Somehow I overlooked the first couple of years of Fx3 as a transplant to Austin still elated and overwhelmed by the plethora of accessible live music available on the regular. But in 2009, I scored a cozy introduction manning a booth at the fest for a few hours one day in exchange for a weekend wristband. Why not, right? I had no idea what to expect and found myself pleasantly surprised by the laid back scene - not too crowded, manageable lines for beer/food, and a good mix of fans. I have since happily resigned any interest I once had in attending ACL for a yearly fling with Fun Fun Fun. And while I adore the excitement and unparalleled buzz SXSW generates, the intimacy of Fx3 has made it my favorite of Austin’s fests. more ›

Fans shuffled into Mohawk Saturday night as Shapes Have Fangs warmed the stage, followed by The Strange Boys, who proved to be shedding some of their messy garage-punk for a tight performance full of improvisational fun. more ›

If you’ve ever heard of Monotonix then you know that just about anything could happen at tomorrow night’s show. The maniacal three-piece from Tel-Aviv, Isreal have built a reputation for raucous shows that turn into chaotic parties, which have notoriously resulted in them being banned from most of the venues in Tel Aviv. Between their gnarly garage-rock and their debauched antics, these guys certainly know how to draw a crowd. more ›

Let's begin our weekend preview with a curious gig at the Central Presbyterian Church tonight: Linen Closet, Lost River/Old River, and John Vinyard are all performing, starting at 8pm. We're talking about quiet, expansive music played in an intimate setting, and all for the suggested donation of $5. more ›

Having changed its name from Volume to Mixx earlier this year, the spot that is 612 E. Sixth Street is now aiming to make the switch from dance club to live music venue. (Information for bands looking to play there can be found on the TwoGroove blog.) This Friday, the club takes a step in right direction by bringing in Rob Dickinson from Catherine Wheel for a solo set. The list of opening acts -- STEREO IS A LIE, Buttercup, and Lost Werks -- is not too shabby either. We fondly remember and still enjoy Catherine Wheel’s brilliant first two albums Ferment (1992) and Chrome (1993). The former contained gems like “Black Metallic,” “She’s My Friend,” and “I Want To Touch You” (which was included in The Brit Box, a Rhino collection from 2007) while “Crank,” “The Nude,” and “I Confess,” were some of our favorites on the latter. Three more full-lengths followed before Catherine Wheel hung up their boots after 2000’s Wishville, although there is no clear record of them officially calling it quits. more ›

They brought all their usual tricks to Waterloo Park for Mess With Texas 3 on Saturday the 21st, disrobing and parting the crowd in half right off the bat. Singer Ami Shalev then jumped into the open space in the middle of the audience, rolling around on the grass with his fellow band mates much to everyone’s amusement (or was it bemusement). more ›

The last time you were in town was just this October, and the verdict was whoa. To quote hardworking Austinist photographer Nash Cook: "It was a blur. Not just a blur of moments and drinks ordered between songs, but a blur of who was holding you up against the mass of dancing, shouting, screaming bodies who threw beer as if dollars had lost no cents, as if we weren’t in a financial crisis." more ›

What can you say about Tel Aviv's Monotonix playing at Mohawk last night? It was a blur. Not just a blur of moments and drinks ordered between songs, but a blur of who was holding you up against the mass of dancing, shouting, screaming bodies who threw beer as if dollars had lost no cents, as if we weren’t in a financial crisis 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 ›

Tel Aviv's Monotonix have been touring since early February. If you missed them during SXSW (they played 9 times, so you really have no excuse), you missed one of the world's most thrilling live sets and one of the loudest bands you'll ever see, but we're sure you'll get another opportunity. more ›