Head out tonight for a mystical musical experience full of cosmic grooves and sci-fi funk as YACHT brings their "Road To Utopia" tour to Emo's. Claire Evan's [see our interview with her] animated vocals float smoothly over Jona Bechtolt's well-composed electro-pop beat in a feelgood way that can't help but get you moving with a smile on your face. The Portland-based duo's musical production is an upbeat treat with intergalactic inspirations. The electronics are thoughtfully produced by Bechtolt, who uses laser effects, computerized beats, distorted guitars and psychedelic synths with the addition of chanted co-ed vocals and the occasional hand-clap or cowbell. Their music is consistently energetic and optimistic. more ›

In the months prior to SXSW 2008, Jona Bechtolt and Claire L. Evans (bka the Portland-based YACHT) lived in Marfa, where they recorded their forthcoming See Mystery Lights and tinkered away on a witty sleeve for the AirMac. With the group coming back to Austin this weekend, we had a good excuse to bug them about their time out West (and have a great excuse to get our heads blown Saturday by the deftest drum programming this side of Welcome To Our World). Here’s what Jona emailed us early this morning more ›