The Guestlist w/ Jared Leibowich

It hasn't been that long since we were first turned on to the no-fi scuzz of Austin's The Zoltars, but they've quickly become staples in our current rotation. They've recently put the finishing touches on their new album of sing-a-longable 'voodoo chant songs' which will be available at shows starting this week.

We consider them one of the most underrated bands in Austin, which makes their choice for Guestlist topic all the more fitting. Next time you head down Austin way you should definitely poke your heads into one of their favorite haunts, Beerland, where you just might find them performing or just hanging out. Either way buy them a beer for us.

And you'd be wise to check out their musical recommendations, you just might find a few hidden gems.


"The Top 5 Most Underrated Bands From Austin" by Jared Leibowich


5. The Tunnels [MySpace]
Really good psych. I feel like the psych scene here in Austin is not given the national attention it deserves. There are so many incredible psych bands here in Austin, and The Tunnels are a great example of this. Their songs are just plain beautiful.

4. Love Collector [MySpace]
Insanely good garage-punk. some say they sound like The Ripoffs, and I say bring it on! Their recordings are insanely good. My good friends Dave and Robin are in the band, and they very well might be the most endearing couple in the garage rock scene here in Austin. This band's music should be blasting from every other car stereo in Austin.

3. Holy Wave [MySpace]
These guys are killer! Incredible songwriting, and really detailed songs. I can see these guys exploding if given some attention. They play really interesting psych music. The first time I heard of them, my band was booked to play a show with them; I checked their set out and I was like "Who the hell are these guys?!?! And why are they not fucking huge???"

2. Elvis [MySpace]
Let me start off by saying watching Elvis (the Austin band, not the famous singer) is truly a unique experience. They are lead by a guy named Brian, a performer in the truest sense. They sing songs with edgy lyrics and they do it very well. Brian will confront the audience and put on an insane show. The last Elvis show, Brian burnt a cigarette on his nipple. There were also men dressed up as Star Wars Storm Troopers. The band's songs are incredible. Insanely good live performance and insanely good songs.

1. Shapes Have Fangs [MySpace]
And finally... NUMBER ONE: SHAPES HAVE FANGS. If you like The Kinks, you will LOVE Shapes Have Fangs. They are incredible musicians and their live performances are truly mind-blowing. They just finished their debut album, and I'm hoping that it will gain them the attention they deserve. They truly deserve to be an internationally known band.


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