Augustines at Stubb's

Austin – Appearing on stage as a frat boy in a fedora and a slender gentleman in newsboy cap, the singer and drummer of the band Augustines (respectively known as Billy McCarthy and Rob Allen) were an instantly endearing duo. Typically a three-piece ensemble, the death of guitarist Eric Sanderson’s father turned what would otherwise be a trio into a pair. And instead of canceling the show, the two remaining members used the opportunity to mix things up a bit, and the result was anything but boring. Pulling songs from what they declared to be the “deep cuts” collection, the night felt more like a gathering at an Irish pub than a rock show.

What was most striking about Augustines was their charisma, and McCarthy proved to be one of the most personable singers I have ever had the pleasure of watching. Cracking jokes and taking shots of whiskey with audience members, McCarthy felt more like a friend than a frontman, and this attitude is what made the performance so cozy. As he sang, you could see and feel all of the emotions of the song as if they were being expressed for the first time. Holding nothing back, he kept the attention of the crowd, inspiring chants and cries that were so loud and impassioned that the experience almost felt religious.

The night was filled with countless memorable moments. Whether it was McCarthy getting in political debates with crowd members (and declaring himself the winner every time) or the duo improvising lyrics to a made up song about Lance Armstrong’s fraudulent career and Matthew McConaughey, there was no lack of entertainment at any point in the evening.

Old favorites like “Book of James” and “Augustine” pushed the die-hard fans into a drunken frenzy, creating an irresistible atmosphere of catharsis and liberation. Though the night was primarily focused on these older tracks, newer songs like “Nothing to Lose But Your Head” were fresh and exhilarating, providing the crowd with a sense of anticipation and delight.

More than anything, the evening was exciting. Unpredictable and heartfelt, Allen and McCarthy delivered a performance that will never be matched. The unique situation of being reduced to a duo made for an intimate and unforgettable experience, and it is simultaneously devastating and heartwarming to know that such a performance can only happen once.

For more on Augustines go HERE and HERE.

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Ruth Griffin

Hailing from Austin, TX, Ruth Griffin is best known for being a music lover. With a degree in English, she also enjoys writing. And with these two passions combined, Ruth is living the dream and writing about music. She has previously written for TheAustinist.com, has worked at the Texas Music Office, and has twice volunteered at SXSW. In her free time, she enjoys going to concerts, playing sudoku, and watching Arrested Development on repeat.