With so many high profile events in Austin, it’s easy to forget that great music happens on a nightly basis. While much of the public can barely keep up with which festival is coming up, those committed to supporting local live music often find themselves with daily decisions as to which band’s show to catch. Last Wednesday, during a 10-day span surrounded by huge shows and the behemoth that is ACL Fest, a lineup of three local acts and one touring band played outstanding sets at Cheer Up Charlie’s.
Assembled by Borrisokane drummer Josh Denslow and sponsored by Pop Press International, the bill included Borrisokane themselves as well as Moonsicles, Francine Thirteen, and The Van Allen Belt. Borrisokane’s illusory pop blends many genres at once, making it near impossible to conceptualize, but it always rocks. The five-piece band continue to be one of Austin’s most interesting and distinct voices.
Moonsicles, as we have said, do a much better job of describing their sound with their moniker than we can manage with so many words. Deeply textured and ghostly, these icy, understated pop songs draw listeners deep into a moody landscape of synths. The set isn’t a rocker, but I still find myself completely engrossed and unable to break away. When you watch Moonsicles, you’re in their orbit, whether you like it or not. Luckily, we expect you’ll find little to complain about.
The Van Allen Belt, the night’s only touring act, brought with them a captivating live set that incorporated live sequencing and sampling as well as vivid projections. I keep picking up strange traces of dub and R&B amidst quirky pop arrangements. They’re the kind of band that needs to be seen again in order to demystify. With any lucky, their travels will bring them back through town without too much delay. Due to some confusion with the start time, we sadly missed Francine Thirteen, but cannot wait to catch a future show after hearing unanimously positive comments.
Check out our gallery of photos from the night below. All photographs © Bryan C. Parker & Pop Press International; all rights reserved. Click any image to open in slideshow viewer.
