Tuesday, March 25, 2025

rock n roll

Case CockrellLive MusicReview

Live music review: SXSW 2025 music week began with a wide range of musical styles

The 2025 South By Southwest music festival kicked off on Monday and Tuesday this week, featuring artists from around the Austin music scene and worldwide. Each day of music starts at noon and usually continues until the 2 a.m. closing time for each day of programming. For the first two days of the SXSW music showcases, we rounded up some of our favorite acts that started off our music festival coverage with stops at Hotel Vegas, 13th Floor and Stubb’s BBQ to see bands with a wide range of musical styles from the hardcore noise punk of Exotic Fruitica to experimental act Skloss to legendary songwriter John Fogerty and back to the heavy psych rock of Frankie and the Witch Fingers. SXSW runs the musical genre gamut as our coverage attests.

Read More
Live MusicReviewRobert Dean

Live music review: Not So Fun WKND with Trapped Under Ice, God’s Hate and more at Far Out Lounge

I bitch about Austin a lot—parking, traffic, rent prices. But every once in a while, the city gets it right. Not So Fun WKND at The Far Out Lounge March 8 was one of those moments. The all-day fest with Trapped Under Ice, Parade of Flesh, God’s Hate and many others took place at the popular South Austin venue.  An opening party was held Friday, March 7 at Sagebrush with Suburban Scum, Dmize, Creeping Death and more. Hardcore bands from across the country descended on Austin, turning the weekend into a cathartic release of bad vibes and raw energy.

Read More
Case CockrellLive MusicReview

Live music review: SXSW 2025 opening weekend ramble

. The SXSW week began with opening all-day showcases such as the Hotel Vegas Anniversary Party, SX Soundcheck, Do512 Smokeout, and others, there’s plenty to keep music attendees busy before official music week begins the following Monday. Here’s what stood out to us in the opening days of SXSW, all of which will likely perform again before the week concludes. Follow these acts on social media for the most up-to-date information on live appearances throughout the festival. 

Read More
Case CockrellLive MusicPreview

Live music preview: Seven SXSW day parties not to miss in 2025

For every year’s SXSW installment, different activations pop up all over the city to bring SX-goers daytime programming before things switch over to an all-official format in the evening. These day Parties mostly feature cover-free programming, sometimes even featuring official SXSW artists that give opportunities to non-credentialed music fans to join in on the festivities during the week. All listed events occur between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m., are free for attendees, and no badge is required, subject to capacit

Read More
Case CockrellLive MusicPreview

Live music preview: Seven more buzz bands to see at SXSW 2025

The South By Southwest music festival is less than a week out, and the roster of artists can seem overwhelming at first glance. With a lineup that can satisfy every kind of music lover, The Cosmic Clash brings you another seven buzz bands you should put on your list for the upcoming long week of music in Austin. All set times and venues can be found on the SXSW website and SXSW GO mobile application. All listed acts are official SXSW artists. 

Read More
Mike CosmicPremiereSong

Song premiere: Veteran Austin act The Living Pins released new track Gold today

The Living Pins featuring veteran Austin musicians have released their new song, “Gold” today. The track shows the band’s deft songwriting skills and talent at making a great rock n roll tune. The well-crafted song was produced, engineered and mixed by longtime Austin music producer, Chris “Frenchie” Smith at his The Bubble Studios. The song exemplifies how experienced musical hands can create great new music.

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: 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