Two outstanding synth-pop bands performed on Cheer Up Charlie’s outdoor stage this weekend. Dallas based Ishi brought jubilant and shimmering pop that demands dancing. John Mudd certainly feels the call to get down, as he shimmies and shakes across the stage, occasionally leaning out into the crowd. The vibrant tunes served as a great lead in to the also beat-driven but significantly divergent Night Drive.
Night Drive absolutely offers the option to get up and dance if you want to. But there’s something more sinister lurking in these brooding synths. The duo possesses the pop sensibilities of New Order and all the darkness of Joy Division. The result is haunting and psychologically pervasive. Few bands in Austin have such a complete control over their artistic vision; Night Drive, from the name to the live projections to the album artwork to each note of each song, give listeners a highly defined and cohesive package. When I pulled into my driveway after a long night of music that also included a stop at 101X’s show at Holy Mountain, Night Drive was playing on I Heart Radio Austin 103.1, so I guess we’re not the only ones who dig the band. These guys are ones to watch.
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