They say Austin is the Live Music Capital of the world, and this season does not disappoint. To be specific, the rock shows this September and October are stacked. From Weezer, to Ax and the Hatchetmen, to Modest Mouse, there is something for all kinds of rock fans of all ages.
September kicks off with Austin’s very own West 22nd band, a group formed by UT students, who have gotten pretty big with over 1 million monthly listeners on spotify. They are an indie rock group that features upbeat guitar and a little bit of pop and folk influence as well. A similar band that is coming to ACL (check out Finnian Neary’s article on that great festival), but that is also playing a show on October 8 is Arcy Drive, another indie band, similar to West 22nd, but with a heavier garage rock feel. Hailing from Long Island, like a lot of indie rock bands, they have a gritty, nostalgic feel with that same focus on the upbeat guitar, but with more energetic vocals. The indie rock lineup doesn’t stop there, however, with Ax and the Hatchetmen on October 18. This band is sort of a combination of the previous two bands, with more of a pop feel than Arcy Drive, but more energetic than West 22nd.
Some older indie rock bands coming to Austin include War on Drugs on October 8 and Modest Mouse on October 15. The former is coming to ACL this year, and blends 2000s indie rock with classic artists like Bob Dylan. The latter came to last year’s ACL and offers a 2000s rock vibe with more alternative feel. For some deeper cuts, “Built to Spill” and “And you will know us by the trail of dead,” an native Austinite group, are other really good 2000s indie alternative bands; both of whom are playing on September 25, so you’ll have to pick your poison, or rather, pick your antidote.
On the alternative rock side, the big three bands coming are Gorillaz on October 15 as well, Weezer on October 18, and Smashing Pumpkins on October 25. These bands don’t need much introduction, as all have been very popular for 20+ years, but what should be mentioned is that two other very good bands are opening for Weezer: Silversun Pickups and the Shins. Both offer a 2000s indie rock sound, with The Shins offering a less punk vibe, similar to Modest Mouse.
Many great artists are coming to Austin, as these are only the rock bands, and only the most popular ones at that! With the shows being very concentrated — almost all are in October — music fans will have to weigh their options, as shows can become pricey, but one thing’s for sure: It’s sure to be a great Rocktober.