In the year I’ve been doing this article series, I’ve had the privilege to feature some of Austin’s best and brightest local artists. It’s a time-consuming labor of love, but my weekly dive into discovery is more than worth the effort. As a result, for the first time, I’m featuring four shows. This weekend brings 1) an exceptional shoegaze band’s album release, 2) driving 80’s synth, 3) an incredible cover show, and 4) a legendary venue filled with legendary performers. Thanks for the readership and keep listening local!
NOTE: I’ll be skipping next week’s article due to a last-minute work trip. Curse you, reality!
Friday, Feb. 9
Hovvdy album release w/Molly Burch, AMA
@ Barracuda (611 E 7th St.) – 8 p.m. – Tickets
One of my favorite discoveries of early 2018, Hovvdy’s tender, haze-filled shoegaze conjures up comparisons to early Death Cab and My Bloody Valentine. Standout tracks on the new record include the thoughtful, driving “Petal” and “In the Sun,” plus “Late,” a softly rhythmic tune that flutters from the speakers with delicate emotion. Looking forward to the entirety of the album on Friday, Feb. 9. Also playing is songstress Molly Burch and indie pop act AMA.
Night Drive rocked Black Fret’s kickoff party for the 2018 season (Credit: Bill Tucker)
Night Drive, Moving Panoramas
@ Empire Control Room (606 E. 7th St.) – 7 p.m. – Tickets
Bursting with the power and drive of an episode of “Knight Rider,” Night Drive’s slick ’80s synth pop transcends the label “retro act.” The group’s latest self-titled record pulses with plinking keys, driving electro-drum beats, and lead singer Rodney Connell’s haunting vocals. Moving Panoramas, Austin’s favorite indie pop trio, is also on the bill. Crafting catchy yet poignant music is harder than it looks, and Moving Panoramas pulls it off beautifully.
Quiet Company records at Orb Studios before an audience of Black Fret members (Credit: Philip Rogers Photograph)
Quiet Company Performs Weezer’s “Blue Album”
@ Mohawk (912 Red River St.) – 9 p.m. – Tickets
While I never showcase cover bands or shows in this series, when something is this awesome, I make an exception. Back in ’94, Weezer’s “The Blue Album” was part of my adolescent soundtrack. Beyond the nostalgia, it’s a perfectly crafted blend of power chords, heightened emotion, and pure pop goodness. Imagining Taylor Muse channeling Rivers Cuomo sounds like a match made in MTV heaven. And it that isn’t enough, Food Group will be perfoming Radiohead’s “In Rainbows” and Shark Rider will be rocking The Pixies’ “Doolittle.” An evening of classic amazing.
Saturday, Feb. 10
Rebecca Loebe delivering a wonderful set of downhome Americana during SXSW 2017 (Credit: Bill Tucker)
Rebecca Loebe w/Steven Ray Will, Van Wilks, Mandy Rowen, the Greers
@ Saxon Pub (1320 S. Lamar Blvd.) – 3 p.m. – Tickets
With a lineup of incredible musicians, it’s hard to pick a centerpiece, but Rebecca Loebe’s sensational pipes and warm songwriting sensibilities take the cake. As mentioned in my Must-See Local Artists at SXSW 2016 list, the sweet surrender of Loebe’s “Lie” is a finely-tuned piece of country perfection. And it’s not all about her. A mélange of Austin’s finest Americana, blues, and rock-a-country acts jampack this rockstar bill.
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
What show are you looking forward to most this weekend in Austin?
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