As development of our popular music landscape gets increasingly complex and a little overcrowded, the simplicity and purity of golden era punk - groups like The Clash, Buzzcocks, Ramones and Sex Pistols - risks being overlooked by the rising generations. What better way to get reintroduce and remind everyone of the energy of songs like “London Calling,” “God Save the Queen” and “Sheena Is a Punk Rocker” than in a live setting? And, since the original members of these groups are largely either no longer living or in different shades of disarray, the next best thing is a spirited cover tribute. Austin rock and rollers Electric Touch are doing just that, a special punk tribute show, touching on the music of all the aforementioned bands and more, tonight, July 12th at Mohawk. You can pump your fists, shout the same choruses that have echoed through concert halls and dives since the 70s and 80s, and enjoy DJ sets and drink specials. Btw, the show is free. more ›

After this mid-week show, Electric Touch will hit the road for a lengthy tour of the U.S. -- if you miss this show, catch them at the Granada in Dallas on Thursday -- and we're stepping up to give away a pair of tickets. more ›

2009's Lolapalooza Festival will take place at Chicago's Grant Park between August 7-9. The lineup (which looks a lot like recent ACL fests) includes Radiohead, Kanye West, Wilco, Cat Power, the National, and Bloc Party. Depeche Mode, the Beastie Boys and a reunited Jane’s Addiction are expected to headline. Tickets are on sale tomorrow, get them here. [Ed. Note: Despite the web site's '2009' label, it appears as though all the information is from 2008. We'll keep you posted as lineup information becomes available.] more ›

There’s no hiding from it -- SXSW will take over our streets starting this weekend. We don’t think you should have to wait until the official music kick-off on the 18th to take in some of Austin’s finest bands so we bring you Local Music Is Sexy 7 this Saturday at the ever popular Pure Volume House. (RSVP here -- 21+ only.) more ›

Electric Touch are keeping a steady foothold in Austin’s live music scene. Nowadays their resume boasts gigs at Coachella, Bonnaroo, SXSW and ACL, but their origins are humble and diverse. more ›

September is a big month for locals The Black and White Years, starting with the much-anticipated release of their self-titled debut and continuing with their noon set at ACL on Saturday. The group’s funk-addled rock and roll makes for energetic sets and possibly dancing, so come prepared. more ›

Electric Touch, former IV Thieves member Shane Lawlor's new band, played at Stubb's last night. Locals the Steps opened. Photos courtesy Gregory Cooper. more ›

Austin's Electric Touch are something of an overnight sensation. They turned up on the local scene in late 2007, the product of former IV Thieves member Shane Lawlor (who moved here from Nottingham, England with his ex-band) and former Bojones members Christopher and Louis Messina. After playing a few gigs, the band quickly landed a record deal with Houston's Justice label along with gigs at SXSW, Lollapalooza, and ACL Fest. The band will also be touring for a month with Scotland's The Fratellis this fall. more ›

Every once in a while a band manages to completely surpass the local initiation, breaking out into the national or international scene seemingly out of the blue. Though it's often the case that these bands -- despite well-educated marketing teams by their side -- fling themselves out into the wilds of pop fancy only to be thrown back home to local audiences who have never heard of them, it's not necessarily the rule. more ›