Benefit for Esme with Follow That Bird, Much More [Show Preview]

Austin woke up to the new year with tragic news. The murder of Esme Barrera has shaken every corner of this town, and that’s a testament to her character. She was a bright light in the scene, and a number of locals are looking to honor her memory in the best way possible: through music. Tonight at the Scoot Inn, Follow That Bird headlines a packed bill for a benefit show with all proceeds going to Barrera’s family.

Follow That Bird follows up their Wooden Bones 7” from last summer with something a bit more substantial. Word is they’re recording their debut album (finally) with Conrad Keely of …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead. This comes on the heels of a national tour with Trail of Dead, so things (finally) seem to be looking up for the perennial “next big Austin band” band.

Love Collector also looks to make a bigger racket in 2012. Alums of the first Casual Victim Pile release, the band has songs like “My Baby Goes Waaah!” and “The First 48” that wear their snotty punkiness proudly on their sleeves. The group also has a cheeky version of the Kinks’ “Starstruck” that’s slated for a release on a Kinks tribute album later in the year.

The Dead Space debuted a few years back with a single that recalled gloomy British geography rather than the mostly sunny climes of Austin. Their post-punk is a hazy respite from the no-frills riot grrl rock of Foreign Mothers, who will be celebrating their first birthday as a band. Kingdom of Suicide Lovers have more experience under their belt, featuring former members of Glorium and Faceless Werewolves. The group’s slow-burning psych is built around the intertwining vocals of Paul Streckfus and Kelsey Wickliffe.

Neighbor are relative newcomers, but they’re not averse to making a gloriously punky noise, especially on last year’s bedroom-recorded In Our Times EP. Ichi Ni San Shi are no less excitable, but in a jagged, arty pop way, characterized by the terse pounding of a Casio keyboard. Eric Static from local fuzz-poppers Followed By Static opens a jam-packed night that should also be packed emotionally. Here’s hoping a little music can go a long way in the healing process.

Follow That Bird: [facebook]
Love Collector: [facebook]
The Dead Space: [myspace]
Foreign Mothers: [facebook]
Kingdom of Suicide Lovers: [facebook]
Neighbor: [facebook]
Ichi Ni San Shi: [myspace]
Eric Static: [facebook]