Good morning. In less than an hour, artists from here will join others from around the country. And you will be launching the largest musical battle in the history of mankind. “Mankind.” That word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore: punk, electronic, hip-hop, metal. We will be united in our common interest: music and beer. Perhaps it’s fate that today is the Fourth of July, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom… Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution… but from boredom. We are fighting for our right to party. To dance. And should we win the day, the Fourth of July will no longer be known as an American holiday, but as the day Austin declared in one voice: “We will not go quietly into the night!” We will not stop singing without a fight! We’re going to groove on! We’re going to survive! Today we celebrate our Independence Day! – Nate Abernethy
Friday
Look by all means spend your day down floating a river, soaking up some sun and living the ‘Murica dream. Once you’re done watching the fireworks fade over Town Lake and you need to cool off, though, mosey on over to Swan Dive for the premier of BUHU’s release of “GLTRSKL.” Described as far more than a single release and more unique than simply a music video, BUHU has created a four part “Cinemat” experience they’ll be releasing in installments over the next month. We’ve already taken a sneak peek at the audio and I can’t wait to see them live for myself. A medley of guitar pop rock and synth-fueled electro dance, BUHU has a little something for everyone, and is an excellent intro to electronic based music to your stuck in their ways friends. Joining the group will be grooved out hip-hop hotties The Digital Wild, psychedelic indie electro-pop trio Holiday Mountain, experimental chill wave entity Corduroi, dance party people Flavor Raid, and more. It’s a packed lineup and you’ll already be right next door to go dancing at Barbarella like you know your drunk self will. Doors are at 9 at Swan Dive for $5!
Saturday
Yes it’s almost $30 for tickets. Yes there are a million other awesome shows this weekend you would be perfectly content at, but do you really want to miss The Sword? How long has it been since the hometown boys played here? After they were prominently featured in the Hellion score, the band has been wedged in my mind as I reminisce lovingly upon my hexagon vinyl of “(The Night The Sky Cried) Tears of Fire.” They really are in a league of their own, winning over hardcore metal heads and chilled out stoner rockers alike. It’s a jam packed metal lineup on Saturday with the fun and fuzzy American Sharks, heavy psychedelic metal Sweat Lodge and more. Particularly exciting is the final act indoors Burnt Skull, the heavy thrashing noise rock has been bouncing around Austin for sometime, and following the release of their last LP Sewer Birth their stranglehold around Austin’s hard scene has only exploded even more. Saturday’s doors are at 5pm and its $27.50 for the weekend fest at Mohawk.
Sunday
Closing out the weekend at The Mohawk is grungy LA punk trio Criminal Hygiene. With a pedigree of making pizzas and notoriety for destroying venues the band delivers catchy gutter punk tunes with an unpredictable high-energy live performance. Accompanying them on the bill will be local favorites Pharaohs and Big Bill. Pharaohs‘s garage-rocking noise will be echoing down the street as they continue to climb their way up great bills with a death grip. It’s also one of your final glimpses at Big Bill before they gear up for their tour launch. We recently had the chance to sit down and interview front man Eric Braden, the croaky voiced heart of the refreshingly fun and weird punkers and learned even more about their half-joking jingle aspirations. It’s going to be a fun and intense show with bands that have become a staple of The Mohawk’s most iconic moments. Go out and have yourself a crazy memorable experience. Doors are at 9 at The Mohawk!