The last time Austin saw 400 Blows, this unabashedly brutal and deceptively sophisticated big beat punk trio challenged a rapt audience at the Emo's East Grand Opening to put on their Sunday best and take brazen, off-kilter stroll through the tough side of town. It hardly would have been appropriate for these gents to wreck a brand new multimillion dollar venue before their tour mates Butthole Surfers took the stage, but tonight the tables are turned. It’s 400 Blows’ party as they headline at the Mohawk, hot on the heels of the release of their highly addictive album Sickness and Health. 400 Blows are not for the faint of heart or weak of mind. Best advice is to take it all in, let them slam you against the wall, and laugh about it after the fact. more ›

Free Week rolls on at Emo’s cozy inside area this Thursday with two of Austin’s most promising bands. Ume made many a new fan with its six-string powered assault early on day two at Fun Fest 2008. Singer and guitarist Lauren Larson is as much a rock goddess on stage as she is a sweet lass off it, and the rhythm section, comprised of Larson’s husband Eric on bass and Jeff Barrera on drums, more than holds its own, sustaining the band’s finely crafted rock explosions impeccably. We’re anticipating a landmark year for the trio in 2009. more ›

Monotonix, the Israeli garage rock three-piece, have a reputation for craziness that precedes them. We’re talking drenching themselves in alcohol, pyrotechnics, extreme audience interaction, all that. It’s no surprise they’ve palled up with Athens mega-band Dark Meat, who tried to brain us with stage monitors during SXSW and who more conservatively enchanted us with glitter and a marching band months later. Monotonix have recently signed to Drag City, who released their debut EP Body Language this April. If you’ve any taste for punky, high-energy rock and roll stripped from its embellishments (and even bass!) a la The Black Lips, Monotonix have your number. more ›