Yes, it’s ACL weekend. Yes, we’re out at ACL (and you can be out at next weekend if you take part in our giveaway). But that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun even if you don’t have ACL tickets. There are plenty of great events that don’t require shelling out for ACL, including Japanese punk legends Shonen Knife playing with local faves Sweet Talk, Emily Bell at a fundraiser for a local start-up and a whole slew of awesome local talent at our free day party at Holy Mountain on Sunday. – Morgan Davis

Friday

There’s a reason why Shonen Knife were one of the late Kurt Cobain’s favorite bands: their brand of Japanese punk rock is absolutely infectious. The band is still going strong after a few decades of relentless touring and recording and their shows are always a treat, especially when they’re paired with groups like Sweet Talk, who are purveyors of some of the finest power pop in the US– there’s a reason they made it into both our top albums of 2013 and top songs of 2013 lists. If you’re looking for something different from the mostly indie pop oriented ACL schedule, this Red 7 bill has more than got you covered.

Saturday

Also on the international punk front, Crooked Bangs is bringing their French inflected gloom rock to Mohawk alongside Ghetto Ghouls in support of Hunters, a Northeast group that makes music for urban savages. Crooked Bangs’ devotion to a specific uniform aesthetic makes them the Wes Andersons of the ATX punk crowd, but that’s not meant as slander– CB’s discipline is what makes them so appealing, even if it means some people write them off as too repetitive. Hunters by contrast are more spastic, their songs chasing down whatever sonic whims the members have, and I think that juxtaposition will make for quite the bill, especially with Ghetto Ghouls occupying a middle space.

Sunday

Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest, but since we here at Ovrld love you so much, we’ve decided to reject that notion and hustle our asses off to bring you a rocking day party right in the middle of ACL. The fact that we’re all a little crazy might factor into it, too. Regardless of our questionable decision making skills, we know you’re all smart enough to know a good deal when you see one, and what deal could be better than free entry and free beer paired with performances by the likes of Chasca, Mighty Mountain and scores more? This day party in particular is part of our new video series Sound Bites, which has us pairing local bands with local businesses, in order to interview them as they sample the goods. The business in this instance is Twisted X Brewing, who are offering up free beer for bands and fans alike to partake in. As if that wasn’t enough, it starts at noon, which gives you plenty of time to pregame before hopping on a shuttle to hit up ACL. Extra bonus: Ollie Forrest is making his solo US debut after years of guitar hero duties for Roxy Music’s Bryan Ferry, so come check out this virtuoso and be the first of your friends to hear this legend in the making.