Friday, March 28, 2025

Swallow the Rat

"Face Unpopular"

Case CockrellLive MusicPreview

Live music preview: seven buzz bands to see at SXSW 2025

The 2025 edition of South By Southwest is fast approaching, and the list of acts making their way to Austin for the six-day music festival spans multiple genres and geographic origins. With this in mind, the Cosmic Clash team has curated a group of seven buzz bands we think you should put on your list for the long week of around-the-clock music. All acts are Sx official artists. All set times, along with venues, can be found on the SXSW website and SXSW GO cell application. 

Read More
Case CockrellLive MusicReview

Live music review: metal titans Helmet led triple bill at Mohawk Sunday

Last Sunday night in the Red River Cultural District, beloved downtown venue Mohawk held a legacy show that presented a gracefully aging spectacle from alternative metal titans Helmet along with opening help with talent from different heavy music spheres worldwide. For a show where doors had to open at a move-your-ass 6 p.m., the triple-punch bill made the best use of its time through acts to warm up for the deafening drop-tuned explosion of the long-running New York headbangers.

Read More
April RiggsLive MusicReview

Live music review: Los Lonely Boys played a lovely acoustic show at O4 Center

Had I stayed firmly planted in the Comfort Zone, I’d have gone grocery shopping after dinner on Sunday night instead of being treated to a really lovely concert at the church-turned sweet-sounding concert venue, The 04 Center with the Los Lonely Boys and Lisa Morales. 

Read More
Case CockrellLive MusicReview

Live music review: 50 years of Blue Oyster Cult at Paramount Theatre

For Long Island’s Blue Oyster Cult, the heavy metal and hard rock foundations still burn through as an enormous source of inspiration for artists both past and present. At the historic Paramount Theatre, in a rapidly gentrifying Austin, fans of all different backgrounds made their way to Congress Avenue to witness a legacy over 50 years in the making.

Read More
Case CockrellLive MusicReview

Live music review: Sludge metal act Chat Pile pummeled Mohawk fans Sunday

A lot of Austin residents consider Interstate 35 to be an existential crisis. If you drive far enough north, you might eventually hit the cursed town of Oklahoma City. Even though most of us would never make such a wretched trek, the Oklahoma noise rock quartet Chat Pile emerges from the depths, delivering their socially aware brand of sludge metal for fans that have been indoctrinated into the music blogosphere from their spotty at best college dorm WiFi. On yet another frigid Sunday night in Austin, fans of the outspoken loud rock act packed out the Red River Cultural District stronghold Mohawk for a thought-provoking excursion that pummeled attendees’ eardrums as well as giving a powerful message of social reform

Read More
Case CockrellLive MusicReview

Live music review: Cold rain could not stop Die Spitz fans on Valentine’s Day

Rain was sprinkling down on a cold February Friday night as the moshers and crowd-surfers at Austin Red River Cultural District staple Mohawk caused crisis-level pandemonium for a sold-out Valentine’s Day gig. For local rockers Die Spitz, the usual attendees are sure to bring their worst, punk rock behavior.

Read More
AlbumMike CosmicReview

Album Review: Austin post punks The Stayres new record Duplex drops tomorrow

Austin post-punk power-pop trio The Stayres will release their new LP, Duplex, on February 14 via Flak Records. The new record builds upon the pop hooks and driving guitars of their 2023 self-titled debut, adding a brighter, janglier sound and more narrative-driven lyrics.

Read More
Case CockrellLive MusicReview

Live music review: supergroup MIEN played 13th Floor ahead of sophomore album

t The Black Angels-owned The 13th Floor in the Red River Cultural District on Friday evening, the stronghold of continuous overflow fusion of music for fans that dabble in the deep cuts in the realm of Primal Scream and The Jesus and the Mary Chain, Maas’ psychedelic supergroup MIEN graced the stage for the first time in seven years. Coming with an announced new sophomore full-length LP, a head-bobbing new single, and a tour overseas on deck to prove another busy year for Maas and a band with recruits from all over the globe.

Read More
Music VideoPremiere

Music video premiere: Shared Walls released fun clip for Heavy On My Mind

Shared Walls has just dropped their new music video for the their new track “Heavy On My Mind,” showcasing Hersh Cohen as the ultimate Florida hero we all wish we had in our everyday lives. The playful and whimsical video follows this caped crusader as he roams the streets, tackling life’s little challenges—whether it’s catching thieves or rescuing your melting ice cream. The song itself is a fast-paced, high-energy punk anthem, with moments that echo the raw edge of legendary band X.

Read More
Case CockrellPremiereSong

Song premiere: Austin power pop outfit Lola Tried dropped new single today

Austin power pop outfit Lola Tried has returned with a new single on January 31 that recaptures their mission statement of undeniable anthems, bombastic live appearances, and an inclusive atmosphere that they have cultivated over their near decade tenure as a local scene staple. With multiple releases already out in the music world, the Austin act is continuing to add triumphant tunes into their arsenal and the songs just keep coming.

Read More
InterviewsMike Cosmic

Interview: Parker Woodland talk Austin music scene and new music with Mike Cosmic

Early January saw Mike Cosmic connect with and interview two members of Parker Woodland; lead vocalist and bassist Erin Walter, and drummer Keri Cinquina. These multi-talented musicians previously collaborated in Butch County before joining forces with guitarist Andrew Solin, forming Parker Woodland three years ago.

Read More