Photo by Connor Beitel
In a world where it seems every band wants to be defined by a menu of genres, some acts remain pure of sound, rocking in the free world as prime examples of one specific sound while still carving out their own unique place within it. In this case, we take Austin’s the Oysters, who shell out out some of the sickest rock ‘n’ roll in the Little Big City. Sticking to the classic rock trio outfit, these dudes create a sound that democratically gives each instrument its own platform without overpowering each other. Some of their songs have a little more of a slow swoon, and others open a can of energy and let it all rock out. “I Don’t Want Anyone to Be Around Me,” sits squarely in the latter. At first listen its lyrics seem to paint a portrait of self-depreciation, but deeper pondering opens the possibility of brutally honest self-awareness and knowing when to take yourself out of the game for a bit. Glazed in lo-fi, it’s a bit like the love child between Guided By Voices and your favorite early 00’s pop-punk band. If you’ve got the lemons, they’ve got the cocktail sauce.
“I Don’t Want to Be Around Me” appears on the Oysters upcoming album, out September 5th. Catch them tonight at St. Elmo Brewing with Friday Boys, Future Museums, and comedian Dany Goodwin.
-Taylor Wallace// Host, Thursdays 8p-11p & Saturdays 2p-6p; Producer, Eklektikos with John Aielli