ACL THURS: FUTUREBIRDS, J. Roddy Walston & The Business and Delta Spirit @ Emo’s Outside – 9/15/11

J. Roddy Walston & The Business - Photo by Jimmy Grotting

People, Turn Around

Last night at Emo’s Outside I re-realized why I’m such a big Delta Spirit fan and have been since the the release of their rookie record Ode To Sunshine. In short, these guys know how write good songs and deliver them on the live stage every time. Like the great Trevor Hoffman, Mark Wohlers, Kyra Sedgwick or Mariano Rivera, these guys were the perfect closer last night (wow – dumb analogy), running out of the ‘pen after an impressive showing from the home team and blinding the onlookers with their incredible gusto, energy and brilliant delivery. After already-impressive sets from FUTUREBIRDS and J. Roddy Walston & The Business, Delta Spirit came out guns blazing, surprisingly playing a number of older songs in the early going and absolutely blowing the roof off of Emo’s Outside with early anthems like “People C’Mon” and “Children” before closing it all out with the always powerful “People, Turn Around” that had the whole place shoutin’ along.

For my first night ever in Austin, this was about what I would hope and expect. Three great up-and-coming bands, cheap beer and a packed house at a cool outdoor music venue, a joint that is reportedly closing (relocating?) soon (according to DS lead singer Matthew Vasquez), a bummer to the scene I would think. Alas, Delta Spirit’s Thursday night kickoff set at Emo’s set the bar very high for the rest of the weekend, here’s hoping someone can top it in Zilker Park. Continue on after the jump for a handful of videos from all three bands. Now that Austin City Limits is officially off-and-running, it’s off to see FUTUREBIRDS (#3 this week), Theophilus London, Reptar, Fool’s Gold, James Blake, Delta Spirit, Smith Westerns, Cave Singers, Big Boi, Kurt Vile, NAS & Jr. Gong, Gary Clark Jr., NMAS, Santigold, Coldplay and Kanye – at least that’s the plan.

J. Roddy Walston & The Business

FUTUREBIRDS – Ski Chalet (end)

Delta Spirit – Bushwick Blues

Delta Spirit – Tom Waits > Trashcan

September 16, 2011 | by Wesley Hodges | Festivals, Videos

About the author

Wesley grew up in coastal Georgia and is a former resident of The Music City and The Big Easy where he helped get LMB NOLA off-the-ground after launching in January 2011. Over the past few years, he has also contributed steadily to JamBase and Relix Magazine. Recently, Hodges moved on to L.A. where Abita Beer is hard to find, costs about $6 if located and impromptu parading in the streets will most likely get you arrested on the spot.