Any list of the tightest bands in the world would be incomplete if it didn't include The Roots.
The endlessly versatile Philadelphia-based hip hop crew are equally at home going on extended jazz runs — as was heard to notable effect during "Mellow My Man" early on in the ACL set on Saturday evening — or in the day job serving as the house band for Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, or backing seemingly everybody from Jay-Z to John Legend when they want some live-band cred for a record, or recording a nigh-endless string of essential albums of their own.
In any case, there weren't a lot of tubas on stage at ACL, but it's guaranteed that none were funkier than the one featured in The Roots' set. Which is the point: It takes a band whose tightness is unquestioned, and whose versatility can be taken for granted, to pull off what The Roots accomplished onstage on Saturday.
On record, The Roots have settled into a role as hip hop's conscience. They're elder statesmen releasing records like last year'sUndun, a concept album about a murdered teen from the Philly projects, and which was the latest in a string of socially-aware albums.
Live, though, it's a different story. This is a high-energy party band, and it makes them an explosive festival act. Drummer ?uestlove (who played Saturday with his iconic afro braided down into cornrows) barely so much as lowered his sticks; a horny song like the 2003 single "Break You Off" flows effortlessly into 1997's hymn of romantic devotion, "You Got Me," and that song's minor-key guitar line still somehow seems designed to get heads nodding and hands in the air.
It takes that sort of greatness to pull off some of the left-field moves the band went for. An extended tuba solo during a hip hop show is one thing; the band launching into a cover of Guns N' Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine" is another, but what the hell? We're partying out here!
It's the rare hip hop show these days where the emcee doesn't need to so much as address the audience to get them to put their hands in the air and wave 'em like they don't care 45 minutes into the set.
But that's what The Roots have been able to deliver for almost two decades now, and they don't show any signs of slowing down.
J'Cuuzi will celebrate their double EP release at Hotel Vegas.
The blistering summer heat has fully arrived but that doesn’t mean anything is slowing down across Austin’s music scene. See here to see which shows are worth getting super sweaty for in the back stretch of July.
Hot Summer Nights – July 16-18 The Red River Culture District’s annual festival, Hot Summer Nights, is happening this week from Thursday to Saturday. If you’re not familiar, this three-night event is made up of free shows happening in various Red River venues, such as The Mohawk, the 13th Floor, Chess Club, Elysium, and others. The massive lineup includes noteworthy local acts like Annabelle Chairlegs, Grocery Bag, HAHA Laughing, Club Coma, Gran Moreno, Bruce, Geto Gala, and plenty more. (In fact, it’s approximately 140 more performers). Here you’ll find six up-and-coming bands that should be on your radar heading into the fest.
Even though the shows are free, the festival is a single-donation fundraising opportunity for keeping the district healthy and similar events going.
Thursday, July 16
Guiding Light – This post-punk act has a highly anticipated debut album, Fear On My Own Time, coming out on August 21. Their set will be at Chess Club at 11 pm on Thursday.
Jet Cemetery – If you’re intro dreamy, ethereal electronic tunes, then be sure to catch Jet Cemetery, who earlier this year released a great album titled The Canary. See them at the 13th Floor at 11 pm on Thursday.
Friday, July 17
French Film – This buzzy alt-rock act just signed to Solid Brass, and they’ve got a new release, Yours + Five, that’s due out on August 21. You can see them inside at the Mohawk at 8 pm on Friday.
Team Trust – These art rockers dropped a really nice album, Treat Box, late last year, and they’ve been gaining more and more traction ever since. Their set will be at Chess Club at midnight on Friday.
Saturday, July 18
Commercial Breaks – These guitar pop standouts, who have a hook-filled self-titled debut album that’s out now, are great live. Be sure to see them at Chess Club at midnight on Saturday.
Mugger – If you’re looking for a reason to get sweaty and wild in a pit at Hot Summer Nights, then don’t miss the hardcore act Mugger. Their set will be outside at the Mohawk at 10pm on Saturday.
Other shows in July
J’Cuuzi at Hotel Vegas – Thursday, July 23 Art punk act J’Cuuzi recently released a double EP, and now they’re set to ring in its arrival at Hotel Vegas on Thursday, July 23. Auragraph and a yet-to-be-announced special guest will open things up. Tickets for the show are $16.07.
Christmas In July at Hotel Vegas – Saturday, July 25 Head to Hotel Vegas on Saturday, July 25, to celebrate “Christmas in July” with performances from Andrew Cashen & The Disciples of Creation, Queen Serene, Sultanes Del Yonke, CorMAe, Pure Instinct, and Floating Cube. Suxxy Puxxy and Trejo will be around as well to drive some late-night dance parties. Tickets are $16.07.
Trans Pride at the Mohawk – Friday, July 31 Celebrate Trans Pride at the Mohawk on Friday, July 31. The show, which will benefit Autonomy Austin and trans artists, has a lineup that features Molly Ringworm, Knocked Up, Morta, PMS, and Twink Death, and there will be drag performances by Ethel Institution, Tangelo, Neura Toxin, and Jack the Stripper. Tickets are $20.50.
The RootsPhoto by Jessica Pages
Photo by Jessica Pages
Photo by Jessica Pages
Photo by Jessica Pages
