Even in the weeks following SXSW, Austin is continuing to crank out music. Good music, live music, music on 6^th street on weekday afternoons to crowds of plenty.

New York City’s Caveman braces the stage at The Parish on Monday night. The room is dark and it is packed. Front man Matthew Iwanusa sings out, “This is our first time headlining in Austin!” His voice is loud, and the enthusiasm is undeniable. Headlining in the live music capitol of the world is an honor, a thing of pride that not all bands are lucky enough to achieve. The announcement sets the tone for the live performance – one full of a gallant sound and commitment to the dreamscape tone Caveman is known for.

Caveman is proud of their New York roots. Formed in January of 2010 by friends Matthew Iwanusa (vocals), Jimmy Carbonetti (guitar), Stefan Marolachakis (drums), Sam Hopkins (snyths) and Jeff Berrall (bass) the five-piece is an atmospheric journey that benchmarks some of New York’s most wonderful sounds. Their 2011 debut album CoCo Beware was completely discernible by these nuances – hazy harmonies, breezy hooks, sharp guitars and awakening vocals.

Monday night’s performance was untouchable. The boys took to the stage with an air of confidence. Not arrogance, but rather, a reverence for the city they are performing in, amongst a crowd that adores their music. With self-titled sophomore album set to be released the next day, the boys played five tracks to an anticipatory crowd. The psychedelic set was electric. Iwanusa enhanced the performance by beating on a solo drum in the middle of the stage, in step with Marolachakis haunting rhythm.

The band opened with CoCo Bewares “Thankful” and followed with new tracks “Shut You Down,” “In the City,” “Over My Head,” “Where’s the Time” and “Ankles.” These new tracks have cultivated a cohesive sound for Caveman, one that is full and experimental. The new album has been released on Fat Possum Records and our anticipation of the goodness and maturity to come from the growing band has been met.

Iwanusa’s vocals are mesmerizing. Paired with Hopkin’s psychedelic synth work and Carboneti’s guitar proficiency, their sound is rounded out with Berrall’s rhythmic bass lines and Marolachakis exceptional drum beats. It isn’t often we hear such celebrated music in the throws of a sophomore album. But Caveman, well, they’ve got it.

In the final minutes of the set, Caveman closed with crowd favorite “Old Friend” as a jam-track version of itself. The crowd begged for one more and “Great Life” closed out our night on 6^th Street.