Live music review: An impressive night of modern Texas rock at Hole in the Wall

On Saturday, July 30, folks gathered at picnic tables on the outdoor patio at the legendary Hole in the Wall. nestled on The Drag across from the Belo Center for New Media where KUTX broadcasts from at the University of Texas. Most of the patrons were there to check out at least one of the four bands set to play on that warm, slightly-breezy night; Sons of Kitsch, Kyote Radio, Brian Wolff and Cheeky Orange.

Brian Murray, Wesley Riddle, and Ruben Duenez make up the trio Sons of Kitsch, who opened the night with their distinct, 90’s-alternative vibes. If you’ve had the pleasure of checking out their debut LP, Emotional Support Monsters, know that the band is – though very much true to their recording sound – stylistically more loose live, often coming across as completely different from the band in studio recordings.  

Sons of Kitsch setlist:
“Smoko”
“Rex”
“Frankfort”
“Tecate”
“PBR”
“Cyote”
“Sex and Diabetes”
“Lone Star”
“Bacon”
“Numb & DumB”

Brian Wolff continued the evening engagements in singer-songwriter fashion. Maintaining the musical vibe of the evening, Wolff threw more of a classic rock, bluesy sound into the mix.  With Wolff on guitar and vocals, Tim Moen on bass, and Joe Valdez on drums, the band put on a versatile 10-song set that included an impressive cover of Franz Ferdinand’s “Take Me Out.”   Check out Brian Wolff’s EP, The Punch, to sample the sound.

Brian Wolff setlist
“Halfway”
“Be Better”
“Hope You Stay”
“Lean In”
“Johnny”
“Motion”
“The Punch”
“Take Me Out” (Franz Ferdinand Cover)
“ILY Goodnight”

Micah Paredes, front man of Kyote Radio, curated the evening’s showcase, organizing an eclectic group of musical talents that have similar appeal, but with their own prominent, distinctive qualities. 

Kyote Radio went up third, immediately delving into their charged, Americana catalog.  
The now-trio has recently undergone a few changes, with Paredes on guitar, Wesley Riddle (also of Sons of Kitsch) on drums, and bassist Nick Smith, and their sound is as tight and refreshing as ever. Their new single, “The Crown,” features guitarist Kyle Shutt, of The Sword, and is definitely worth checking out.

Kyote Radio setlist:
“How High?”
“Police on my Back” (The Clash Cover)
“Real Crime”
“Color”
“Crooked Canyons”
“Coming Back”
“The Crown”
“Fossilized”

Cheeky Orange from El Paso closed out the night at Hole in the Wall with tunes from their recently-released EP, Trash, along with a few more gems. The duo of Tommy Valles (vocals and guitar) and Xavier Sanchez (drums) capped off the night with a jam-out flurry of heavy, drony, metal-inspired twists on psychedelic rock.

Cheeky Orange setlist:
“In A Search of the Sasquatch”
“Hair in a Mirror”
“Sun Made of Sand”
“Your Song” (Elton John cover)
“We To Be”
“Honeyfuckle”
“Feels Bad, Man”
“Troubled Drinks”
“Shake Me Free”

Four impressive bands rocked the Hole in the Wall stage July 30.  For decades, HITW has been a hangout for those looking to find fresh talent to follow, or just grab a drink and enjoy  great, local, live tunes. Greats like Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark once graced the legendary venue’s stage. The night offered a variety of sounds that well represented Austin’s rock-music scene, and served as a reminder that Hole in the Wall is a hallowed spot to be cherished. 

All photos by Brian Hillsman

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