Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2008 > September > 04 > Entry
Alpha Rev: Social Connectors
Any follower of an Austin band is linked to other followers of the same band, though they be strangers, through invisible threads of sensibility and experience. Put those followers in the same physical space, viscerally plugged into that musical act’s visual and aural wavelengths, and no dialog is necessary to weave those social threads together.
I’ve noticed that certain Austin acts — Alpha Rev, Jets Under Fire, Ghost of the Russian Empire, Ghostland Observatory, Pompeii, Explosions in the Sky —share some of the same connectors, as well as certain instrumental webbing. Alpha Rev is clearly the next band with a chance to break to a wider national audience, having just signed with Hollywood Records. A new CD is in the offing.
They play Saturday at Antone’s — once the preserver of Old Austin music, now the promoter of New Austin genres — with Jets Under Fire and Beaux Loy. Doors at 8 p.m.; show at 9 p.m.
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment Categories: Music
Comments
Click here to report comment abuse.
By Christian
September 7, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this
I think i'm kind of like Mandy in that I'm out of the loop as to what bands are from Austin. But I was suprised to see that Gohstland Observatory was because I've actually heard of them! And I'm not the trendest music person by any means!
By Alison Willis
September 7, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this
Being a musician and a huge music lover, I understand the social connection between bands that you speak of. I try to get out and attend as many musical events as possible. The live music scene is one of the main reasons I moved to Austin. I love Explosions in the Sky. Their concerts really bring together that connection between the music and the audience members, as well as the interaction between the listeners with other listeners.
By Mackenzie Jenkins
September 6, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this
I totally agree with you about music connecting people here in Austin. As you said, I always run into the same crowd when I go see some of the bands I like to follow such as Boombox, Eleven Finger Charlie, Suade, or Ghostland Observatory. A bond definitely grows between you and other fans of the same music, and much like you said words aren't even important but just the fact that you all know you are there to enjoy some great music for the same reasons.
By Claire Cella
September 4, 2008 10:50 PM | Link to this
The live music scene in Austin is one of the main reasons I chose to attend college at St. Edward's. Social connection may be the least understood, but it is undeniably recognizable once you enter a venue. It is a really peculiar and yet comforting feeling to know you share something with the stranger standing next to you and you do not even have to open your mouth to know it.
By Caroline Wallace
September 4, 2008 7:59 PM | Link to this
I never really considered the "social" aspects of a show. But now that you mention it, its comforting to feel like you are linked to people, (at least for a couple of hours) because you are all extremely passionate about the same thing.
By Michael Barnes
September 4, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this
Don't feel left out, Mandy. It's less complicated than it sounds. I like a band. You like band. We are strangers with something in common. One feels that connection at any live music event. No conversation is necessary. We share. Perhaps I made it sound mysterious.
By Mandy Odgers
September 4, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this
I suppose I'm one of those many who don't understand the idea of a social connection. I feel so out of the loop as far as Austin bands go, and maybe that's my problem. Those who frequent the local venues to support Austin bands have a certain something about them that is obviously recognizable. Perhaps that's what you're getting at.