Wednesday, March 26, 2025

stoner rock

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

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AlbumCase CockrellReview

Album review: New Killer Kaya record Live at Wall of Fog a revelation

With powerhouses in the realm of Osees, Ty Segall, The Warlocks, and The Brian Jonestown Massacre all still in prolific, touring machine form, Santa Barbara-tested, Austin-approved Killer Kaya has been a worthy entry into the vortex of whirling, reverberated uproar that continues a 60s legacy that is irreversibly alive and well. With the release of new LP Live At Wall Of Fog yesterday, the now-Austin residents have crafted an effort that further proves trippy expertise as well as genre-clashing, tasteful retro emulation.

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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 CockrellLive MusicReview

Live music review: Day 3 and 4 of Levitation wrapped with standout performances by The Sword, Wine Lips and more

Levitation Festival 2024 soared into the weekend with its expected triumphant intent. Every Halloween weekend, fest producers The Black Angels and show runner Rob Fitzpatrick never miss the mark in serving music fans both the hot up and comers and the legacy acts that paved the way for those new acts to take form. The Cosmic Clash team witnessed the annual extravaganza from its Thursday kickoff until the closing moments and picked out our favorite highlights that lit up the weekend to make up one of Levitation’s most landmark years yet. With a multi-venue format that requires fans to jump from show to show to get the most out of their experience, there isn’t a shortage of music to see, which makes a statement for both the robustness and openness of the Austin music sphere.

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Case CockrellLive MusicPreview

Live music preview: Seven more bands to see at Levitation 2024

The 2024 edition of Levitation is coming up fast this Halloween weekend. Each year, Austin’s The Black Angels and trusted booking powerhouse and Festival Director Rob Fitzpatrick continue to deliver star-studded lineups and cutting edge acts that never disappoint local and out-of-town music fans traveling to Austin for the annual multi-venue programming. The Cosmic Clash team is here to provide another list of bands you need to see over the four-day festival takeover at venues all over the Austin area. Fans have the option of purchasing access to the entire lineup or purchase individual shows. Set times and tickets can be found on the Levitation website for fans to plan their daily excursions to see all the music they can throughout the weekend. 

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Case CockrellLive MusicReview

Live music preview: Six bands to see at LEVITATION 2024

World-renowned psychedelic Austin musician Roky Erickson once said, “At one time, I had it notarised that I was from another planet. By a lawyer.” Regardless of whether that makes sense or not, Erickson’s legacy still holds true in the city of Austin, Texas. We’re decades removed from the 60s, but folks like Austin’s The Black Angels and their proxies have kept his legacy alive by delivering endless programming of neo-psych rock utopia.  Festival founders Rob Fitzpatrick and The Black Angels’ Levitation is back this Halloween weekend for yet another multi-venue installment, and the booked talent continues to deliver a factor of “Wow.” The Cosmic Clash team will join the festivities yet again and is here to prescribe another list of bands you need to see for the end-of-October festivities. All set times can be found on the Levitation website.

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