The Babies’ Our House on the Hill was one of the most underrated records of 2012. Employing no-frills, straightforward rock ’n’ roll, it surpasses albums that take themselves too seriously or focus too much on creating something strange and new, instead emerging a record that’s just incredibly enjoyable to listen to. For these reasons, I’ve been looking forward to The Babies’ show at the Mohawk ever since it was announced. It’s the kind of music you crave to see live. After local favorite Deep Time was announced as the opener, I didn’t think the bill could get any better, but I was wrong. GALPALS, another of Austin’s most exciting acts was added to the lineup. This show provided a power-packed Friday night bill that delivered everything for which one could have hoped.
I have and written about GALPALS extensively since their second show ever. The duo of Lauen Mikus and Jillian Talley continue to sharpen their live show and sounded better than ever, even after a brief hiatus taken while both band members worked on the Terrence Malick film, shot in Austin. Small, practiced decisions improved their set, such as flowing seamlessly between two of their earliest songs, “Do You Ever?” and “Dumbhead.” Always a pleasure to have GALPALS on the bill. If you have the opportunity to see them, show up early. For a while the band has always had another show booked, but they don’t for the moment. Let’s fix that soon, ladies.
Deep Time has solidified its place as one of Austin’s most treasured bands. Their most recent album was one of the best of the year, released on Hardly Art, a subsidiary of the esteemed Sub Pop label. Live, the band is pitch-perfect, as lead singer Jennifer Moore navigates her distinct melodies and quirky pop songs. Drummer Adam Jones holds down the rhythm section impeccably, and the duo has recruited a guitarist to perform some of the album’s parts more faithfully in a live setting. I never get tired of seeing this band, and I’ll certainly be seeing them again on New Year’s Eve at Cheer Up Charlie’s.
By the time The Babies came onstage, the inside room of Mohawk was packed. I expected a turnout for a solid Friday night bill, but this was beyond expectation. The venue appeared to be near capacity. Kevin Morby walked onstage and propelled the set headlong into “Alligator,” the opening song from Our House on the Hill, as the audience broke into dancing. As the set wore on and the band delivered powerful rock numbers like “Moonlight Mile,” the audience became increasingly spastic, eventually enthralled in a full-on mosh pit.
Though I hadn’t expected quite such a raw energy from the band, it was certainly there. Even during slower songs such as “See the Country,” sung by Cassie Ramone, the fans pushed and jostled each other. Despite my generally reserved show demeanor, the raucous energy proved fun as an end to a long work week. After loving The Babies’ recent album so much, it felt right to share a room with so many people who clearly and emphatically shared that love.
All photos by Bryan Parker. Click any image to open the set in slideshow view.
