Laurie Gallardo

Your Austin Music Minute maven sometimes jokingly warns you, tongue-in-check, that certain blasts of music are not for the faint of heart. But that’s the kind of cardio jolt you want and need from Austin-based electro-punk powerhouse BLXPLTN. Time to embrace it, faint heart and all. And the time is now for staying woke.

Do not miss BLXPLTN taking over the space and ruling it tonight at Cheer Up Charlie’s, 901 Red River. The line-up includes post-punk power trio Hi Gene, triple awesome psych-surf punks MAMIS, and purveyors of nervous melodies who honor the vitriolic godhead lionesse, Pataphysics.

So, yeah. Family night. The music launches like stardust at 9 p.m. Very recommended.

-Photography by Lars Wolfshield of Wolfshield Records.

It’s more than likely you’re familiar with the work of Phoebe Bridgers and Conor Oberst. Combining their song craft superpowers, they become Better Oblivion Community Center. And, while their self-titled release marks the first album they’ve made, this isn’t the first time they’ve made/played music together. Bridgers opened shows for Oberst early on in her career, while Oberst provided some vocals for a track on Bridgers’ 2017 debut Stranger in the Alps. Their recent collaborative efforts also defy any expectations of all-sad songs one might’ve expected of their musical partnership, instead offering something far more diverse.

Don’t miss out. Better Oblivion Community Center performs tonight at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater (remember – it’s been moved from Mohawk), 801 Red River. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with Lala Lala and Christian Lee Hutson sharing the bill. Then, step inside Stubb’s indoor venue for a set by ATX band Being Dead at 10 p.m. Recommended.

-Photo courtesy of the artist.

Please allow your Austin Music Minute maven to reminisce a bit. Back in the day, some of the really cool kids were passing along copies of Lucinda Williams‘ self titled 1988 release to your AMM host (pre-KUT/KUTX days, obviously), saying, “This one. This has your name all over it, woman.” And to summarize, “Am I Too Blue” and “The Night’s Too Long” were two tracks that got…real personal very quickly. As in, where have you been all my life, Lucinda?

But interestingly, that was not the album that leapt out on the radar, as badass as it is. It was one ten years later that led more new fans to Williams’ songwriting greatness: Car Wheels On A Gravel Road. For many, this was the launch, and eventually the touchstone, putting the idea of “Americana” into the collective consciousness before Americana even had a name.

Tonight is a special night. Lucinda Williams and her band Buick 6 perform at ACL Live at The Moody Theater, 310 Willie Nelson Blvd. It’s a celebration of Car Wheels you’ll want to be a part of. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the music starts at 8 p.m.

Very recommended.

-Photography by David McClister.

The heart wants what it wants, thought your Austin Music Minute maven most selfishly. So, rather than selecting “Young God (gotta lotta feeling)” from Twain‘s New Miami Sound EP as today’s featured AMM track, which seemed to be a go-to fave amongst some reviewers, the AMM went for “Death (or S.F.),” the first track on the EP.

Achingly lovely. And the tale unfolds with songwriter Mt. Davidson‘s quiet vocal embrace: “You’re guaranteed to have a real good time/If you go to San Francisco when the weather’s fine/Something rare happens in the air/I was walking through the park/Getting stoned with local losers/Dreaming of my girl/But knowing that I’d lose her/My mind turned to dreaming of the world…” Then, hitting all the wistful notes, that piano drifts in to further turn the screws on that aching longing. There’s a glimpse into death as that unknown neverwhere. Perhaps death will wind up being your best friend…?

This evening, experience this magnificence live. Twain returns to Austin for a performance tonight at Radio Coffee & Beer, 4204 Manchaca Rd. Making this event even more spectacular is the entire line-up, featuring Julia Lucille, Jordan Moser, and Little Mazarn. The music starts at 8 p.m.

Don’t miss any of it. Very recommended.

-Image courtesy of Twain.

 

It feels effortless because it’s genuine. Austin-based folk-pop artist Marshall Anderson radiates an irresistible warmth on his 2018 full-length release Beautiful Infinite Wonderful, as well as his single release, the wistful sunlit/moonlit memories of “Monday Night.”

Don’t miss Anderson at his performance tonight at Hard Luck Lounge, 3526 E. 7th St. Joining him on the bill are melodic garage-rockers Tan Mala. The music starts at 9 p.m., and the weather’s perfect for it. Very recommended.

-Photo courtesy of the artist.

One solid line-up tonight at Cheer Up Charlie’s on Red River will do you good, music fiend. Take heed:

–Robby is Robert Williams‘ musical project, including the talents of Daniel Coborn and Lolita Lynne. The track featured on today’s Austin Music Minute is “Om,” off their self-titled release.

-The dreams are real, the haze is gorgeous. Longtime AMM faves All In the Golden Afternoon elevates shoegaze beyond the clouds. Adrift in trippy, resplendent rays…

–“Let the color seep from you…” Exhale and release with dynamic duo Emme. The hues on the horizon await your arrival…

-This is fluid pop on an ambient, atmospheric path, carrying all the magic you need. Gliding onward toward bliss with San Marcos band Typical Girls.

The music starts at 9 p.m. And a tip o’ the hat to The Nothing Song for always curating such exquisite selections. This one comes very recommended.

-Photo of Robby by Mike Manewitz.

Dude. This is a trip.

No, really. It is. Horti (in another universe, Jeff Hortillosa of demented trash-grass hell-billies Whiskey Shivers) draws you into a journey of the mind – his mind – on his album Corpus Callosum. It’s a tour of “the weird and wily brain” of Horti, led by your cheerful tour guides, the left brain and the right. And in no time at all, the tour is interrupted by a reptilian alien complaining because he’s offended. But many a strange character has been encountered in this particular encephalon, from mind goblins who partied too hard the night before, to grandmothers of perception, assorted tumbling jumbled memories, and a ravenous ego constantly requiring sustenance. Welcome to the jungle, baby…

The multi-talented Austin-based songwriter runs the gamut on Corpus Callosum with a beautifully bizarre mix of jazz, grungy folk, and twang, ranging from light and quirky to downright nihilistic. All this being said, you’re in for a treat when Horti performs tonight at The Volstead, 1500 E. 6th St. The Oysters and Alex Riegelman & Friends join him on the bill. Riegelman starts the evening at 8 p.m. So recommended.

-Photo courtesy of the artist.

There were a couple of things that triggered the formation of SWMRS. One was seeing the film School of Rock, which put the idea into their brains, although none of them knew how to play their instruments at the time…but since when has that deterred any inspiration? And two, all four bandmates experienced an intense performance by rap/hip-hop artist Skepta at Reading Leeds Festival one year. That alone was a life-changing moment, enough to “set us off on this journey to figure out how to make our music have that same kind of intensity to it, while slowing it down,” explained front man Cole Becker in a recent interview with Studio Brussel.

“We come from punk, but it sounds like the ideas of punk put into a modern context with a lot of dance, a lot of rock,” Max Becker added.

SWMRS’ Berkeley’s On Fire tour includes a show tonight at Barracuda, 611 E. 7th St. They share the bill with The Regrettes and Beach Goons. Doors at 8 p.m. Recommended.

-Photo courtesy of the artist.

Today’s the big day. Songwriter William Harries Graham brings his new album, Jakes, into the world. The title is a nod to a certain neon sign you’ll see in the back room at The Continental Club on South Congress, where Graham has had an ongoing residency, and where he’s performed with several other artists in countless shows. All the great memories under one roof, marked by that neon glow…

Graham’s latest release, produced by Grammy Award-winner Stuart Sullivan, is an ethereal trip winding through hushed tones, hues, and slow burn build-ups into dramatic, dreamscape rock.

Graham celebrates the release of his new album with a show tonight at Cosmic Coffee & Beer Garden, 121 Pickle Rd. Several special guests will join the party this evening, including one Jon Dee Graham, along with Jeremy Nail, Amy Cook, Kacy Crowley, Suzanna Choffel, Matt the Electrician, Abra Moore, Bobby Daniel, and Chris Searles. The party starts at 9 p.m. Recommended.

-Photography by Gabriel C Pérez for KUTX.

Grupo Fantasma is entering its 19th year as a band, but for a large portion of that time, they’ve been unfairly pegged as a Latin band. In reality, that’s only one part of the story. So on their new album, they took things to the next level.

American Music: Volume VII is an excellent representation of what they’re really about: Mixing multiple styles and sounds, a wide range of influences…mixing roots. This is the approach that makes their sound consistently universal, and always outstanding.

Better yet, you need to experience it live. Join Grupo Fantasma for their big album release party tonight at the Mohawk, 912 Red River, featuring performances by Tomar and The FCs, and Bourgeois Mystics. Doors 8 p.m. If it hasn’t sold out yet, it may well be sold out very soon. Recommended.

Perhaps the tales are as old as time, but really…the adventure never gets old.

Altamesa spun an intricate web of intrigue with mysterious stories about a brooding, wandering soul in their collection of singles, which culminated into the full-length release, Idol Frontier. He was in the shadows, tortured but driven. Naturally, your Austin Music Minute maven was hooked like a goth on Bauhaus. How would the story end?

Perhaps it hasn’t ended yet. In the meantime, experience that great music live at Altamesa’s show tonight at Hole In the Wall, 2538 Guadalupe. The bill includes San Marcos band Christian Sparks and the Beatnik Bandits, and a set by Dinner With Matt Gilchrest. The music starts at 9 p.m. Recommended.

One more thing: Should you happen upon Altamesa front man/songwriter Evan Charles, get that fella a beer and wish him a happy birthday.

-The thinkers. Photo of Altamesa by Precious Parker for KUTX.

Austin nonprofit Kids in a New Groove is another extraordinary example of the local music community and several other dedicated volunteers showing support for the community-at-large. The organization provides Central Texas children living in foster care with one-on-one mentoring through free music instruction. And this week, they turn to music lovers like you for support through their KING Concert Club music series.

Up next on the list of awesome Austin artists: Psych/synth-pop outfit Night Glitter, who perform for the KING Concert Club tomorrow night at Empire Control Room, 606 E. 7th St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Remember that this and other KING Concert Club shows are pop-up concerts exclusively for Kids In A New Groove supporters. To find out how you can attend, visit their website for details.

-Photo of Night Glitter by Barbara FG Photography.

File this in the “you just never know” department. It was about three years ago that UK artist Ella Mai was posting covers of songs on Instagram, never guessing that these covers would catch the attention of producer DJ Mustard, who signed Ella Mai onto his label. Following a number of EP’s, last year she released her bold R&B self-titled full-length debut.

Thus, we have “The Debut Tour.” Ella Mai performs in Austin tonight at Emo’s, 2015 E. Riverside Dr. The bill includes opening performances by Kiana Ledé, and Lucky Daye. Doors at 7 p.m. So recommended.

-As of this writing, Ella Mai’s show tonight is SOLD OUT.

-Photo courtesy of the artist.

You feel the weight of the world in Jason Pierce‘s vocals, each glimpse of vulnerability, every aching thought, in your journey through Spiritualized‘s latest release And Nothing Hurt. The beauty of that alone should draw you in.

These are genuinely heartfelt observances of an artist who worked very much in solitude to produce and finally complete the album. And Pierce is the first to admit, he had quite a few paralyzing moments of, “What…the hell…am I doing?” as working on the album became more complex and he tackled each part on his own. But onward. The resulting gorgeousness – fragility – is mind-blowing.

Many powerful or prolific artists are sometimes crushed by the weight of their own vision. Not Pierce. He’s described his songwriting process as obsessive, meticulous…time-consuming, and his focus is not on the most logical way to complete an album. But it all has to come together, connect. And also he’s realized that, even if what you’re trying to achieve on a certain track is something specific, the music itself takes on a life of its own and takes it somewhere else entirely.

This is one not to miss. Spiritualized is in Austin for a performance tonight at Emo’s, 2015 E. Riverside Dr. Doors open at 7 p.m. Recommended.

-Image courtesy of the artist.

 

This is the way you ignite Saturday night. You bring the house down with sexy, scintillating cumbia and Latin psych jams.

Join Money Chicha and Superfónicos for a show tonight at The Continental Club, 1315 S. Congress Ave. These are some seriously infectious grooves to get you going. Superfónicos starts off at 10 p.m. Treat yourself and get there early at 8 p.m. to catch R&B/blues/funkmeister Garrett Lebeau.

Y’all ready for this? Recommended.

-Photo of Money Chicha courtesy of the artist.

Ears engulfed in waves of reverb and tremolo…mesmerizing walls of fuzz… Enter DreamGaze ATX II.

The two-day music event at Cheer Up Charlie’s, 901 Red River, puts the spotlight on some of the best shoe gaze and dream pop bands in the Texas region, nationally and internationally. And you get an outstanding line-up each night.

Tonight: Slow Crush (from Belgium, and featured on today’s AMM), Highlands (Long Beach, CA), Trauma Ray (Fort Worth), Glare (RGV, TX), and Angel Aura (Houston).

Tomorrow night: Three Austin bands – Grivo, Blushing, and Vet Trip; Daze (Houston), and Fun With Ether (San Benito).

Doors 9 p.m. So recommended.

-Photo of Slow Crush courtesy of the artist.

 

The journey started at the beginning of the year with “The Path,” then touched ground at “Mission Control” (the track featured on today’s Austin Music Minute), and today, it’s a glimmering “Wish,” the third in a series of tracks released each month by Austin-based psych-pop/rock outfit Modern Medicine.

Join Modern Medicine for their single release show tonight at the Mohawk, 912 Red River, with Zettajoule and Houston-based artist John Allen Stephens on the bill. Make your way to the inside stage, 9 p.m. Recommended.

-Artwork for Modern Medicine’s “Wish” by Juan Ignacio Gimenez.

Put some time aside to check out Last Days Here (2011), the documentary on Alexandria, VA-based doom metal pioneers Pentagram. It focuses unflinchingly on front man/songwriter Bobby Liebling‘s ongoing battle with drug addiction, while friend and band manager Sean “Pellet” Pelletier struggles to help Liebling stay afloat – and focused on the music. It’s clear that Pellet loves Pentagram. It’s the main reason he stayed on to help in what was often a frustrating, heartbreaking scenario.

Since their original formation in 1971, through the career roller coaster ride of ups and downs, line-up changes, triumphs and endless upheaval, Pentagram maintains one of the strongest fan bases ever that keeps the music alive. But any fan will tell you: The music has a life of its own – grittier, darker and heavier than several bands back in the day; paganistic, and loud as eff. From underground cult following to legendary status, Pentagram remains an influential figure in the metal genre and beyond.

Pentagram is in Austin for a show tonight at Come and Take It Live, 2015 E. Riverside Dr., sharing the bill with Memphis rockers Dirty Streets, Lafayette Delta blues/metal outfit Brother Dege,and Austin sludge inflictors Forbode. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Make sure those earplugs are working. Not for the faint of heart – or soul. As it should be. Your AMM host says this one’s very recommended.

-Photography by Stacy Atwell.

Give a spin to Warm Sugar‘s self-titled release, and (especially for a 1970s kid, like your Austin Music Minute host) it conjures those smokey, wood-paneled barroom spirits of a distinctive ’70s-country/FM radio/Gilley’s era. The ATX band turns up the heat with their blend of classic country sounds and Southern soul, describing it as the kind of vibe that leaves Willie, Bobbie Gentry, Neil Young and Linda Ronstadt coursing through your veins.

Warm Sugar sings it sweet and sultry at their Tuesday night residency show tonight at The White Horse, 500 Comal. They play at midnight. Devan Jones & The Uptown Stomp start the evening out at 8 p.m., followed by Devin Jake at 10 p.m. Recommended.

-Photography by Luis R. Bustos.

The chaos and insanity of the beast we know as SXSW – ol’ Hurricane South-By – has come and gone, leaving a pile of exhausted people in its wake. But the Austin Music Minute is here to kindly remind you that the music continues in our fair city, even after the parties have ended and the visitors have departed. Here in the ATX, music is all – year – long.

When you’ve recovered, get back on out and see some shows. Support our local artists, purchase their music, and support their well-being (donate to HAAM and SIMS for a start). And mark your calendar for Thursday, when Kalu and the Electric Joint continue their residency at C-Boy’s Heart and Soul, 2008 S. Congress Ave. And for this show, the band will do a special acoustic set, starting at 10:30 p.m.

Days off? What days off? Let’s do this. Recommended.

-Photography by Koffler Pictures.