Let's See a Show! Senses Fail, Reggie and the Full Effect, Have Mercy, and Household

Few things can beat seeing a show in Austin – but getting to PLAY the after party of a killer show? That's even better. My band Burning Years was lucky enough to jam and keep the rock going after the Senses Fail, Reggie and the Full Effect, Have Mercy, and Household show at Barracuda in Austin, and it was glorious. But I'm not here to toot my own horn, so let's take a look at what came before us. 

Household

The opening act of a big ol' show can have a lot of pressure on it. The folks that come out early may have only heard a song or two – or perhaps none at all. The openers have to bring it to set the tone for the entire night.

Luckily, Household delivered. They've got a different sound than the rest of the lineup, opting for more of a minimalist post-punk sound, but I dig it. Sometimes you don't need a lot of glitz and glamour to get the heads bopping and the toes tapping.

Have Mercy

Another new addition to my ear waves, Have Mercy may have been the hardest rockers of the night. The Baltimore band felt right at home in the pleasant outdoor scene, playing banger after banger. Admittedly I did not catch the names of any songs, but I'll definitely be adding these guys to my rotation. Great job, team.

Reggie and the Full Effect

My RatFE experience is primarily limited to "Congratulations Smack and Katy" and its delightful music video, but these fellas know how to put on a synthesizin' good time. They had a lot of banter with the crowd which helped keep the good times rolling throughout. Also anytime keys are involved in a set, it just feels right. Bam.

Senses Fail

The main act of the evening, these boys did not disappoint. Lead singer Buddy Nielsen did a fabulous job of keeping the crowd engaged, swinging his mic stand out with amazing precision so the audience could sing along. He also suggested the incredible idea of handing out roasted chickens to fans at shows as a little added bonus for coming out. I fully support this plan and will do whatever it takes to make it happen.

Earlier this year, Senses Fail dropped If There Is Light, It Will Find You, their seventh full length album. I first heard about them back in 2004 or so, when their jam "Buried a Lie" was all over Fuse TV (shout out to the former MuchMusic!). It's so cool to see a CD that harkens back to the old days while having plenty of modern themes and relevant lyrics. Excellent work all around.

All of the fog machines make for a great adventure.

If you get a chance to see this tour, definitely take advantage and see all these folks rock out like crazy. It was a blast. Now check out "Gold Jacket, Green Jacket" off of Senses Fail's new album:

Jimmy Kimmel And Matthew McConaughey Make Local Television Commercials For Vulcan Video

Vulcan Video is an Austin landmark--it's still alive and kickin', despite having a collection of old VHS tapes for rental. Granted, they have plenty of DVDs as well, making for an absurdly large and obscure collection that puts Netflix to shame. It also just oozes that kind of 90s/early 2000s charm that Blockbuster and whatever that other video store that was basically the same thing as Blockbuster didn't really have.

Fortunately, Jimmy Kimmel is in town for SXSW, and he wants to help out ol' Vulcan Video. He's brought along Austin (well, technically Round Rock) native Matthew McConaughey to put together three bitchin' spots for the video store. They even come complete with tracking. Check 'em out!

Freebirds Hosting Four Day SXSW Extravaganza At St. Vincent's

One of the best parts of SXSW is the chance to hear new music. Thanks to Freebirds, you have a VERY good chance of doing that next week. Their sixth annual live music fundraising event is going on from March 18-21 at St. Vincent de Paul (1327 South Congress). Browse local artisan booths and enjoy Freebirds fare while 40 different bands jam over the course of four days.

Funds from donations, food and beverage sales at this year’s showcase will go towards a new a mobile store and distribution center that will supply clothing, personal hygiene items and household necessities to underserved parts of Austin. Check out the lineup below:

WEDNESDAY, March 18th  

Noon - 12:30  - John Arthur Martinez

12:45 - 1:15  - Luke Bell 

1:30 - 2:00 -   Chris Porter 

2:15 - 2:45 -  The Seratones 

3:00 - 3:30 -  Kristin Diable 

3:45 - 4:15 -  Brian Whelan (from Dwight Yoakam's band)

4:30 - 5:00 -  The O’s

5:15 - 5:45 - Whiskey Shivers

6:00 - 6:30 - Sol Driven Train 

6:45 - close  - Two Tons of Steel 

THURSDAY, March 19th

Noon - 12:30 - Jake LaBotz 

12:45 - 1:15 - Paul Renna 

1:30 - 2:00  -  The Memphis Dawls

2:15 - 2:45 -  Shurman

3:00 - 3:30 -  Ian Moore 

3:45 - 4:15 -  Kevin Kinney & Friends (from Drivin' N Cryin')

4:30 - 5:00 -  Jonathan Tyler

5:15 - 5:45 -  The Mastersons

6:00 - 6:30 - American Aquarium

6:45 - close -  Roxy Roca 

FRIDAY, March 20th

Noon - 12:30 - Song Swap with Rodney "The Pie Man" Henry & Mark Edgar Stuart 

12:45 - 1:15 -  Liv Mueller

1:30 - 2:00  -  Annie Marie Lewis & Danny B Harvey

2:15 - 2:45 -   Ronnie Fauss 

3:00 - 3:30 -  JP Harris & The Tough Choices

3:45 - 4:15 -  The Bar Brawl III

4:30 - 5:00 -  Rosie Flores 

5:15 - 5:45  - Jesse Dayton, John Evans & Mike Stinson

6:00 - close -  Ray Wylie Hubbard

SATURDAY, March 21st

Noon - 12:30   - Song Swap with Rodney "The Pie Man" Henry & Mark Edgar Stuart 

12:45 - 1:15 -  Middle Class Murder 

1:30 - 2:00 -   Lucette

2:15 - 2:45 - Josh Buckley 

3:00 - 3:30 - Charlie Overbey & The Broken Arrows 

3:45 - 4:15 -  Nocona

4:30 - 5:00 -  Buggaboo

5:15 - 5:45 -  The Berkshire Hounds

6:00 - 6:30 -  Deadman

6:45 - close - T Bird & The Breaks