In Austin, great shows come and go, and almost any night of the week presents an opportunity to see outstanding live music. But occasionally, a show generates enough magic that it feels special, even in a city flooded with quality performances. Last Tuesday at Scoot Inn felt pivotal, as Japanese Breakfast and Snail Mail played magnetic sets that crystalized immediately in the consciousness of attendees. C3 purchased the Scoot Inn last summer, and after extensive renovations, it feels like the venue is finally starting to realize it’s potential for housing mid-tier touring acts on the precipice of a big breakout. With Snail Mail on the heels of a busy and buzzed-about SXSW and Japanese Breakfast launching a world tour and en route to Coachella, the evening teemed with excitement. The bill proved capable of selling out the approximately 1,000 cap room on a Tuesday — not an easy feat, even in a music loving town.
Launching into the set with “In Heaven,” the standout track from Michelle Zauner’s first album, Japanese Breakfast commanded the stage with powerful energy. Bouncing on white sneakers with light-up soles, Zauner bounded about the stage to the upbeat rhythms of her spacey indie pop. Throughout the set, Zauner showcased her multifaceted talent, moving between guitar and keyboard, while handling vocal responsibilities with emotional intensity. Frequently walking along the front edge of the stage and climbing out on the venue’s speakers, Zauner leaned out over the crowd, as dozens of singing mouths arched up toward her.
Between songs, Zauner took the time to give shoutouts to her label owner, Dead Oceans‘ Phil Waldorf; her booking agent Timmy Hefner; and one of her longstanding fans and supporters, PRTLS Creative Director Tyler Andere — all three of whom live in Austin. Multiple times during the show, Zauner gushed about how vital Austin has been to her musical career. Even in a large outdoor space, the show carried an intimate warmth that permeated the mood. Japanese Breakfast is two very special records into a career, and it’s exciting to see how responsive and supportive Zauner’s fans continue to be. Every once in a while a truly great artist gets both the critical and fan response they deserve. Japanese Breakfast is one of those rare artists and I’m hoping the fervor continues.
Snail Mail, the project of Lindsey Jordan, opened the night with a set of punk-leaning indie rock tunes built on Jordan’s emotive wail. Much of the work I’ve seen and heard consists of Jordan performing solo, and it was great to see full band live versions of the songs. Jordan has just one EP, yet she had a good portion of the crowd enrapt and singing along before the sun set on a Tuesday afternoon — a sign you’re doing something very right. Snail Mail’s first full-length, Lush, is due out June 8 on Matador. Keep an ear out.
Check out photos from the night below. All images © Bryan C. Parker & Pop Press INTL. Click any image to open set in slideshow viewer.
