The Austinot Weekend Concert Picks: January 17-18, 2020

Salutations, Austin! Another week of early 2020 is in the books and, with it, we have the promise of a great live music weekend. This time around, we recommend old school country, dreamy shoegaze, and another look at an old friend. Enjoy your three nights of fun and always listen local!

Friday, Jan. 17

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A post shared by Duane Mark (@ihateduanemark) on Jun 27, 2019 at 10:38pm PDT

Duane Mark album release w/Clyde & Clem’s Whiskey Business, Omarr Awake, Heart of the City

@ Hole in the Wall (2538 Guadalupe) – 9 p.m. – Facebook event

Boozy outlaw country with a Texas snarl, Duane Mark constructs authentic tunes steeped with personal experiences. Three singles from his upcoming full-length record currently exist in the world. “Alone Again” places somber fiddle and lyrics of isolation atop a dancehall boogie, while “Three Days” takes the tempo down in a swaying waltz.

His latest single, “Nothing Left,” is an upbeat, horn-popped jammer in the style of Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats. A musician of range and power, Duane Mark is a musician worth keeping both eyeballs and eardrums on during the coming year.

ThunderStars album release w/Evergreen, Dottie

The Electric Church (5018 E. Cesar Chavez) – 10 p.m. – Facebook event

Mellowed out shoegaze in the style of local luminaries HOVVDY, ThunderStars’ pillowy production and hazy soundscapes are captivating. The group’s brand new LP, “Number Stations,” is a swirling tapestry of sound surrounding catchy leads and reverb-laden vocals.

On “Oceans,” echo-drenched percussion and moribund Cure-inspired guitar lines provide a lush lake for singer Erik Kang’s vocals to swim through. “Not That Far” continues the tape hiss vibe, while “Ride” turns down the effects in favor of a guitar-driven, post-punk banger. A lovely blend of ear candy guitar lines and swirling, dreamy sound.

Saturday, Jan. 18

Ray Prim

@ Oskar Blues Brewery (10420 Metric #150) – 6:30 p.m. – Facebook event

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve spoken sugar about the wonderful Ray Prim, so here we go! Since my 2017 article covering the release of “To Whom It May Concern,” Mr. Prim has released two records, a host of singles, and played dang near one hundred shows. One of the hardest working dudes in the Austin scene, Ray’s constantly punching the clock.

Best described as soul-infused rock-a-pop with elements of world, folk, and the occasional orchestral layer, Ray Prim’s sound is expansive and undeniable. “Sweet Heart,” off 2018’s “Stay Afloat,” drips with old-school soul, while “Stop Frontin’,” off last year’s “Unconditional,” is the quintessential Ray Prim song. Opening with lush guitar and strings, the track explodes into a wall of trash guitars before descending into a soul-tinged rock jam.

A little bit of everything, all of it exceptional, makes Prim a priority this weekend.

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@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:

Where are you going for live, local music this weekend in Austin?