Thursday, April 23, 2026
The Cosmic Clash

Author: Greg Ackerman

Oblivion Access Festival
Michael MalyReview

Live music review: Oblivion Access Festival slayed Austin last weekend

Greg Ackerman 2034 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

Just when you think that there isn’t any room for another music festival in Austin that has the strength and originality to be taken seriously, enter Oblivion Access Festival. Formerly known as Austin Terror Fest, Oblivion Access Festival took over six venues in the downtown area over the course of four days last weekend and provided a diverse lineup that showcased some of the best artists of metal, hardcore, shoegaze, rap, electronica, experimental and DJ.

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SIMS Foundation event Central Machine Works
Greg AckermanReview

Live music review: The Bright Light Social Hour, Lolita Lynne played SIMS Foundation event

Greg Ackerman 1769 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

On Saturday, May 14, Austin rockers The Bright Light Social Hour along with Lolita Lynn and DJ Cassandra entertained SIMS Foundation supporters at Central Machine Works. The concert and fundraiser sponsored by The Zebra, Storable and CMW has already raised over $7,000 to help SIMS Foundation

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Oblivion Access Festival 2022
Greg AckermanPreview

Live music preview: Oblivion Access Festival begins Thursday

Greg Ackerman 1489 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

Now that shows and festivals are back in full force, Austin is benefiting from the return of specialty mid-tier festivals like the psych rock themed, LEVITATION and this weekend’s sublimely booked, Oblivion Access Festival. The four-day metal, punk and experimental music fest begins Thursday at seven downtown venues, presenting a pleasing variety of acts for music fans to see

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Bikini Kill
Greg AckermanReview

Live music review: Bikini Kill sold-out Far Out Lounge which introduced a super stage Saturday

Greg Ackerman 2057 Views ,  ,  ,  , 

But then talent booker, Lawrence Boone, who lives nearby noticed the alcohol sales application in the window, called owners, Pedro and Bae, launching a booking operation with the Far Out owners, not long after that has blossomed into a super stage on the sizeable property (there are over 3.5 acres of space) that hosted Bikini Kill Saturday night in front of 2500 fans.

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Spiritualized at Scoot Inn
Greg AckermanReview

Live music review: Spiritualized at Scoot Inn Friday was magical

Greg Ackerman 2537 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

On a near-perfect, Friday evening, English space-rock outfit Spiritualized returned to Austin to play a sold-out Scoot Inn. The nine-piece band brought by J Spaceman (aka Jason Pierce) that included three female backup singers delivered a magical, neo-psychrock performance to fans.

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Christina DeStefanoReview

SXSW review: Paste Magazine 20th Anniversary Party Day One

Greg Ackerman 1595 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

Not much was going on in the way of day parties on Monday. Perhaps one of the best options was that Paste Magazine kicked off its 20th Anniversary Party by partnering with Women Who Rock, an organization dedicated to “champion women in music and women’s health awareness.

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Bob Dylan RRW poster
Greg AckermanReview

Live music review: Bob Dylan made his swan song at Bass Hall yesterday

Greg Ackerman 2114 Views ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

One of the things most folks lose sight of during the frenetic pace of SXSW is Austin still hosts national touring acts coming through town that have nothing to do with the festival apart from a coincidental booking. Such was the case yesterday when legendary songwriter Bob Dylan performed at Bass Hall on the University of Texas campus in support of his 2020 masterpiece, Rough and Rowdy Ways.

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