Spanning three days and two stages at The Far Out Lounge and Stage, Austin Psych Fest returns for another spring celebration of the best in psychedelic and alternative rock. The Daily Texan compiled a list of who to see at the main festival, as well as individual night shows across Red River.
Courtney Barnett: Far Out Lounge and Stage, April 26
Equally mellow and energizing, headliner Courtney Barnett will close out the first night of the festival. The Australian singer’s 2021 album Things Take Time, Take Time blends psych rock and indie optimism: the perfect soundtrack to close out the semester.
Spoon Benders: 13th Floor, April 26
After electrifying audiences during South by Southwest, Spoon Benders plan to return to Austin in full force. Menacing guitars and driving percussion fuel growling vocals across the band’s two albums, which is highlighted best in How Things Repeat’s epic “Rival”.
Metz: Parish, April 26
Fresh off of the release of their latest album, Noise rock outfit Metz will travel down from Canada to get crowds amped up for the weekend at a late-night set on Friday. Propelled by pounding drums, Up On Gravity Hill features bursts of feedback among dynamic harmonies and roaring riffs.
Frankie and the Witch Fingers: Far Out Lounge and Stage, April 27
No strangers to Austin, LA-based outfit Frankie and the Witch Fingers return to electrify the city once again as part of a magical Saturday lineup. A listen to their recently released 2022 Live at Levitation album provides a glimpse into the rockers’ live show — rhythms bubble to a boil as guitars explode on tracks such as “Empire” and “Dracula Drug”.
Hooveriii: Far Out Lounge and Stage, April 27
Two years after Hooveriii rocked out at Stubb’s for Levitation, the six-piece outfit is back to dazzle psych rock fans once again. Recent output from the group includes atmospheric grooves on 2023’s Pointe and a lo-fi blast from the past on Quest for Blood, recently re-released for Record Store Day.
Blondshell: Far Out Lounge and Stage, April 28
Part of Rolling Stone’s 2023 Future of Music Showcase, Sabrina Teitelbaum brings her 90s-tinged tracks to the Far Out Lounge and Stage. Last year’s self-titled debut features explosive guitars and vocals that swing from delicate to powerful as she navigates love and relationships.
Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band: 13th Floor, April 28
Trekking to and from the Far Out is not for the faint of heart, but Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band offers plenty of progressive rock to aid the quest. Moments of dizzying guitar, mellow jams and hypnotic flute swirl together in the Austin wizards’ cauldron. Make the voyage to 13th Floor for the band’s album release show for their latest venture The Perils of Being Trapped Inside a Head.
