Let's See a Show! Band of Brothers Road Show with Magic Giant and American Authors

In the toughest times, I'm thankful I can turn to music to help brighten my spirits.

Back before this whole wave of social distancing began, I attended a show featuring Magic Giant and American Authors at the historic Scoot Inn here in Austin. Despite the frigid outdoor temps, the crowd was ready to jump. And we were in luck, because these two headliners are energetic as heck.

In fact, I'd go so far as to say Magic Giant is one of the most bouncy shows I've ever seen. The trio gets calf workouts for days, bounding around the stage like dogs that have just discovered a new field to play in. And I say that in the most complimentary way possible. I loved their set, full of jams like the head bopper "Disaster Party."

Between Austin Bisnow on lead vocals and keys, Zambricki Li on viola, banjo, and harmonica, and Zang rocking the acoustic guitar and cello, these gents will improve your mood. Their older songs are a bit more folk-y sounding (no wonder LA Weekly called them "cool as folk") while their newer stuff is more pop-centric; either way, you really can't go wrong. The energy certainly made it difficult to capture photos, but I managed to snap a few fun ones that showcase some of that excitement. Check them out at the bottom of the post.

Oh, and how about the time when Magic Giant came out into the crowd to perform acoustically? I'M ONBOARD.

I had seen American Authors once before; they opened for The Royal Concept, another band that knows how to put a toe-tapper together. That was a few years ago, and I think they sound even tighter now. Though they didn't play my favorite song of theirs (you can hear that one below), they had plenty of fun moments, as well. They also spent some time among the crowd, scaring the heck out of me by launching into a pounding bass drum, tambourine, and additional percussion breakdown directly behind where I was standing as they started their second set.

American Authors is most known for its smash single "Best Day of My Life," which has an alternate music video version of a dog getting adopted that is just too cute for school. But the quartet of Zac Barnett (vocals, guitar), James Adam Shelley (guitar, banjo), Dave Rublin (bass), and Matt Sanchez (drums) offer plenty of firepower, especially with singalong choruses and positive messages.

I hope more shows adopt the setup of this tour – the two headliners went back and forth, each getting in a couple of mini-sets. Let's get more of this! Five songs for one, five songs for the other, five songs for the first, five songs for the second, then close it out with a big ol' party. We all know the worst part of any show (other than someone stepping on your toes) is the downtime between sets. This greatly eliminates that and makes for a fantastic time. Artists and venues, please keep that going.

It may be a while until we can get out and enjoy live shows again. Luckily, we can still support artists making great music by buying or streaming songs and albums and picking up merch. Until then, be safe, and hope to see you at the next show.

UPDATE: Magic Giant is doing a "Live From Quarantine" virtual festival series, featuring performances from The Lumineers, Jason Mraz, Woody Harrelson, and a whole lot more. You can check it out on Instagram Live this weekend (4/19) at 2pm PT. 

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: