Howdy, ATX music lovers! Amazing that we’re already one month into 2019. Seems like just yesterday we were skimming the radio avoiding Christmas music and Top 100 lists. Thus far, the New Year’s been flush with killer live music, and this weekend in Austin is no exception. This time around, we recommend first-class ATX psych-rock, brassy soul/funk, and a rock-and-roll songstress who spits guitar-driven fire. Listen local!
Friday, Feb. 1
Bright Light Social Hour’s latest record is a burst of New Wave, psych rock power (Credit: Cristian Sigler)
The Bright Light Social Hour album release show
@ Waterloo Records (600 N. Lamar Blvd.) – 5 p.m. – Event page – Free
If you follow this weekly column with any regularity, then you know of my love for The Bright Light Social Hour. A hazy blend of swirling guitars, head-trip synth, and an incredible sense of rhythm and time, the four-piece creates music that sounds like the product of 10.
The new record, “Jude Vol. 1,” is another step in the group’s musical evolution. The seven-song stunner weaves tapestries of New Wave keys, smokey vocals, and effects summoned either from earthy depths or plucked from the stars. The opening track, “Give To Me Words,” is a cannon blast of rock velocity, while the first single, “Lie to Me,” rushes tight guitar leads along a fervent drum track.
Seeing Bright Light is required for anyone daring enough to call themself a fan of Austin music. If you haven’t, tick that box this weekend at Waterloo.
Saturday, Feb. 2
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Roxy Roca
@ Oskar Blues Brewery (10420 Metric) – Doors 7 p.m. – Event page
By melding blustery big band horns with a soulful funk/rock groove, Roxy Roca have been tearing up Austin stages since 2013. Veterans of over 200 shows a year, these local soul masters deliver tasty doses of brassy ATX soul with a style and flair all their own.
Tunes like “Taurus” allow front man Taye Cannon to rock above a tight bass/drum rhythm track, while the horn lines in the infectious “Don’t Call Me (Maybe I’ll Call You)” conjure up images of midnight trysts gone awry and their lingering consequences.
The show itself is in support of the Austin chapter of Girls Pint Out, a craft beer advocacy group with the sole intent of creating a hop-loving women’s community, dedicated to the appreciation of Austin’s growing brewery scene. Rad music for a worthy cause in a fantastic setting. All the makings for a beautiful Saturday night.
Sunday, Feb. 3
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Cari Q
@ Austin Eastciders Collaboratory (979 Springdale Road, #130) – 2 p.m. – Event page
Another random discovery in this week’s musical wanderings, local singer/songwriter Cari Q blew the headphones off my ears. By churning her expressive, otherworldly vocals into a spin cycle of screaming guitars, complex arrangements, and dynamic shifting song craft, Cari Q’s music is driving, expressive, and full of teeth-gritting fire.
Just listen to tracks like the roller coaster “Laura” and the blistering “When You’re Around” for proof of her awesomeness. While I’m not sure if her full band will take (or even fit) on the Collaboratory stage, expect a Sunday Funday of musical wonder, regardless.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Where are you going for live, local music in Austin this weekend?
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