A quiet Wednesday night became bustling with hundreds of people at Stubbs. People were willing to bear the cold on this once-in- a-lifetime chance to see a show that could never be forgotten. With about a 20 year build up and opening for many bands such as Metallica, Silversun Pickups left the audience in a buzz with their latest leg of their tour thru Austin. Anticipation was filling the air and everyone knew that what was about to be experienced would be worth the bitter chill of the windy February night.
Silversun Pickups have seemed to remain under the alternative rock main stream radar since their hits in the mid 2000’s, most notably Lazy Eye from the debut LP in 2006 Carnavas, and their second being Panic Room from the second full length LP Swoon in 2009. But don’t let that take away from the endless talent possessed by Brian Aubert and Nikki Monninger, with Brian on guitar and vocals and Nikki on bass as well as vocals. They compose such entrancing landscapes of harmonies and progressions that just take you away from the world you exist in and let you wander off into a world they created with much time and work. All of their albums up to their latest release Widow’s Weeds in 2019, have had 3-4 years of separation in between. As writers and musicians they’ve discovered a perfect formula of touring, recording, and releasing to keep fans coming back for more, but also being strong and staying loyal to always progressing as a band. Still as tight as ever, they’re unique structure of sound is still as fresh as the day they started playing small clubs.
Stubb’s was radiating energy all over. Each song was so individually strong and hit your heart so hard. It felt as if everyone was just melding together in this shared experience. Silversun Pickups had created a place where everyone seemed to just loose themselves into what was in front of them. Simple lights and giant LED strips was all they needed to help novelize what was satisfyingly piercing into our brains. It doesn’t seem like in 20 years they have even missed a beat. Blending all the greatness of Shoe-gaze, Alt Rock, and Post Punk they’re able to create a large fan base that stays true to them because of the unique and effect behind their music and lyrics. If there’s ever the opportunity to catch them, which surely there will be with their track record, make sure you do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a night that will change your life.
– Dylan Welch