brooklyn live.

Finally. It’s been a long 3 years since Beach House last toured. Comprised of lead vocalist Victoria Legrand and guitarist Alex Scally, this melancholic dream pop duo is most well known for their incredibly open and imaginative lyrics that deem themselves “otherworldly.” They have a sound that is unique; produced mainly by using drums, an organ, and slide guitar.

It was hard not to notice every inch of House of Blues was packed as they opened with “Levitation” from most recent album Depression Cherry. Twinkling LED Lights appear like stars in the background while Victoria hides in the shadows behind her flowing hair, adding to the mystery that defines this band. Combine that with slow beats, a hazy keyboard and a tragic, melancholy voice; Beach House is home.

The entire crowd was enthralled when Beach House played devastatingly beautiful “10 Mile Stereo,” towards the end of the show from Teen Dream. Nobody reached for their phone and few stepped out for a restroom break.

It’s hard to describe without experiencing, all the emotions Beach House evoke. Victoria apologized at the end of the show for the lack of conversation because sometimes they just get lost in the music. Right after her apology they ended the show with “Irene” with lyrics fading out in repetition “it’s a strange paradise, you’ll be waiting.” It was clear they stood second to no one tonight.

Ratatat, a Brooklyn based band, features Mike Stroud and Evan Mast, who have mastered the art of straddling the fine line between rock and electronic music. After debuting in 2003 with the release of single “Seventeen Years,” they took off as an electro-rock duo, who could later be dubbed as instrumentalists - who care little for lyrics.

The Moody venue was packed to the brim with superfans. This was no ordinary show but one stemming from the palpable energy that Ratatat was re-emerging from their five year hiatus before our eyes. They were explosive from the minute they opened to the second they closed. The crowd lit up when “Wildcat” from the arguably “favorite” album, Classics, was played. It was quite the spectacle on stage - every time the big cat growled - laser beams came out of its eyes. It mimicked some kind of new age rock band out of the 60′s except think laser beams and holograms. Bizarre but entrancing. They pulled you in like a dream and left you wondering how you got there, with closer “Shempi” from album LP3. A comforting hypnosis. 

Ratatat took us on a ride. They are masters at their craft and to truly appreciate them, you have to see them live.

From the moment Purity Ring (vocalist Megan and instrumentalist Corin) hit the stage, an ethereal wave rushed over the crowd. In 3 short years since the release of their first album, Shrines, it’s clear to see they have evolved as artists. Their overall stage presence and choreography is more strategic; their sound crisper and less atmospheric and distant. They opened with “stranger than earth,” as Corin builds a booming trap production around Megan that feels both captivating and mysterious as she breathes ghostly vocals. This Canadian electro-pop guy-girl duo were getting ready to take us on a journey through gloomy valleys and gleaming peaks. A brooding fairytale.

It wasn’t just their sound that was impressive; it was the creativity of their live performance. Corin’s drum synth-machine lit up brightly with each change of beat as Megan walked slowly through draping string bulbs suspended over the stage. Placed strategically mid-show - song, “Belispeak” carries the momentum forward with its shuddering bass and high energy hooks. The flow and transitions between songs is seamless. Nothing is rushed or un-natural.

As I looked beside me, the crowd at Austin Music Hall was nothing short of mesmerized. They received a powerful ovation from the crowd when they closed with “begin again,” one of their most popular singles off of latest album, Another Eternity. I admittedly got chills witnessing such raw talent before my eyes. You had to be there.

It’s hard to believe that Jamie xx has only been producing music since 2009. Jamie xx is known both as a solo act and a member of London based band The xx. On stage, he turns around ever so often to pull records out of his box - playing only vinyl - with a silent but focused energy. He began with the ever-so-fitting “Far Nearer,” an offbeat and futuristic sound from his EP released in 2011. It was a grand entrance, patiently awaited - it was everything the audience wanted. He doesn’t try to get your love, he just has it.

After starting with a bang, he slipped into dance music enthusiasts “All Under One Roof Raving” and I have to admit - I didn’t really love this track until I saw him perform it. It’s different. It’s kind of weird. It’s everything that makes Jamie xx a game changer in a genre he’s almost creating himself.

The entirety of The Mohawk (all 3 balconies included) was packed by 9:00pm to secure spots to see Jamie come on at 10:45pm. The rather snug Mohawk venue is undoubtedly the best venue to see smaller indie shows in Austin. It’s such an intimate setting to see your favorite, not so mainstream bands, up-close and personal. The crowd was going wild close to the end when Jamie played his latest hit “Loud Places” off of the latest album In Colour. Time stood still in this moment - his live performance took this track to the next level. To finish off the night, he played “I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times),” featuring hip-hop artist Young Thug. There wasn’t a still body - everyone was groovin’. It felt like the whole show led up to this moment. And it was insane in the best way. Thank you Jamie xx, for one hell of a set.