The Austinot Weekend Concert Picks: June 8-9, 2018

Welcome to the weekend, savvy show-goers! With no sign of relief from the brutal heat, Austin’s live music scene is matching the temperature with a scorching concert calendar. This weekend, we recommend a brilliant soul/rock act, blistering post punk, and a one-man band of southern rock stomp. Enjoy the weekend and listen local!

Friday, June 8

Credit: Swimming With Bears

Swimming with Bears w/Summer Fires, Midcentury

@ Stubb’s Indoor (801 Red River St.) – 9 p.m. – Tickets

A few years back, I was introduced to Swimming With Bears at a SXSW showcase by Black Fret co-founder Colin Kendrick. Ever since, I’ve been following these soul/rock powerhouses and cheering their rise to ATX stardom.

At Friday’s show, expect a blend of sing-along stunners like “Do What You’re Told,” alongside new tracks like “French Girls” and “Take it Easy.” The latter’s smooth, easy-does-it groove gives way to a guitar fuzz chorus reminiscent of a Killers single. Catch these guys before you have to scalp tickets on StubHub.

Also playing: indie rockers Summer Fires and Midcentury.

Crooked Bangs w/Borzoi, Vertical Vice, Filthy

Credit: Crooked Bangs Facebook

@ Hotel Vegas (1502 E. 6th St.) – 9 p.m. – Tickets

Many modern punk bands feel like college kids doing CBGB cosplay. With blistering post punk seeped in lo-fi fuzz and pounding percussion, Crooked Bangs is the genuine article. Songs like “Suspendu” feature lead vocalist Leda Ginestra’s dark, unsettling alto, while “Rabbit Hole’s” searing machine gun punk would be at home on an A Giant Dog record. Legit punk rockers doing the genre right.

Also playing: post punk bands Borzoi (Australia), Vertical Vice (Austin), and Filthy (San Antonio).

Saturday, June 9

Lincoln Durham’s set will be an avalanche of explosive music (Credit: Jim Whiteley via Flickr CC)

Lincoln Durham w/Ghost Wolves

@ Stubbs Indoor (801 Red River St.) – 9 p.m. – Tickets

With a maddening, heart-stopping blend of southern rock stomp and punk rock snarl, Lincoln Durham’s music is as soulful as it is savage. Classic tunes like “Creeper” feel pulled from an episode of “Sons of Anarchy,” while new tracks like “Laugh” and “Hate” off latest release (“And Into The Heaven Came The Night”) drip with Nick Caves darkness and dread. A one-man powerhouse not to be missed.

Also playing: ATX post punkers The Ghost Wolves.

@BillTuckerTSP wants to know:

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