatures are rising in Austin and across the state. Luckily, there are also many […]

Austin trampoline parks - Urban Air Adventure Park (Cedar Park)

Austin Trampoline Parks – Best Indoor Jumping Places for Kids and Adults!

Trampoline parks were among the decade’s most unique leisure attractions. They offer a playful atmosphere where people can defy the laws of physics and have a good time hurling themselves around. It consists of a large room filled wall to wall with trampolines. On the weekend, you may get rid of your boredom and have […]

Recent Posts

  • 10 Fun Things to do in Austin this week of July 4, 2022 include Round Rock Express Vs. Albuquerque, Cedar Park Fourth, and more!
  • Top 10 Things to Do in Austin with Kids this Weekend of July 1, 2022 include Bastrop Patriotic Festival, Family Game Night, and More!
  • 4th July events in Austin: Independence day 2022 fireworks, parades, concerts & other celebrations!
  • 10 Fun Things to Do in Austin This Weekend of July 1, 2022 Include Brick Rodeo, Party at Independence, and More!
  • Texas swimming holes near Austin – 10 watering holes for a fun swim this summer

Welcome to The Austinot

We are all about Austin: the vibe, the people and the uniqueness of the city. We love to explore. Get to know us! We’ll respond if you comment. Heck, we’ll probably invite you to come and hang out with us!

Follow along to help support and learn more about local businesses, artists, and events.

-The Austinot Team

Privacy Policy

Trending Posts

  • 4th July events in Austin: Independence day 2022 fireworks, parades, concerts & other celebrations!
  • 10 Best Lakes in and around Austin
  • 20 Restaurants Open Late in Austin – Best Late Night Food Places For Tasty Eats
  • 7 Popular Lady Bird Lake Activities to Experience This Year
  • 8 Laid-back Waterfront Restaurants in Austin (Besides The Oasis)

Copyright © 2022 · Log in

wpDiscuz