Love Like a Sunset

Frenchmen Phoenix masterfully control their ACL taping with tempo, emotion and showmanship

Phoenix rarely strays too far from their formula of one part indie rock and another part French new disco. Having just released their fifth studio album, Bankrupt!, in a 13 year-long career as a band, Phoenix hit the Moody Theater to film an episode of Austin City Limits.

Artists commonly — and admittedly — feel the need to recreate themselves album over album, but Phoenix takes a different stance: The band decides not to reinvent the wheel but rather grease it with each new release. And it works. As a unit, they get stronger and stronger, planting their heels firmly into the ground of their distinct brand of layered pop rock replete with cinematic crescendos, adding only supplemental dashes of experimentation to prevent listener malaise.

Outfitted in the chic, slim jeans, oxford shirts and perfectly worn boots you'd expect from a Parisian band (Laurent Brancowitz, in particular, looking something of a present day Buddy Holly), the six-piece took to the stage with Eastern-influenced "Entertainment," the first single off of Bankrupt!, moving into "Lasso" where monster drummer Thomas Hedlund ended by thrashing out perfect, precise percussion, standing out of his seat behind the drum kit.

"Lisztomania" came as the third song in a 16-deep setlist, and served as the point at which the crowd officially loosened up and began to dance. "Long Distance Call" showcased Thomas Mars' ability to handle lyrics that basically sound like tongue twisters (and in a second language, no less), and perhaps the most fun was watching guitarist Christian Mazzalai dance during while playing "The Real Thing," knees knocking, lithe limbs flailing about — almost how you'd imagine a mime would handle a guitar.

Yet the band proved themselves consummate performers when, oddly enough, Thomas Mars laid down on the stage, head on monitor, and let the band play out "Love Like a Sunset Pt. 1 & 2," which demonstrated just how exacting Phoenix is in their ability to control a crowd's emotion with tempo and momentum. The seven-minute long mash-up ended with Mazzalai and Bracowitz bringing the audience to complete silence with their quiet, slowed guitar plucks.

Most surprising was Mars' voice. With so much texture to Phoenix's music, it could be easy for him to, well, not sing that well. However, for the encore, he boldly entered the center of the crowd and sang, a cappella, "Countdown" into Air's "Playground Love" back into "Don't." And his voice is quite a bit better than the rest of Phoenix's songs let onto.

Per usual (and that's not an insult, remember: the formula works), Mars ended the show by continuing to comb through the crowd with a mic chord that must have been miles long, shaking hands and climbing over seats and into the mid-level balconies. And all the while, it barely appeared that he broke a sweat.

To be a rock band's frontman is just that easy for him.

In short, Phoenix might be the one band worth calling a "class act" on the road today. Professional yet involved, they parted ways with the audience with intimate "thank you"'s, stating outright that playing Austin City Limits is the pinnacle of a band's career. Lucky for us, they'll be back for both weekends of ACL Festival in October.

Photo by Chad Wadsworth Butchershop Creative

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More Fun, Less Sun

15 heatproof ways to have fun indoors in Austin this summer

Photo from Austin Bouldering Project Facebook

Austin Bouldering Project is a huge (air conditioned) indoor climbing gym. Perfect for summers.

Many cities across the U.S. are currently celebrating the summer sunshine; the prime time of year to get outside and have some fun. Austin is not one of those cities.

With most summer days above 90 and many above 100, there's not a whole lot Ausinites can do outdoors this time of year that doesn't involve swimming. And once the list of swimming holes has been exhausted, the only place left to go is inside.

Luckily, this city has a ton of fun indoor activities to choose from. Here are 15 things to do air conditioning around Austin.

Pop into the Balloon Museum
2930 W. Anderson Ln.
The Balloon Museum is a world-renowned traveling art installation that opened its doors in Austin in June. It is immersive and totally interactive, great for kids and adults alike, and perfectly air conditioned. Austin's show is called Let's Fly — Art Has No Limits, and features large-scale balloons and other flying and aerial-themed artwork, including one of the most impressive pieces this writer has seen, “Mariposa,” a luminous 26-foot and interactive butterfly by Christopher Schardt. Tickets range from $34-$50.

Balloon Museum Austin Mariposa is one of many art exhibits at the Balloon Museum.Photo courtesy of Balloon Museum

Play at Wonderspaces
1205 Sheldon Cove, Unit 2-A
Like the Balloon Museum, Wonderspaces is an indoor, interactive art show with multiple exhibits featured throughout. Though each exhibit in Wonderspaces is quite different and doesn't have a solid theme, overall, the experience is some combination of fascinating, fun, and psychedelic. Guests of all ages are welcome, and tickets start at $25 for adults and $15 for children.

Take a walk at Barton Creek Square Mall
2901 S .Capital of Texas Hwy.
We finally understand "mall walkers" now that temperatures are nearing 100. The mall is a great, wide open space to not only get in some steps without the grueling heat, but also grab a snack, see a movie, or even just wax nostalgic about all the stores that were, and some that still are (like Spencer's, Hot Topic; somehow JCPenny is even still around.)

Bookmark exhibit Austin Public Library The "Traveling Bookmark Mural" is among many exhibits and events put on by Austin's Central Library. Photo from Austin Public Library Facebook

Explore Austin Central Library
710 W. César Chávez St.
Austin's downtown public library branch is massive, full of treasures (including a scavenger hunt for kids), and if you haven't been there yet, summer is the perfect time to explore this indoor space. It has an art gallery, endless books, lots of free events, a brand new restaurant, a gift shop, and even a giant outdoor garden area — but don't worry, there is a good breeze up there. If you can stand to be on screens during your free time, the Innovation Lab offers access to creative programs like Photoshop, Final Cut, Logic, and many more.

Go see a movie
Multiple locations
Austin is home to so many unique movie theaters, that going to see a movie here really is an event unto itself. Of course we have several Alamo Drafthouse locations, but we also have theaters like Violet Crown, the Paramount Theatre (featuring a long list of classic movies for summer), the Austin Film Society Cinema, and Moviehouse and Eatery. Since Austin is full of film buffs, there's always something interesting to see beyond new releases.

Climb the walls at Austin Bouldering Project
979 Springdale Rd. and 4477 S. Lamar Blvd.
Austin Bouldering Project (ABP) is a great option for those looking for something a little more active to do than watch a movie. This indoor climbing gym has two locations — one in East Austin and one South — and offers way more than bouldering. They also have fitness and yoga classes, an open space to co-work, a sauna, and youth programs. ABP is known as something of a social hub, so it's also a great place to meet some new friends. Adult day passes are $25.

Hooky Entertainment in Hutto is an arcade, bowling alley, movie theater, bar, and restaurant, all in one. Photo courtesy of Hooky Entertainment Center

Spend the day at Hooky Entertainment Center
150 Alliance Blvd.
This entertainment center just opened up in Hutto, and has so many things to do, you really could spend an entire day here. Based on the idea of "playing hooky" from school or work, the space includes an arcade, bowling alley, a movie theater (including a state-of-the-art IMAX), and tons of food and drink options. Hooky's experiences are offered a la carte, so guests can show up and do as little or as much as they'd like. Prices vary depending on which activities you'd like to do.

Glide into skate culture at Pins and Wheels at Playland
8822 McCann Dr.
Playland Skating may now be officially called Pins & Wheels At Playland, but Old Austinites know it best as simply Playland. This skating rink has been around for decades, and it has developed something of a regular crowd. (You'll know them by how much better at skating they are than you.) Playland is open to all ages, and adult-only every Tuesday from 7-11 pm, and Saturday from 9 pm to midnight. Entry (including skate rental) starts at $16.

Get nerdy at the original Pinballz Arcade
8940 Research Blvd.
Pinballz has a few locations these days, but the OG Pinballz is still located on Research Blvd. This classic arcade offers favorite classic games like Golden Eye, The Addams Family, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, skeeball, and of course more pinball machines than we know what to do with. They also have more modern games. Prices vary; guests can load any amount onto a card and play games until the card is empty.

Visit a museum
Multiple locations
Austin may not be known for museums like New York or even Houston, but with the Blanton, Bullock, and Texas Science and Natural History Museums, we certainly hold our own. Every Tuesday at The Blanton is free, as is the first Sunday of each month at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and every fourth Sunday at the Science and Natural History Museum. Otherwise, admission ranges from about $7-$15.

Just go bowling
Multiple locations
If an everything-in-one entertainment center like Hooky is a little overwhelming, and bowling is the main event for you anyway, there are tons of places around town where you can just go bowling. Some of our favorites include the classics, Highland Lanes and Westgate Lanes in North and South Austin respectively; Punch Bowl Social on South Congress for a very not classic bowling experience; and if you can get in, Austin Saengerrunde at Scholz Garten, one of the oldest bowling alleys in the state.

Texas two-step at Sagebrush Two-step lessons at Sagebrush are just one of many indoor two-step options this summer. Photo from Double or Nothing Two Step Lessons Facebook

Take some two step lessons
Multiple locations
It seems like if you live in Texas, you should just automatically gain the knowledge of how to two-step, but that's not really how it goes. Lucky for those looking to learn this little dance, there are several places around town that offer two-step lessons. For example, The White Horse offers donation-based lessons Thursdays through Saturdays at 7 pm, and Sam's Town Point offers free lessons every Thursday at 7 pm. To keep up-to-date on when and where to find lessons, just watch Double or Nothing's Instagram.

Embody an action hero at Blazer Tag
1701 W. Ben White Blvd.
Blazer Tag has been around for decades and is the biggest laser tag arena in Texas, according to their website. This alien and UFO-themed arena includes multiple levels and is a veritable labyrinth to run around, roll on the ground, and basically pretend you're an action hero, while shooting your friends and enemies with lasers. This indoor activity is fun for all ages. ($10.69 per game)

Laugh away the heat
Multiple locations
Austin is hilarious. We have improv, standup, sketch, clowning, variety shows, musical improv; we have big names constantly coming through and local performers with regular shows. For improv, don't miss ColdTowne Theater or The Hideout. Standup is generally good at Cap City and when bigger names come through, you'll generally find them at The Paramount or Bass Concert Hall. And be sure to see Austin's classic variety show at Esther's Follies!

Play a round of indoor golf at Dirdie Birdie
10910 Domain Dr., Ste. 120
Golf doesn’t have to be an outdoor activity. In fact, if Dirdie Birdie has anything to do with it, golf can be played indoors, paired nicely with some craft cocktails, and finished up with a delicious meal. This indoor put-put-meets-bar-meets-restaurant is located at The Domain and costs $18 per person.

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