Friday night at the Mohawk served as a local music extravaganza with a bill that featured two of Austin’s best bands supporting a rising Austin musician as he celebrated the release of his first solo album. Abram Shook’s outstanding album Sun Marquee dropped this month. Shook performs and has performed in a number of Austin bands over the years; beyond this solo album, his most notable current project showcases his bass skills in the band Feverbones, which also features members of Dana Falconberry.
Shook’s set Friday was an amazing blend of joyful rock, sunny soul, and upbeat pop. I can think of no words to describe my own mental state during the performance other than total amazement. Impeccable live arrangements and raw energy defined the set, as the crowd cheered enthusiastically after each song. Multi-instrumentalist and beautiful vocalist Karla Manzur joined Shook onstage for two particularly wonderful songs. Indeed, Shook seemed surrounded by an abundance of friends and love on Friday. While it may be true that this is often the case when a musician celebrates the release of an album, it seemed especially true for Shook; although that love is not explicitly related to the music, it both shed light on the music Shook creates as well as drew me into a fervent affection for the songwriter. I’m hoping that we see more Abram Shook solo shows on the immediate horizon.
Good Field performed in direct support of Shook, providing a set that not only featured many old favorites such as “These Dreams” and “Tell Me Ida” but also several new and unreleased songs. The cast of Michael McLeod (bass), Kyle Robertson (keys), Esteban Cruz (drums), and Paul Price (guitar & vocals) represents one of Austin’s most solid outfits. Each member brings an incredible talent to the band to crate outstanding indie pop. McLeod indicated to me before the show that the band had been sharpening new material and tracking some in their makeshift home studio–an exciting prospect. The new songs sound promising, and I’m excited for the future of Good Field.
When a bill opens with Royal Forest, you know you’ve got a good one on your hands. Capable of handling the headlining spot on their own, the experimental, synth-pop band kicked off the evening with a tight set of songs culled from their incredible 2013 effort Spillway. Their album emerged as one of the best in Austin last year and the band’s live set showcases dextrous sonic texture and infectious melodies. Royal Forest include the artful touch of moving seamlessly from one song into the next as they join with suspended notes and synth-driven loops.
One thing about Friday’s bill is clear: if you missed it, you did yourself a disservice. Abram Shook, Good Field, and Royal Forest are each incredible artists. If you come across their names on future bills, make sure you see them. Check out some photos of the event below. All images © Bryan Parker & Pop Press International. Click any image to open in slideshow viewer.
