He Really Does Glow in the Dark

*Photo taken from Phosphorescent's MySpace page*

Phosphorescent has always been a favorite of the Austinist, and his show at Emo’s on Saturday night solidified why we love him so.

Matthew Houck is touring solo to promote Aw Come Aw Wry, his 2005 release from Austin-based Misra Records. He claims to feel a tad exposed without a band backing him up. It must be especially disconcerting when you are attempting to play over the raucous Roller Girl after party. But that nakedness is precisely what kept us hooked.

Props to Houck for rocking the eighties-style kiddy keyboard. We had no idea you could make such great music with a garage sale Yamaha. Plus we are a sucker for looping, which he took full advantage of. Toys are fun (well, the bare-breasted doll was a tad creepy) but artful lyrics and beautiful melodies are Phosphorescent’s hidden strengths. On the album they sometimes get lost in the layers of sounds. On stage they came through astoundingly clear. “For your bare hips I would trade/ all the air I’ve breathed/ and all the words I’ve used/ that I don’t believe.” Let's neck out back. But the doll can’t watch.