Yesterday, fellow TVD contributor Mike Newman gave you the run down on APF and it’s amazing lineup of psychedelic rock, shoegaze, and more. We are just days away from the 6th annual Austin Psych Fest and I can barely contain my excitement. So, before I burst into a rainbow of psychedelic colors, let me tell you about some of the most notable acts to see this year.
THURSDAY | If you happen to make it down to Austin early this weekend or are already in the area, don’t miss this year’s kick off parties on Thursday, April 25th. Spread across two Austin venues—Mohawk and Red 7—and a total of four stages, these parties offer up a great introduction to this groovy weekend.
The outside stage at Red 7 features mainstays of the Austin Psych scene The UFO Club, garage rock favorites The Allah La’s, as well as a reunion of West Coast ‘80s psychedelic band Rain Parade. Tickets are limited for these events and only a select few will be available at the door, so if you want to get the weekend started right grab your tickets now. Weekend pass holders can rest easy, as their festival passes will allow them into the kick off parties as well.
FRIDAY | This is the real thing, APF 2013’s first official full day of music. There’s a lot to see, and every act is absolutely worthwhile, but you can never see it all. So, I’m here to give you the low-down on a few of my Friday favorites.
Bass Drum of Death | Reverberation Stage | 4:30pm
Up until recently this garage rock act was a one-man band out of Oxford, MS. John Barrett formed the band in 2008 and has since added touring member Print Chouteau. Before this addition, Bass Drum of Death consisted only Barrett playing a guitar and a bass drum all at once, hence the band name.
Barrett’s songs are catchy loud stoner rock at its best. Their 2011 debut album, GB City, has garnered loads of positive reviews and its songs have found their way into a slew of TV shows and movies. Publicity aside, fans of crunchy guitars and heavy hitting drums will love these guys.
Suuns | Levitation Tent | 7:30pm
One of the many Canadian acts hitting the APF stages this year, Suuns combines electronic rock, krautrock, and psychedelic music into something that is uniquely their own. Suuns music is careful and concise yet brash and spontaneous all at once. You don’t always know what’s coming next but you know it’s going to have a great dance beat and some catchy guitar hooks.
The band has been busy this year, releasing two new music videos and their sophomore album Images Du Futur. Not to mention a three-month tour that has the band traveling to Europe immediately after their APF appearance. Check out the official video for “2020” and don’t miss them on Friday!
Tamaryn | Elevation Amphitheatre | 8:00pm
This duo, made up of vocalist Tamaryn and producer Rex John Shelverton, have been bringing back the ‘90s shoegaze sounds since 2009 with their dreamy reverb laden pop songs. The best way I can describe them is if Mazzy Star and My Bloody Valentine had a baby, and the Jesus and Mary Chain delivered it.
They’ve got two albums under their belt and are steadily paving the way for a new wave of shoegazing dream pop. If you’re looking for a more relaxed and trance inducing set for Friday evening, then look no further than Tamaryn.
Silver Apples | Levitation Tent | 11:00pm
One of my favorite things about Austin Psych Fest is that they continue to showcase bands from all eras of psychedelic music. The Silver Apples are a perfect example of this. The band managed to release five albums in the two short years they were active (1967-1969) and were one of the first groups to employ electronic music techniques, tape loops, and a minimalistic rock style.
Although they never really made it into the mainstream, their songs paved the way for experimental music movements like krautrock in the ‘70s, and even anticipated the dance and indie rock scenes of the ‘90s. Now reunited, the band has found a new audience and their music is as fresh as ever. Listen to the track “Program” and tell me what decade it belongs in.
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club | Reverberation Stage | 11:30pm
Billed as the saviors of garage rock, these guys really need no introduction. Expect the band to be playing songs from their new album Specter At The Feast. Their latest single is dedicated to bassist Robert Levon Been’s late father Michael Been of ‘80s rock band The Call.
BRMC provide a great update of The Call’s “Let The Day Begin” with Robert Been taking his father’s place on bass and vocals. The band has released a broad range of albums over the nearly 15 years they’ve been active. From the hard rock influence of their first album B.R.M.C. to the stripped down blues and gospel sound of their 2005 album Howl, the band has proved themselves to be a shining beacon of hope for rock and roll.
Tomorrow we’ll pick up with our Saturday and Sunday recommendations and plenty more coverage from Austin Psych Fest 2013.
