Friday, March 6, 2026

Review

Greg AckermanLive MusicReview

Live music review: Psych Lake City rocked with The Groanies, Seeking the Sun and Musor

One of the aspects of the Salt Lake City music scene that can be appreciated is the strong foundation provided for cutting edge local acts provided by venue operators like annual Urban Lounge event Psych Lake City which took place August 15-16 at the popular downtown spot. Eleven years in, this mini-fest has consistently showcased up and coming psych-rock acts along with psych-adjacent artists. This year’s edition was a perfect example. The Cosmic Clash was on hand for the second evening of performances, as The Groanies, Seeking the Sun and headliners, Musor rocked Urban. The showcase put a spotlight on the quality of young acts SLC has to offer.

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AlbumMike CosmicReview

Album Review: The Division Men to drop star studded album Hymns and Fiery Dances August 22

El Paso duo, The Division Men haven’t released an album in eight years. Their last album, Ninos Del Sol, was released in 2018 and featured a star-studded lineup of musicians; Rafael Gayol (Leonard Cohen), Steven Hufsteter (The Quick, Tito & Tarantula), Jay Reynolds (Asleep at the Wheel), and Jake Garcia (Black Angels) to name a few. Their new album, Hymns and Fiery Dances is nothing short of genius. The record drops August 22 everywhere you listen to music.

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Live MusicReviewRobert Dean

Live music review: Tear Dungeon tour kick off at Radio East with stage dives

I’ve seen a lot of things in my years of going to rock and roll shows. I have experienced a man in a rubber sex mask spit fake blood into a child’s face. Whenever Tear Dungeon plays, there is always a chance of something insane happening. Between roof climbs, the highest stage dives, a garage being ripped down to the studs (see: their show at the now-defunct Ghost Cat Lounge) the band has established a culture of chaos at their shows, that if you’re here, being an absolute psycho is A-OK. The band’s show at Radio East on Saturday, August, 9 was no exception

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Case CockrellLive MusicReview

Live music review: Grandmaster Gala Two at Paramount with Nolan Potter and Urban Heat

The second annual Grandmaster Gala took place at the Paramount Theatre in Austin last Saturday, July 26 bringing the best of the local music scene, band curated visual art, and a sendoff of one of Austin’s most adored acts. The event came as the first time local mega ensemble Grandmaster took the stage at the world-famous venue, bringing a destination event for the band and their peers that have been a part of their meteoric rise in the local scene since their inception in 2023. The event was hosted by Austin show promoter Jake Ames, a task that was not taken lightly to mark a new chapter of Grandmaster and their already loyal local following. 

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April RiggsLive MusicReview

Live music review: My Morning Jacket got inducted into ACL TV Hall of Fame and I missed it

I sent The Cosmic Clash crew a text about the upcoming Austin City Limits taping of My Morning Jacket, when I realized the band was being inducted into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame on Friday, August 1, by Cameron Crowe. Our editor responded to say it was all mine since I was the first to mention it. I had previous plans to see Dead cover band Deadeye play for Jerry Garcia’s birthday as well as catching the live streams for King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, and the 60th Anniversary of the Grateful Dead Money Grab happening at the same time, but I’m flexible and enjoy seeing MMJ and their bandleader Jim James anytime I can

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Live MusicReviewTroy Gonzales

Live music review: Of Montreal sold-out Radio East for 20th anniversary of The Sunlandic Twins album

There comes a time in every music fan’s life, when the band or musical artist who they once viewed as hip and innovative, suddenly becomes seen as a nostalgic act. Which might be hard to argue when said band, of Montreal, founded by Kevin Barnes in 1996, is now celebrating the 20th anniversary of one of their most seminal and popular albums, The Sunlandic Twins with an ongoing tour. While it has never been my favorite album, (Satanic Panic in the Attic or Hissing Fauna and Are You The Destroyer both vie for that honor),  I’ve rarely missed one of their live shows. There was no way I was going to pass up a chance to enjoy this 2oth anniversary celebration with new and old fans for what turned out to be a sold out show at Radio East on July 16. 

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Brian HillsmanLive MusicReview

Live music review: Wavves played to raucous Mohawk crowd in Austin

On a warm and muggy Saturday night in Austin, San Diego-based, surf-punks, Wavves, headlined a showcase for a packed, raucous Mohawk crowd on July 19 in the Red River Cultural District.  Three bands were on the bill for the night, all hailing from California, and each delivered their  respective takes on Golden State indie post-punk. Beach Goons and Chokecherry opened the show.

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Case CockrellLive MusicReview

Live music review: Asheville songwriter MJ Lenderman taped ACL TV episode

MJ Lenderman turned heads as a co-frontman and songwriter of Asheville breakout act Wednesday, before striking off on his own out of its touring lineup and taking up as a solo outfit. For Season 51 of Austin City Limits TV (ACL TV), the 26-year-old Lenderman and his backing musicians dubbed “MJ Lenderman and the Wind,” the North Carolina-bred musician delivered a coveted concert taping on July 1 that had the Moody Theater packed to full capacity. Fans were allowed to enter a lottery to win tickets for the performance, with only a select number being guaranteed entry for Tuesday night’s show. 

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Live MusicReviewRobert Dean

Live music review: Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath – The Tired King of Metal Gets His Final Bow

Someone online said something profound about Ozzy’s final performance with Black Sabbath at Villa Park in their hometown of Birmingham, England on July 5: they called him a tired king. And as that tired king looked out over his court, with the whole world watching, he gave one last welcome to those still loyal to his heavy metal kingdom.

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