In a town that generally still seems to be navigating the musical hangover of SXSW, Austin Psych Fest is a welcome respite for those who aren’t ready for the festival living to be over. Instead of the apparent relentless and overcrowded feel that dominates during the former, Austin Psych Fest is a niche experience for the heavy fans who appreciate the more specific and interior vibe. And the bands agree.
Montreal based Suuns (pronounced sOOns) just came off of SXSW and are admittedly pretty jazzed to be in a more hospitable environment. The band is no stranger to festivals, having played some of North America and Europe’s top festival as well as curating the Sonic City Festival in Belgium last year but feel most at home in this chilled, yet exhilarating, setting. Here, the fans don’t just stumble upon your show. Here, the fans stay for the whole set. Here, the fans care.
Suuns came to Austin Psych Fest as part of a string of tours and festivals celebrating the release of its fourth full-length album, Images du Futur. The band’s international reputation preceded the album and the newest release is only adding more hype to the group’s clout, accounting for the sizable crowd who chose their set as a must-see at the festival. Suuns played the Levitation Tent, a stage who also hosted Acid Mothers Temple on the first day of the Festival and will later play host to Clinic. It’s easy to play the comparison game with bands, and as far as Suuns goes there seems to be a straight line between them and Clinic, a favorite in the modern psychedelic scene. To be playing a festival with the band, an admitted huge influence on their music, is a testament to where this band is slated to go.
In talking with the band and seeing their live set, their comfort in this setting was obvious. They had a hypnotic presence on stage that seemed natural and habitual without being routine or rehearsed. Set against a wildly appropriate psychedelic backdrop, Suuns showcased its latest album for publicity’s sake but gave the crowd a heady dose of classic favorites. Highlight tracks from Images du Futur, however, are already proving themselves as easy favorites. Album single “2020” received the most energetic reception from the already engaged crowd.
To hear more from Suuns check out Secretly Canadian and stay tuned to BestNewBands.com for more on some of the highlights coming out of Austin psych fest.
