Since the early '90s, Justin Pearson has been a crucial crux in the heart of southern California's hardcore/punk scene. Beginning with his record label Three One G and hardcore band Struggle, Pearson has dedicated himself to the noisiest and most abrasive elements of punk. Though best known for his involvement with Locust, he's had his toes in dozens of dirgy pools over the years -- Swing Kids (who recently reunited and performed), Crimson Curse, Some Girls and Holy Molar are all Pearson projects -- and he continues to astound with his prolific tendencies toward angsty screamo and powerviolence. more ›

James LaValle is a classically trained multi-instrumentalist who has been circling the globe and projecting songs into the void as The Album Leaf since the late 90's, when his former project, Tristeza, disbanded. His songs are warm, earthy, and simultaneously intricate, ambient and modern. His albums are private moments of yearning, loss, hope, and simple pleasures translated for public intimacy. Simply put ... LaValle is one of the most original and confident songwriters of... more ›

Have you recently realized, sometime in the course of your busy day, that W is still in "charge" and will remain so for another 18 months? Remember that acid-churning queasy sensation in the pit of your stomach that followed? There's a sound for that, and it's on tour right now. The indescribable Bay Area noise-trashers The Locust have a new record out that's a perfect fit for a summer of drinking yourself into a stupor... more ›

Trans Am - Sex Change more ›

* This post comes from Austinist guest contributor Chad Beck Emo’s generally has a healthy dose of heavy bands for those who like abrasive, eardrum-shattering, live music. It isn’t everyday, however, that Emo’s plays host to groups that intend on actually punishing the audience. Some Girls, who take Emo’s indoor stage around Midnight, Tuesday the 24th, are out to do just that. Their latest record, Heaven’s Pregnant Teens (out Tuesday on Epitaph), is about... more ›

Mike Patton and company delivered once again. Last Monday’s show at Emo’s was an inspiring event of extreme rock shenanigans. But before we get to the main course, let’s start with the openers. more ›

Ever noticed how 96.8% percent of songs you hear on the radio all sound alike? It's like there's one guy sitting around writing "hits" for whoever is popular at the moment. Cookie-cutter songs from one-hit wonders. The Austinist demands to know where have all the real musicians gone? Enter avant-rock supergroup Fantomas. more ›