Happy New Year! Hope your holiday season was filled with fun, family, or a pleasant combination of the two. While I was recovering from the yuletide madness, Free Week happened! Hope everyone got a chance to check out an amazing show or three.
This week, we recommend bouncy late ’90s rock, psychedelic grunge, and exceptional power punk in the style of Sailor Poon. Enjoy the weekend; continue to be awesome; and listen local!
Jan. 10
Cotton Mather w/The Belle Sounds
@ ABGB (1305 W. Oltorf) – 9 p.m. – Facebook event
Guitar-driven pop featuring smart lyrics and bouncy hooks plucked straight from the mid-’90s, Cotton Mather has been rocking the Austin music scene since–well–the mid-’90s.
The group’s breakout album, 1997’s “Kontiki,” is a time capsule of laid-back power pop in the vein of Elivs Costello and Guided By Voices. From the airy and emotional “Lily Dreams On” to the fun, lead-heavy scorch of “My Before and After,” the record is a satisfying listen.
And Cotton Mather didn’t stop there. The latest record, “Wild Kingdom” (2017), updates the ’90s sparkle with varied instrumentation and a new sense of Spoon-esqe groove.
This show is sure to be a wildly entertaining blast to the past.
The Dizzy Bangers w/Nothing 2 Fear, Relative Center, more
@ Texas Mist (1115 Old Bastrop Hwy) – 7 p.m. – Facebook event
By peppering straight up rock and roll with elements of psych and old-fashioned blues, The Dizzy Bangers ride an ever undulating wave of musical influences. Last year’s EP, “All Out of Fake Smiles,” sways from grunge-heavy guitar snarl to hazed out, groove-laden indie.
My favorite song on the EP is “Kismet,” a shimmering, hook-heavy rock track layered with punchy percussion, bright guitar, and multi-vocal harmonies. Reminiscent of a late-’90s banger, it’s a ton of fun.
Speaking of which, massive helpings of good times from The Dizzy Bangers and a host of supporting Austin acts await those intrepid enough to make the trip to Texas Mist this weekend.
Jan. 11
Pleasure Venom w/Go Fever, Broken Baby, more
@ Cheer Up Charlies (900 Red River) – 9 p.m. – Facebook event
Sometimes, I need a little snarl in my life. Wonderfully aggressive street punk, Pleasure Venom blends traditional thrash with experimental elements to create rock that truly sing. “Deth,” off the self-titled 2018 EP, combines wall-of-sound guitars with ear-splitting screeches, while “I Can’t Find My Black Lipstick” pounds a fantastic riff into a final sonic tidal wave.
Music with raw power, aggression, and talent to spare, Pleasure Venom is highly recommended for anyone brave enough to step into the onslaught. Looking forward to checking this local band out during SXSW 2020!
@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:
Where are you going for live, local music this weekend in Austin?
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