Monday, March 3, 2025

alternative rock

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.

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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.

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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.

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Greg AckermanLive MusicReview

Live music review: Park City Song Summit day two featured My Morning Jacket, Larkin Poe and Anders Osborne

The fifth Park City Song Summit festival continued on day two (August 16) at Canyons Village Amphitheater with two-hour headlining set by My Morning Jacket.. The undercard featured standout performances from the talented guitarist sisters of Larkin Poe and Anders Osborne with Jackie Greene. Those high-quality acts plus grade-A production and event values amid astounding mountain views and ideal Summer condition minus an afternoon thunderstorm on Saturday added up to an exceptional experience for fans and artists alike.

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Greg AckermanLive MusicReview

A Different Kind of Music Fest: Park City Song Summit Labs featured Jim James with Danny Clinch and Steve Poltz with Jay Blakesberg

Last weekend musicians, music industry members and fans gathered at Canyons Village in Park City for the fifth edition of the Park City Song Summit which took place August 15-17. The small capacity festival provided an intimate and gorgeous setting for fans to engage in Summit Labs sessions that included performing artists discussing various aspects of music as it relates to mental health and wellness. Programming included a presentation by Canadian singer-songwriter, Steve Poltz and photographer Jay Blakesburg as well as a session that included, My Morning Jacket band leader, Jim James and longtime MMJ photographer, Danny Clinch. The festival offered daytime performances by various acts with headlining shows in the amphitheater situated on the adjacent Canyons Village ski slope which provided top-tier sound and lighting throughout the weekend. It was evident that this was a different kind of music fest than most fans are accustomed to. 

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Drew DoggettLive MusicReview

Live music review: Kings of Leon and Phantogram Prove They Have Plenty of Fire at Moody Center

I hate the term “guilty pleasure.” Loving music based on the approval of others will drain you. While I’m not saying I’ll grab the aux cord to blare “Sex on Fire” during a road trip, I will die on the hill that Aha Shake Heartbreak was a seminal record for 2000s alternative and indie rock. Maybe it’s the Nashville boy in me, the lover of arena rock, or the nostalgia for how their southern riffs colored my upbringing in Tennessee. Kings of Leon rock. And on August 14 at Austin’s Moody Center, they brought a 28-song, anthemic setlist to prove it.

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Case CockrellLive MusicReview

Live music review: Legendary alt rockers Redd Kross played Parish on Rock and Roll Party tour

Since reforming and recording a double, self-titled record, Redd Kross is touring again and bringing what bassist McDonald would call a “Rock and Roll Party” to every city the Kross has placed on their itinerary. For the Austin stop on their tour, the California alt-rockers rolled into East Side hideaway, Parish on August 7, ready to deliver their top-down assault of tunes that made for a career-spanning performance. 

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Brian HillsmanReview

Album Review: Car Seat Headrest take chances with Making a Door Less Open

On May 1st, Car Seat Headrest released Making a Door Less Open, their first studio album since the 2018 release of Twin Fantasy (Face to Face).  From the start, the new record is a genre-twisting collage, exhibiting the band’s embracement of their vast abilities in the most direct and honest way. 

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Brian HillsmanLiveReview

Live music review: L7 brought remedy for political unease

The 1990’s were a helluva time for music. Grrrl rock, heroin chic and flannel all featured prominently in the music scene.  At the heart of it all was Grunge music made by the likes of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Mudhoney and similar artists. Near the center of that magical era was L7. The Los Angeles, all-female, four-piece began their collective career in the mid-80’s. In the 1990’s, the group toured with the likes of Alice In Chains, Beastie Boys, and Pearl Jam.

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