Our “Voyeur Music Video” series is a lot like porn for music lovers. Shot in one take at locations around the city, the videos are intimate, stripped down and raw–nothing like traditional live performances. Enjoy!

Quick music history lesson: In the late 1970s and early 1980s, folks felt the radio was shit. All that you’d hear would be overly commercial disco or mainstream, disposable pop. As a response, several musicians tried to return modern music back to its roots. The result was the New York Noise and No Wave movements. Bands like Bush Tetras, ESG, Liquid Liquid, Public Image Ltd, A Certain Ratio and a slew of others wanted brink the funk back into music. Out of that movement evolved 80′s synth pop bands like New Order, Human League, and Pet Shop Boys, and New Wave bands like The Smiths and The Cure. You also had the foundations of House music and Hip Hop.

Fast Forward to 2012: The radio is shit. The commercialization of dance music makes me want to throw up. And rock music is nothing but reality TV background fodder. Sound familiar? It’s time we take it back to the roots of music to evolve music.

Enter Reverse X-Rays.

Last April, I fell in love with Reverse X-Rays’s album RXR. When I listen to Reverse X-Rays, I hear the deconstruction of music. Elements of jazz and funk float in and out of afrobeat grooves. Song structures build and then collapse, all the while maintaining pop sensibilities. If you listen closely, you can hear foundations of hip-hop and synth pop ebbing and flowing throughout the tracks. It’s almost like they strip music of its genre in order to find the essence of that which we call music.

And while Reverse X-Rays may sound tripped out, there’s a certain underlying pop element that aligns them more closely to Animal Collective instead of The Black Angels. (I’m probably gonna get hate mail from the purists, but whatever. Music is a personal journey that should ditch labels.)

It’s this crazy amalgamation and deconstruction of music that I love. So for their video, I wanted to shoot in a place that felt like it was falling apart while complementing that ebb and flow of sound. What better place than the dredge of Waller Creek below UT Campus?

Reverse X-Rays perform on Waller Creek

For the video, the band stripped down their sound and went acoustic in very unique ways. For example, instead of filters on the vocals, the singer puts his head in a bucket full of water. Plus, if you look closely in the video, you can see used needles, condoms, trash, and bags of blood (?!) floating in the water. What you don’t see is a hobo camp just a few steps away. The end result is a visual representation of what they sound like to me. It’s also the creepiest video we’ve ever shot.

WATCH: “dqpb” by Reverse X-Rays

You can catch the band during SXSW at the NiNXSXSW event.

EXPERIENCE: ESCAPES —>> NiИXSxSWƧxƧXNiИ; Club 1818 (1808 E 12th St, 78702); Friday, March 9th, 2012, 1P-2A Facebook Event

WARNING: There’s a new indie band in town. With a tight rhythm section and swirling beats, they’ve inspired many a skinny jean to dance in venues around town. And while my Facebook feed is tired of hearing about presidential-year politics, I can’t stop listening to Politics, one of my favorite upcoming Austin bands.

I first heard Politics through my homie Richard over at Ultra8201. Knowing I like my indie rock on the dancier side, he not only heavily recommended them, but he also sent me a copy of their then-unreleased Cities EP. From the opening beats on first track Warning through to the final fading notes of closing track On Our Way, I was hooked in a major way.

Bringing all the swirling moodiness of Foals combined with the upbeat guitar riffs of Two Door Cinema Club, both two of my all-time favorite bands, Politics Cities EP is a solid release. The band’s tight rhythm section demonstrates a maturity you don’t always see with new acts. And production from Love at 20‘s Mike G brings a sophisticated clarity that helps accentuate Politics’s complex layers.

Dreamy 1st track Warning opens with syncopated beats, drifting through a murky cloudy of bass with glints of guitars dancing through the cool thickness.

Fuel For The Flame swoons with playful guitar and a driving beat. Blood rushing to head with youthful shyness…or is it lust? Either case, the chiding vocals speak of of guitar dancing on waves of blue, moody bass.

Light In Your Eyes is addictive. I find myself jonesin’ for those guitar hooks.

[Grab a free download of the full Politics "Cities" EP]

LISTEN: Politics “Fuel for the Flame”

Before I left for my walkabout, I met up with the band at local record shop End of an Ear to play a little game. I pulled each member of the band aside, and asked them some music-related questions to see how well they knew each. Think of it as a Newlywed’s Game for the band.

WATCH: How well do the Politics members know each other?

Had a lot of fun hanging with the band. During the game, I learned Politics are as in love with Foals as I am. I also learned that I might want to reconsider my dream of hosting Jeopardy.

You can catch Politics today (Thursday) at Ultra8201′s SIXTH Anniversary show. Rock out with the band and celebrate another year with one of our favorite Austin music blogs.

EXPERIENCE: Ultra8201 Turns 6; Swan Dive (651 Red River St, 78701); Thursday, March 1st, 2012; 10P-2A; $5 Facebook Event

SXSW is *gulp* two weeks away. Yup, sooner than you know it, we’ll be fighting off the hordes of tourists. And if you’re like me, you’ll also be clutching a schedule and running from venue to venue in order to see all of your favorite buzz bands.

Before the stress starts sinking in, take a deep breath. We still have our city for two more weeks. And what better way to celebrate being an Austinite than TWO nights with TWENTY local bands?

Yes, folks, returning for its 3rd year is Whitesiren’s Local Night For Local People. Last year’s show at Ghost Room was one of my favorite events of the year. Now at TWO venues on TWO nights, the event brings a diverse lineup with even more reason to dust off your Locals Only shirt and hit the town.

I seriously love almost all of the bands playing. In fact, we’ve either written about, worked with in the past, OR are about to release music videos by almost all of the artists playing this festival.

Now most folks wouldn’t give their opinion on which shows to go to because they wouldn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. I’m gonna buck that trend. Although I love many of the bands playing at Swan Dive, you’ll find my heart at FRANK both nights. Friday is chockfull of electro-dance goodness. And Saturday is moody rock, britpop and darkwave.

Tickets for each show are $10 at the door or $8 with a DO512 RSVP. You can also get a VIP package for $20 that include admission to the show, merch from the bands, drinks, and other special gifts from the sponsors.

Here’s the full line-up plus set times (** indicate bands that you don’t want to miss!):

Friday, February 24th, 2012, at Frank:

• GOBI **(12.40A)
• Oh Look Out ** (11.45P)
• BK & Mr. E **(11P)
• End Wave **(10.15P)
• Sleep Talk (9.30P)

Friday, February 25th, 2012, at Swan Dive:

•  Digital Antique (12.15A)
• My Education (11.15P)
• The Baker Family (10.30P)
• Gentlemen Rogues (9.45P)
• Les RAV (9P)

Saturday, February 26th, 2012, at Frank:

Saturday, February 26th, 2012, at Swan Dive:

• The Pons ** (12.15A)
• The Strange Attractors ** (11.15P)
• The Greatcoats (10.30P)
• Pillow Talk (9.45P)
• Haun’s Mill (9P)

 

Our “Voyeur Music Video” series is a lot like porn for music lovers. Shot in one take at locations around the city, the videos are intimate, stripped down and raw–nothing like traditional live performances. Enjoy!

The first time I heard Eleven:Eleven, I was transported to a dark warehouse in Berlin. I couldn’t believe the band was from Austin. The tracks, dripping with electro edge, were more Euro than Texan. And lead singer Sicca looked too future for the East Side. I was pleasantly surprised.

Eleven:Eleven under MOPAC

Eleven:Eleven, of course, is that magical moment when minute and hour are caught in digital balance–something that can be found in the duo’s music. Producer Jake Childs’s dark electro-synth tracks are uplifted by Sicca’s light, ethereal vocals. It’s like a glimmer of beautiful sunlight reflecting off the surface of a back-alley, oil-slicked puddle.

LISTEN: Eleven:Eleven on Soundcloud

For the video, I really wanted a setting that could bring out the urban, big city edge I found in the band’s tracks. With their rusted metallic frames and missing wooden slats, I instantly thought of the old bicycle bridges under MOPAC. When we shot the video, however, the city had trimmed off the years of dry thorny vines. And wouldn’t ya know, we had beautiful sunshine instead of grey gloom.

Now before you purists send some hate mail: Normally our Voyeur Music Videos are more stripped down, moderately unplugged versions of tracks by the guest artists. This one isn’t that different. Even though Jake plays the backtrack using a boom box, Sicca’s voice, without filters or effects, can still hold its own over the loud traffic noises on MOPAC.

WATCH: Eleven:Eleven – “No Words” Voyeur Music Video

The track, “No Words,” is taken from the upcoming album ”Through the Veil” to be released this spring. And Jake has told me that legendary British producers Punks Jump Up will be remixing this track. Can’t wait to hear it!

You can see Eleven:Eleven LIVE this Saturday at Deseo. The show includes 3 stages with a slew of DJs and electronic bands PLUS a Passion Pit DJ set. See the full lineup on the Facebook event.

• EXPERIENCE: Real Music Presents…; (Saturday 02.23); 8P-2A; Deseo (217 Congress Ave, 78701); Pre-sale Tickets; Facebook Event

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Find something Austin-related that you want to share? Photos, screen shots, articles, news? Email us at tips@republicofaustin.com.

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Oh the 90′s: That which is not a distant blur has become an idealistic memory. And while you can relive most of the aural highlights 47 minutes an hour on 101X, nothing can replace the sonic splendor that was K-NACK 107.7, Austin’s original alt-rock station.

The early 90′s saw Austin’s airwaves in a barren state–until the fall of 1991, when new upstart K-NACK started broadcasting. Suddenly Austin had direct access to the burgeoning alternative rock sound, then known as “college rock.”  Plus, Austin artists were also featured in heavy rotation.

Yes, dear readers, there was a time when Austin radio didn’t just play variations on mainstream, but  kept it local ALL the time.

But K-NACK wasn’t just a radio station. They built a community around the local scene. And by putting out their “Homegroan” CD compilations, they shined a light on Austin bands that might not have had the resources to get their sound out. Remember, this was Pre-Internet!

Truth be told, I’m a little biased. In the fall of 1997, I started an internship at the station. For almost two months, I’d drive up to Georgetown on Wednesdays to help out around the studio. Man, the CD library was epic. My internship ended early because the radio station got sold.

K-NACK's mascot logo was this image, affectionately known as the Psychobaby.

Found this misprinted Psychobaby sticker in my scrap book!

So what did Austin music in the 90′s sound like? Pickings on the InterWebs have been pretty slim, but I was able to find some stuff. Check it out:

90′s Austin bands played on K-NACK:

Sincola – “Bitch”

Retarded Elf – “What Up, G?”

Mumbleskinny – “Devilman”

Mojo Nixons – “Elvis is Everywhere”

Asylum Street Spankers – “Jerry the Junker”

Ugly Americans – “Vulcan Death Grip”

Stranger Than Fiction – “When Mystery Loves Company”

El Flaco – “Sister”

Sixteen Deluxe – “Honey”

Gal’s Panic – “Fuentes”

Bo Bud Greene – “Mira La Punk Star”

Wannabees – “Itchin Jenny”

You can catch several of these bands and more this weekend at the K-NACK Reunion at the ND. Here’s the full line-up:

Friday, January 27

Midnight                SIXTEEN DELUXE

10:45 PM               SINCOLA

9:30 PM                 BO BUD GREENE

9:00                        SEED

Saturday, January 28

Midnight                  WANNABES

10:45 PM                  BUG / SPLINTER

9:30 PM                    GOMEZ (TX)

8:00 PM                    K-NACK CLASS REUNION:  Come have a beer with K-NACK alums.

Hosted by Raydog.  With the K-NACK Crew in the house: Max Pace, Lynn Lawless, Trina Quinn, Melody Lee, Rachel Marisay, Drew Bennett, Ken Fusion, Jason Jenkins, Cary Delmark, Alan Cross, The Rude Luvah, Jess Webb, Biff Raffe

WIN: If you want to win a pair of passes to the weekend’s events, go to Republic of Austin Facebook page between 10AM and NOON today! Look for the question

EXPERIENCE: K-NACK 107.7 Reunion; (Friday, 01.27; Saturday 01.28); 8P-2A (Meet and greet with the K-NACK Crew at 8!); The ND (501 Brushy between E 5th and E 6th, 78702); Tickets $10/night or $17/wknd; More info; Facebook Event

And if you’re still feeling nostalgic, join the K-NACK 107.7 Psychobaby Time Capsule group on Facebook.

How many of those bands do you remember?

Find something Austin-related that you want to share? Photos, screen shots, articles, news? Email us at tips@republicofaustin.com.

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They say love and marriage mature a man. At least, that seems to be the case with Austin’s neiliyo. The electrosoul singer recently took Annie Ray to New York City and Martha’s Vineyard to propose to the “gimmie more” photographer. Not only did neiliyo come back with a new fiancé, he also had a head full of ideas. The end result is Aquinnah, his 6th EP.

*Hold up.*

Before I continue with the review, I have to get this off my chest: Y’all know we’ve loved neiliyo since day 1. His live shows explode with energy. His tracks can make you shake your ass–but the mix on the recordings always was a little off. Sometimes the vocals were too loud. Sometimes it was the guitar. Not so on the new EP: neiliyo’s production combined with Love at 20′s Mike G‘s mix make this album sound larger than Austin.

*Phew*

Now that I’ve cleared the air, let me get back to the review.

Aquinnah has been burning up my playlist since I got it last week. Based on the whirlwind of emotions neiliyo experienced during his engagement weekend last summer, Aquinnah expertly combines the chill beach vibe with the hyperactivity of the Big Apple. With waves of intricately woven samples layered on top of urban beats, Aquinnah displays a sophisticated maturity that demonstrates neiliyo’s growth as an artist over the last year and a half since his last album. In fact, I might go as far as to say that Aquinnah represents a continued evolution towards a unique ‘electrosoul’ sound that blends 90s dance sensibility with an 80s urban/soul crooning.

[Check out the dance party of a Voyeur Music Video for neiliyo's "Kinda Pissed" on the Lamar Pede Bridge]

Opening track “Beach Party” sets the tone for the album: a preppy weekend retreat to a beach house out on Martha’s Vineyard. The sampled voices on the background with the distorted beats remind me of Machine Drum minus the basswaves. Like tracks from the Game Night album, there’s something almost singsong and care free as he sings, “I hope it doesn’t rain, but if it does it’s ok, we’re getting wet anyways.”

“Flowers,” the second track, starts with a sample groove from 90′s classic “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” by P.M. Dawn. Lazy Saturday exploring a small coastal town. Is he gonna do it? Is he ready to pop the question? Following the 90′s style, neiliyo tells a story and then follows it with a dreamlike, funky bridge. And it’s even got that slow-jam horn, in TLC style. Distorted beats, layered chords and whispered vocals make this song sound like a distant summer memory. In fact, I can’t stop singing the refrain: “Flowers dancing, on the sidewalk, I am freaking out. Was it worth it? Would you go back? Yes, with out a doubt.”

The third track, “Aquinnah,” is pure genius. It gives me chills. Part Prince, part chill wave, part Anita Baker, this is truly evolved neiliyo. Track opens with distorted cymbals crashing on top of claps and some phat beats–kind of reminds me of Peaches’s first album–except chill. Running away from the beach house, neiliyo and Annie Ray run out to a light house. 80s soul crooning in a falsetto, he asks, “Would you be…would you be my baby? For the rest…for the rest of my life?” There’s a break that drops some rimmed out booty bass beats and the sickest guitar solo this side of 1983. It’s a poetic love song. I can’t stop playing it…at all. I hope neiliyo continues this direction.

Fourth track “NYC Summertime” is a classic summer jam. It’s got all the energy of a 90s party jam plus a heap of Spank Rock. Dueling acid-like synth lines and singalong lyrics are guaranteed to make this a club banger. “Taxi cab pick me up. Hit that train. Make that bus. Watch the sign, don’t step across, but don’t forget my favorite line, it’s New York City summer time.” “So hot it blows my mind, It’s like a jungle sometimes, but it’s no wonder why: It’s New York City Summer Time.” “This ain’t no Austin, Texas, you ain’t on West Coast time. Change your plans. Stay Inside. It’s New York City Summer Time.” “Blackout windows sleep till 5, it’s New York City Summer time.”

LISTEN: neiliyo – “Aquinnah” EP

Full disclosure: neiliyo and I DJ every week together at #kitchen. He’s been teasing these tracks for the last couple months. And with all honesty, I’m so proud of my homie. He really turned it up to 11 on this album. After a couple listens, you’ll be hooked, and it might just be a part of your spring soundtrack. Head over to neiliyo’s soundcloud to download Aquinnah for free.

Austin dance musicians, neiliyo just upped the game. How you gonna answer?

Find something Austin-related that you want to share? Photos, screen shots, articles, news? Email us at tips@republicofaustin.com.

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Our “Voyeur Music Video” series is a lot like porn for music lovers. Shot in one take at locations around the city, the videos are intimate, stripped down and raw–nothing like traditional live performances. Enjoy!

It’s time! After shooting all summer long, we’re kicking off our new season of Voyeur Music Videos! Shot in one take, these videos snatch the musicians out of the music venue and plop them down in locations around the city. Like amateur porn for music lovers, these are stripped-down sets by some of our favorite musicians. And this season, we’ve got a slew of diverse artists that represent the full gambit of Austin music.

Kicking off the new season of Voyeur Music Videos is Austin psych pop band Candi & The Strangers. With their lush soundscapes, Candi & The Strangers bring a style that reminds me of the aural incarnation of pop art. Full of dreamy pinks and oranges, their synth-heavy sound mimics the swirls of liquid psychedelic light projections. And the vocals, layered in reverb, have an almost shiny, plastic feel, as if sung by a mannequin who has come to life.

For the video, we decided to represent that plastic, pop art sound by surrounding the band with eerie naked mannequins. Shot in a fixtures warehouse off Cameron road, the band was surrounded by arms, legs, and lots and lots of perky plastic boobs. The end result is something that could have been shot in Andy Warhol’s Factory: a beautiful fusion of sound and style.

WATCH: “Femme Sonique” by Candi & The Strangers

Kind of in love with Erik Woffor’s omnichord. Like an electronic harp, it’s really effing sexy. I’m also in love with Samantha’s Casio SK-1

Erik Wofford plays the Omnichord

Samantha Constant plays the Casio SK-1

Earlier this year, Candi & The Strangers released their debut album “10th of Always.” You can pick it up at End of an Ear on South 1st or at Waterloo. You can also download “10th of Always“ from Amazon.com.

Currently, band members Angie and Greg Rose are on an old-fashioned road trip through the US. In the meantime, songwriting team John and Samantha Constant and producer Erik Wofford have teamed up with Shiny Object to create an animated feature called Children of the Tone. The band also worked on the soundtrack to Man on a Mission, which will have its theatrical debut in New York in January.

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Find something Austin-related that you want to share? Photos, screen shots, articles, news? Email us at tips@republicofaustin.com.

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There’s a certain place in every guy’s soul that is reserved for breakups. Dark and primal, it’s like an extra reservoir of testosterone designed to help us power through the aftermath of a relationship. When used correctly, this survival instinct helps us work through complex emotions to discover a truer sense of self.

Smokey and dream-like, the new album from Austin’s The Pons, ”The Blackest Shine,” takes the listener through this epic journey of self discovery. But this ain’t no warm fuzzy, new age album; rather, like whiskey, cigars, leather, and boots, “The Blackest Shine” is unabashedly masculine, trotting us down a rocky road through the subconscious, from dark self-loathing to hopeful self-realization. At the end of the journey, we’re ready to conquer the world, knowing that we’ve defeated our own demons.

Sometimes angst-filled, sometimes  vulnerable, always strong, frontman Thomas Mazzi’s vocals guide us through “The Blackest Shine” like an epic poet in a way that makes the lyrics raw and  authentic. Ruby Painter plays the bass low and dirty like a dude, but with something smooth and sensual that turns it into chocolate. Topping all of that off is drummer Steve Sanders’s layers of percussion, sophisticatedly combining flares with kicks to further heighten the dreaminess of the album.

Track-by-track Review of “The Blackest Shine” by the Pons

With its driving beat and an expansive sound sound, opening track “The Blackest Shine” feels like a reckless drive out to an isolated cabin in the middle of the desert, dust flying up behind the wheels, and an endless sky with the sun dropping behind the hills. Indigo tones and playful keys make it feel like dusk.  Vocals, angry and desolate, this song is about trying to forget a woman in that bottle of Jack, “eff that girl” sort of way.

In “Someone Else’s Voice,” our protagonist is having trouble being honest–even to himself. He needs to commit ego suicide. Kill his heart. Kill the pain so he can start again. Catchy bassline, grinding guitars.

In “Impossible Love,” our hero starts having alcohol-induced visions of what might have been.  The brightest song on the album, sentimental track Impossible Love feels angelic, like floating into the clouds. Dreamy chords, ethereal vocals, shimmering keys, and shades of sky blue and white, it kind of feels like light dancing on water.

“Impossible Love” by The Pons

“Can’t Get Through” shakes with building epiphany. He’s beginning to understand the problems in the relationship. Guitar and drums lead this yellow track.

In “The Future’s Past” our hero is clearing the clouds from his mind. Full of bright sunny guitar, piano, driving beat and a killer bassline that will stick with you, it’s like looking up into the sky and seeing the new dawn. Slow build as our hero talks himself through understanding.  ”The future belongs to the uninhibited. So drive out your fears. And throw them in the mirror.”  He’s tired of watching his life and everything he loves walk out the door. He’s ready to start fighting and living again. Enlightening. Shaking off the depression.

“Sleep Soundly” is like a mellow lullaby. He’s talking to himself. This is it. This is the discovery.

“Death of the Peacock” represents the new confidence. After his epiphany, he’s looking at a new life and clearing himself of all his old ideals and thoughts. He’s killed off his showboating, ineadeqaute image of maleness, and has found his mojo.  Musically he’s now got all the psychedelic pop swagger of the Doors with all the blues of James Brown combined with the 60′s sexiness of Tom Jones. Neon signs passing by at midnight. Driving by trucks. Sultry. The rockingest track on the album, it’s one of my faves.

“Death of the Peacock” by The Pons

Sexy, sophisticated, and cimenatic like James Bond, “Gene Hackman Dream” is big and open with the sexiest bassline I think I’ve heard. It kinda hits you in your naughty bits, propelling you to a smoke filled study full of bourbon, cigars and arm chairs. Psychedelic and surreal, it’s about letting go to find yourself. Love this track.

“Black Twin” is haunting. Dreamy guitars. Uplifting drums and a bass soundscape. “The world is waiting for you. It’s time to throw caution aside. To reach the dark places where the true and great hide. Keep your eyes open. Your mouth will cry. Where there is smoke, you know there is fire. Finding your dark side doesn’t always lead to sin. Every white swan must have a black twin.”  Even though I’ve had this album since early summer, I still put this track on loop. Amazing.

“Black Twin” by The Pons

This may be one of my favorite albums of the year. Get it. Love it. Pick it up at Waterloo or download it on iTunes. And if you want to see it performed live, check out the official release party at the Highball on October 28th.

Must give mad kudos to Erik Wofford at Cacophony Recorders for an amazing job producing and mixing this album.

This weekend, the Mohawk, one of Austin’s most beloved music venues, celebrates its 5th Anniversary. And in true Mohawk style, there’s going to be a big ass party all weekend long. To help get you ready to rumble, we asked Mohawk founder James Moody to share some of his favorite posters and memories from the last 5 years of shows. The result: A perfect summation of the diversity and badassery that makes the Mohawk such a kick-a venue.

How many of these do you remember?

KOOL KEITH:

This show was insane. The best part was Keith was late (as always), but we didn’t realize until later that he was busy ordering pizza from Dominos for the crowd right before his set. By the 3rd or 4th song, the delivery dude showed up and brought like 10 pizzas to the stage and slice by slice Keith and crew handed them out to the crowd while Keith was rhyming ‘Its a mutha fuckin pizza part-ay’ and ‘get you a slice gurl’.

HOLY FUCK:

This show was total mayhem on the inside stage. This poster is probably one the best we have had in our halls, for obvious reasons. We had it up for years until it was recently stolen.

PSYCH FEST:

We love these dudes and are happy to have hosted the early days of Psych Fest. Robs psychedelic 3D mushroom posters are always bad ass, and this fest is one of Austins best.

YELLE:

I don’t know if I love this poster, but damn I love that lady. Le Dance Party USA. Yelle has probably made more butts simultaneously shake, sweat, and move in the Mohawk than any other act I can think of.

ICE CUBE:

I still can’t even believe that he played our stage. I know every word to every damn NWA song. This show was a big deal. We have never sold so many 32 oz high life growlers in one night. I gotta say it was a good day.

MISSION OF BURMA/KRS ONE:

Old school heroes.

DECEMBERISTS:

This band is not a quintessential Mohawk band, but them playing the inside stage was definitely a turning point for the venue. People really started to notice us after this night.

THE SWORD:

The first time I saw them, they were still working at Thundercloud and playing 710. I bought their first 3 song EP. Then, years later, I see them on you tube playing an arena in Paris opening for Metallica and Lars Ulrich is drumming to Sword songs. It was amazing to see them come back to Austin, victorious.

FIRST POSTER EVER:

This is our first poster ever from our opening night. 2 sold out nights of mayhem – back when Ghostland cost a grand or so. People got naked that night. Greg Jones painted the giant Mohawk logo live during ghostlands set. I remember him saying “Moody, would you excuse me while I turn this shithole into a landmark?”

BONUS: POSTERS BY FARLEY:

Those hand drawn posters (tortousie/mono/etc) of pensive women in cool clothes/situations are from Farley. She is a rad local poster artist that still kicks it old school with the pencil. You can see more of her stuff at empire or bouldin creek coffee shop.

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The 5th Anniversary  Party is gonna be MASSIVE. Here’s the line-up:

Friday, September 30th
OUTSIDE STAGE:
Grupo Fantasma + Soul Happening

INSIDE STAGE (Aftershow):
Master Blaster + Peligrosa All-Stars

Saturday, October 1st
OUTSIDE STAGE:
Lucero + Moonlight Towers + Frank Smith

INSIDE STAGE (Aftershow):
Mike and the Moonpies + East Cameron Folklore

Sunday, October 2nd — FREE “Locals Only” Show:
OUTSIDE STAGE:
My Education + Great Nostalgic + Transmography

INSIDE STAGE (Aftershow):
Marriage + Lean Hounds + Golden Bear

Mohawk 5th Anniversary; (Friday, 09.30; Saturday 10.01; Sunday 10.02); Mohawk (912 Red River St, 78701);  Facebook Event

When I was little, I used to love View-Masters. Long before augmented reality apps, these portable stereoscopic goggles used to take me to worlds that were more colorfully 3D than anything I’d ever experienced. With a flick of the wrist, my View-Master transported me into the movie E.T. and carried me up the beanstalk with Mickey Mouse. Plus there was something about it that feels more immersive than TV or the Internet.

On his new album “complete dream home,” Austin electronic musician soundfounder has created the aural version of a Viewmaster. At times beautiful and peaceful, often haunting and eerie, ”complete dream home” creates cool, vibrant soundscapes that transport the listener into a slightly fractured alternate reality. Heavily reliant on chilled bass lines and peppered with percussion, it’s a great chill out album.

Here are a few of my favorite tracks:

Neil

The vox sample sounds like it’s from a meditation album from the 60s, except there’s something menacing in her tone that is more serial killer than yoga instructor. The drum loops are sick on this track–like DJ Shadow partnered with DJ Spooky.

Wayne

Wayne is my favorite track on the album. Floating with soft metallic breaks, lush waves of bass lap against a shore of warming violins.

Ban Memo Dana

An erie Scooby Doo xylophone and sneaky percussion take us through a labrytnh of  foreboding chords. Along the way, we discover ghosts of music’s past, including a disco beat and some tribal drum flares.

Chew Your Juice

Like a trip through the wrong side of town, this track brings a bit of late night angst with some old-fashioned thuggery lurking in a dark alley, waiting to steal your wallet.

See for Yourself

The machine is starting to break down. The time-space continuum is collapsing. With a sense of urgency, the computer warns you, at the same time, flipping channels. Where will it land?

LISTEN:”complete dream home” by soundfounder

You can purchase the album through (in)sect records’s bandcamp page. You can also see him LIVE and DIRECT this Friday, September 30th, at Exploded Drawing 9 at the Baby Blue Studios. There will also a bevy of bad ass electronic musicians.

• Exploded Drawing 9; (Friday, 09.30.2011); Baby Blue Studios (1522 E 12th St, 78702); 9P-1A; $5 donation (includes booze!)  Facebook Event