With a weekend so full of exceptional local music, it was hard to select three shows for this article. But after many hours of deliberation, I think you’ll love these picks. This time around, I recommend a garage rock album release, exceptional indie-pop band, and electronic music showcase. Enjoy the weekend and listen local!
Friday, May 18
Chill Russell (Credit: Anna Selle)
Chill Russell album release w/The Cover Letter (single release), Shark Rider
@ Mohawk (912 Red River St.) – 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. – Facebook event
An infectious blend of surf, ’60s pop, and early aughts garage rock, Chill Russell is rapidly climbing the ranks in the ATX rock scene. Songs like “Know What I Need” pulse with the energy and bop of The Strokes, while “Low” balances crunchy guitar with an ear worm sing-a-long hook that takes permanent residence in your brain.
While details on the new record are scarce, expect big things from these up and comers. Also playing: local rock-n-bluegrass act The Cover Letter and ’60s surf act Shark Rider.
Saturday, May 19
Shy Beast’s Mariclaire Glaeser (Credit: Robert H Lewallen IV)
Shy Beast (single release) w/Otis Wilkins, Darkbird
@ Mohawk (912 Red River St.) – 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. – Tickets
When local pop/rock upstarts McG changed its name to Shy Beast a couple of years ago, I feared a dramatic shift in sound. Luckily for me and fans everywhere, the band has done nothing but improve as it evolved. The band’s new single “My Stride” is proof it’s moving in the right direction.
Swinging back and forth between snarling guitar and lead vocalist Mariclaire Claeser’s stunning alto, the single projects the euphoric headrush of running full tilt towards one’s destiny. Ironically or intentionally, “My Stride” is the soundtrack to the band’s own forward momentum. Be sure to catch the group as it flies by this weekend.
Also playing: Otis the Destroyer front man Otis Wilkins and dramatic hard rock act Darkbird.
BUHU w/Harry Paradise, Emme, Fehrenbacher
@ Swan Dive (615 Red River St.) – 9:30 p.m. – Facebook event
An electronic showcase of epic proportions, Saturday at Swan Dive is prime pickings for lovers of synth, keyboards, and technological vibe. Headlining the evening is the slicked back, ’80s new wave sound of BUHU. Energetic and entrancing, this band hangs with local acts like Culture Wars and Night Drive in terms of musicality and authenticity.
Also playing: local electronic producer Harry Paradise, alt-electronic duo Emme, and indie rock singer/songwriter Fehrenbacher.
@theAustinot wants to know:
Where will you be catching local music in Austin this weekend?
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