Saturday night, after catching a great show by Linen Closet, I bolted across town, deep into Austin’s East side to catch NYC’s Ava Luna. The band’s newest effort Ice Level blends R&B and spastic pop. Truly, they create interesting and distinct music, and their live show is incredible. Not to mention, I’d been wanting to check out the Museum of Human Achievement since it opened, and had not yet had a chance.
The venue is housed in the same center as Blue Genie, near the Blue Hanger Goodwill. I make the turn off the unlit, secluded, East Austin road through a gate with a rusty, askew sign bearing a faded address. The parking lot is dirt, and the only signs of life are the abundance of cars inhabiting the area. 
I continue driving toward the back of the lot until a single string of Christmas lights comes into view. Beneath it, two women sit checking credentials. After they find my name on the RSVP list, they provide my membership card for MOHA. With my sixer of Fireman’s (the venue is BYOB) in my hand, I make my way into the dimly lit warehouse space just as Ava Luna is soundchecking.
It has been a long time since I’ve been to this sort of show, and it feels great. Ava Luna’s members cast exaggerated shadows on the wall behind them as the band launches into their brand of art-rock R&B. Performing many of the songs from Ice Level, the band completely destroys their set. Actively enrapt, the audience grooves to the band’s sounds. I’m surprised but thrilled at how many people fill the room of such a secluded space for a small touring act. The space is managed by Zac Traeger of Zorch, the band that will soon play.
After Ava Luna finishes, time is spent wandering the small area outside where many people have collected to converse, drink straight fro bottles of wine, and mix their own whisky drinks from flasks. Soon, despite some apparent technical difficult, Zorch begins their set of blistering, psychedelic electronica. These two guys can generate an impressive amount of sound. Coming across far more bombastic live than recorded, they’re a band you must see live. Sam Chown’s drumming ability impresses as he works double duty, wearing a headset microphone. Meanwhile Zac Traeger works behind an arsenal of keyboards to create lush soundscapes.
After this show at this venue (and the show before it), my Saturday night had me giddy about music for the first time in a little while. I’m always most excited by outstanding local shows and bands, and my weekend revealed several artists and spaces that deserve your attention.
