Three weeks post SXSW has offered a multitude of nights to catch up on sleep and rest those ringing ears. Now, April is blooming with great shows all throughout the city – here are my picks!
- Take shoegaze’s distortion in one hand and dream pop’s twanginess in the other. Intertwine your sonic fingers, and you have Knifeplay – a Pennsylvania quintet consistently touring alongside post-alternative bands since their 2019 debut. Supporting is Austin’s own staticky shoegaze quartet, fawn, whose three EPs released since 2022 have yet to fall short.
When: Wed., April 8, 9 p.m.
Where: Hotel Vegas (21+)
- Brimming with 90s riot grrrl angsty lyricism yet feathery vocals comes the Minnesota trio Vial, carrying a fresh wave of queer, advocacy-driven punk rock. If you’re an Olivia Rodrigo fan, imagine she traded her Doc Martens for New Rocks, and you’ll hear a bratty resemblance. Indie rock opening band Alex Vile also appeals to fans of sappy singer-songwriters.
When: Thu., April 9, 7-11:45 p.m.
Where: 29th Street Ballroom (All Ages)
Panchiko, with Dead Calm and flyingfish
- These British indie rockers marinated in obscurity for 20 years before fans uncovered their 2000 indietronica EP that avalanched into popularity. Pillowy vocals atop dream pop instrumentals and glitchy eclecticism that transports minds into a swirling, cloudy utopia. Don’t miss opening acts, including Dead Calm, mellowing out Midwest emo’s usual whine, and flyingfish, whose gutwrenchingly powerful bedroom rock instrumentals hit an imminent and reverberative wave of sadness.
When: Thu., April 16, 7 p.m.
Where: Stubb’s (All Ages)
- 90s alt-rock band Toadies jumped straight onto the map with their mainstream debut Rubberneck. Now, the superstars are touring an album set to release May 1st. Vandoliers support with alternative country classiness that boasts hoarse vocals and brassy harmonicas.
When: Thu., April 16, 8 p.m.
Where: Buck’s Backyard (All Ages)
101X Concert Series Presents: Toadies @ Buck’s Backyard | KROX – Austin, TX
Voxtrot, with Touch Girl Apple Blossom
- Take away The Growlers growl, then add some muffle to get Austin’s lo-fi indie trio Voxtrot. Since 2005, the locals have crafted a hefty cornucopia of jangly, stompy indie sounds. If your girlfriend broke up with you recently, it’s a great show for simultaneously jumping around and shedding some silent tears. Opener Touch Girl Apple Blossom supports in a fuzzy, indie pop haze that’s somehow reminiscent of the opening credits of any early 2000s TV shows.
When: Sat., April 18, 9 p.m.
Where: Mohawk (All Ages)
Alice Phoebe Lou, with John Andrews & the Yawns
- It’s bubbly, bouncy, and beautifully unique – Based in Berlin comes the South African singer-songwriter, Alice Phoebe Lou. Emotional serenity clings to dreamy piano and vulnerable vocals that, like her 2021 album, will make you Glow. Breezy indie-blues artist John Andrews & the Yawns starts this show off with summery California softness that might transport you straight to the warming West Coast.
When: Tue., April 21, 8 p.m.
Where: Paramount Theatre (All Ages)
Thanks so much for reading about my favorite picks this month! I’m always looking forward to catching live music, so feel free to send any other show recommendations to our socials.
Love,
Intern Abi
