Houston’s Tontons are a band who have been garnering remarkable press in recent months, including several stories right here at Pop Press International. Fresh off a mind-blowing SXSW week during which the band played a dozen shows and opened for acts such as Dawes and P. Diddy, the band returned to Austin for a show at Holy Mountain with supporting acts Royal Forest and LaRues.
On a holiday weekend when Texas Relays attendees swamped most of downtown, the turnout proved reasonable but more importantly highly devoted to the band. As if The Tonton’s impossible-to-stand-still-to pop weren’t enough, the stage presence of frontwoman Asli Omar is utterly arresting. Omar flails and poses as she dances around the stage, delivering soulful lyrics. With an arsenal of short indie-pop songs at their disposal, the band unloaded music spanning their catalogue including a few new songs as well as the outstanding “Bones 1” and “Bones 2″ from the group’s newest EP. I took the opportunity of the live show to pick up a copy of the 7” on my way out, and you should too, by ordering it here. Seeing The Tontons live is a treat, and the Western U.S. will have the opportunity over the next week or so. Heads up west coast brethren; dates below along with additional photos.
Earlier in the night, Austin’s Royal Forest performed a set filled with psychedelic pop, distorted synths, and driving beats. Frontman Cody Ground has been performing in the Austin music scene for years now, previously as the band Loxly. Royal Forest is a band that seems to improve with each new song they record. Two of my favorites from the set are from a recorded and yet to be released album due out in July. Below you can hear tracks from Tontons and Royal Forest followed by the remaining tour dates for Tontons and a photo gallery.
4/01 – Phoenix AZ – Yucca Tap Room
4/02 – Tucson, AZ – PLUSH
4/04 – San Diego, CA – The Griffin
4/05 – San Francisco, CA – Thee Parkside
4/07 – Santa Monica, CA – The Central
4/10 – Las Vegas, NV – Beauty Bar
4/11 – Salt Lake City, UT – Bar Deluxe
4/12 – Denver, CO – Larimer Lounge
4/13 – Lawrence, KS – Replay Lounge
All photos © Bryan Parker and Pop Press International. Click any image to open set in slideshow viewer.
