Review: Unveiling the Mystical Vibes of Austin Psych Fest at Far Out Lounge
The Austin Psych Fest, held for the second year at the Far Out Lounge this year (April 26-28, 2024), captivated attendees with its intimate size (two stages, one venue) and high production value. Despite the characteristic Austin humidity on Friday and Saturday, the festival persevered through a heavy rainstorm on Sunday morning, ultimately breaking the humidity and providing relief for festival-goers.
Levitation Room
No Vaction
Friday kicked off with a bang as Brainstory, a rising star in the pysch-funk scene, delivered infectious grooves, while No Vacation, a dream pop outfit, brought a light and energetic set to the stage. The electrifying performance by Australian psychedelic rock band Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, known for their mind-bending jams and swirling melodies, left audiences in awe. Levitation Room, a LA group known for their heavy riffs and spacey soundscapes, did not disappoint with their awesome set. Chicano Batman, a crowd favorite known for their blend of surf rock, soul, and cumbia, delivered a hit performance, leading up to the captivating closing set by Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett, whose sardonic lyrics and laid-back melodies sent the crowd home happy.
Brainstory
Saturday saw a witch-themed lineup, a fun twist curated by the festival organizers. Standout performances included Frankie and the Witch Fingers, a California-based outfit known for their dark and atmospheric garage rock, and the aptly named Witch, a heavy psychedelic rock band from Chicago. L.A. Witch, another California band with a darker, bluesy sound, and All Them Witches, known for their expansive jams and instrumental prowess, kept the energy high throughout the day. The Blank Angels, festival founders The Black Angels' side project featuring frontman Alex Maas exploring a more stripped-down psychedelic sound, closed out the day, leaving attendees enchanted by their mesmerizing tunes.
Blondshell
Sunday brought groovy vibes courtesy of Yellow Days, a British psychedelic soul outfit known for their vintage instrumentation and frontman George van den Broek's distinctive falsetto vocals. Blondshell's set showcased a different side of the festival's sonic spectrum. Their sound leans into alternative rock and indie rock, with strong grunge and Britpop influences.Kurt Vile & The Violators, led by the ever-chill Kurt Vile, and Still Corners, a British dream pop band known for their lush soundscapes and ethereal vocals, delivered cool performances. However, it was Canadian indie rock band Alvvays who stole the show with their captivating closing set. Their blend of jangly guitars, dreamy melodies, and Molly Rankin's unforgettable voice left a lasting impression on festival-goers, solidifying Austin Psych Fest's reputation for showcasing a diverse range of talent within the psychedelic music scene.
Overall, Austin Psych Fest at the Far Out Lounge provided an unforgettable experience. With a lineup featuring established acts and rising stars, the festival successfully celebrated the psychedelic music scene in an intimate and immersive atmosphere.
