Quilt at The Mohawk

Austin – Though the band arrived late to The Mohawk, as a rumor swirled they were stuck in West Texas, not a single person left early. Hailing from Boston, MA, the quartet consists of vocalist/guitarist/organist Anna Fox Rochinski, Vocalist/Drummer John Andrews, vocalist/guitarist Shane Butler, and bassist/vocalist Keven Lareau. Their dreamy psychedelic sound translated perfectly to the Austin audience who seemed to stand in a trance as swirling, colorful lights created a band of many colors. Taking a cue from 60’s psych-folk with strong harmonies and a clear eastern influence of plucky, melodic guitar work harkening to the sound of a sitar, Quilt‘s live show makes you feel a strange body high—even completely sober.

With songs flowing one to the next as they do on the band’s sophomore record, “Held in Splendor,” we strapped in for a musical journey. Rochinksi’s soaring soprano vocals perfectly balanced the instrumentals on heavier songs but the music really took shape when the band joined together for harmonies. I swear I was on the ceiling looking down at myself and no one had slipped a hallucinogenic in my drink. The bouncy sound of tunes like “I Sleep in Nature” takes the best of 60’s pop and tailors it to a new audience looking to explore trippy territory. I know what you’re thinking–but it’s not Foxygen. Like a buffet of sound with instruments you can’t quite put your finger on (are those delicate bells I hear?), you might think the intricacy wouldn’t carry live. Alas, live technology has advanced since “Sargent Pepper.” Having met in college at The Museum of Fine Arts Boston, they manage to create imagery, not just with their album art (a canoe draped by blankets), but also with each of their songs. Lyrics like “The horse is sitting in a pepper tree/A lighthouse forms in to the sea,” are soothing as they drift from Rochinski’s mouth. “Arctic Shark” and other mellow songs feel not unlike a lullaby for adults with the potential to lull you to sleep though you wouldn’t dare let your eyes close. People danced around me but I could only stand idle, taking it all in, until Quilt released me from my trance. In the chaos of SXSW, this band will be a pleasant oasis, a chance to chant “om” without letting go of rock n’ roll. In May, we can get lost again beneath the sunset during Austin Psych Fest where they have earned a well-deserved spot on the impressive roster.

Openers, Casual Strangers prepared the audience for a full and meaningful experience with their brand of electro-rock n’ roll. Innuendo laden tunes like “Cat’s Meow,” allowed Austin’s favorite rock n’ roll couple–vocalist Katey Gunn and guitarist/vocalist Paul Waclawsky–to flirt through their music.

Strangers were followed by the haunting sound of Love Inks who mesmerized the audience with their female crooner’s voice strung over minimal, synth driven, instrumentals.

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Ilyse Kaplan

Growing up in Boston, MA, Ilyse Kaplan was an avid music fan so she followed her passion to Los Angeles.Unable to decide whether to be Penny Lane or William from "Almost Famous," she combined their best assets--William's writing skills and Penny's fashion--and joined her guitarist boyfriend Southwest.Though missing her old haunts like The Echo and The Satellite, she has warmly embraced the Austin music community and looks forward to sharing the hidden gems she comes across wandering aimlessly down east 6th st.Her record collection holds no boundaries from 60's Yeh Yeh girls like Francoise Hardy to her imaginary hip hop boyfriend, Drake.From the kings of morose, The Smiths, to the reigning queen, Taylor Swift.Having written for publications such as Variety, LADYGUNN, and Filter in the past, she looks forward to reporting Austin's Best New Bands live from the scene.