Voxtrot's Farewell to Austin

Voxtrot bid Austin adieu last night to a comfortably packed crowd at Emo's outside area. You could definitely feel the love in the crowd from the opening notes to the closing notes. Everything Voxtrot did had people clapping, pogoing and generally participating in a way, which is, sadly, rare in this city. It certainly wasn't a sad, boo-hoo, farewell to Voxtrot. The evening had the vibe of a quirky 5yr class reunion for kids who were, previously, home-schooled. Like a Wes Anderson movie crossed with a John Hughes movie starring me and a bunch of other hipsters who hate hipsters. I looked around and everyone was dancing like Molly Ringwald looking totally blissed-out and nostalgic. Even the group of too-young sorrority girls knew every word to every song and sang along like we didn't pay to hear the band. All in all, a good time was had by all but don't mourn Voxtrot they left us with some amazing music to keep exploring.


Voxtrot - Whiskey & Water video via YouTube

On the official Voxtrot website there is a note that reflects where this break-up came from. It's drawn-out, articulate and beautiful (of course) but this section really stood out to me today after seeing the final show. I think it perfectly captures the energy of the experience.

I've come to realize that there really isn't any cause for disappointment. The fact is, the songs still exist, and the music of Voxtrot lives on as a sovereign entity which, outside of all criticism, positive or negative, belongs to the guys and me, and to everybody who ever loved it or believed. Taking into account every person I've met, every place I have visited, every emotional exchange I have ever had with a listener, there is absolutely no room for regret.

I actually opened this post with the second to last song from Voxtrot's set for short-attention span purposes and I'm closing the post with the second song they performed from their set. If this post is your first introduction to Voxtrot the EP, Raised By Wolves would certainly be a good jumping off point. Or, if like me, you've been a fan for quite some time this has that nostalgic appeal already and it's only 5yrs old. Thanks for the tunes Voxtrot.


Voxtrot - Raised by Wolves video via YouTube

Bassnectar Follow-Up w/Vid

I feel like the word epic has lost its meaning at this point but that is the word I heard the most when I asked people what they thought of Bassnectar at Stubb's Saturday night. To be honest, it's pretty fitting. I've seen Bassnectar three times now and each show has had an amazing end-of-the-world energy. People dance like they may never dance again and it's largely an involuntary response to the mean, driving, bass sounds that assault you throughout the show. Even if you want to be a wallflower the bass will make your clothes dance on your body. I literally sweat my earplugs out, which has never happened to me before but it was just that kind of crazy.

Now, y'all know I like to try and record two complete songs when I go to shows so I have a little visual document for myself and for you too. However, Bassnectar at Stubb's isn't really ideal for that sort of thing. The bass was clipping the sound and losing all the high end and the hardcore dancing creates lots of crowd jostling. I did manage to shoot one song in it's entirety but it's sort of a cool-down song so it's not going to seem as intense as the picture I've painted so far. In fact, the video has only been up 1 day and already someone has bitched about me choosing this particular song. Whatever, it's better than their video from the show, 'cause they ain't got one. Also, he's remixing Jonsi'!?!?! Of Sigur Ros fame!!! Enigma remixing Sigur Rós?!?!?!?!


Bassnectar remixes Jonsi' Bassnectar remixes Enigma's remix of Sigur Rós' - Sæglópur video via YouTube


I posted a couple of clips from the Bassnectar show on the Bloggy F*c*book page too. There's even a minute long clip of a Sleigh Bells remix. You know I love me some Sleigh Bells. He also said it was his first time playing that for an audience, that's what's up.

Well y'all, I wanted to post another video but alas I have no more for you. Shortest post ever.