Springbreak Boogie at Hotel Vegas in Austin: Lip Critic, Sextile, and Mugger

Photo Credit: Shannon Johnston (@me_onlylouder) - Sextile @ Hotel Vegas

During the week of SXSW there are ample of unofficial parties taking place across town and leading the charge for 3 days of showcasing was Springbreak Boogie at Hotel Vegas. With bands spread across two stages - one outside and another smaller stage indoors - it was a day for the punks to get out their rebel yell.

We went inside to catch Lip Critic fresh off the release of new single “Milky Max” that has been on repeat for REVERIE for the past few weeks. Its difficult to pin down whether NYC band Lip Critic are post-punk, electronic, hardcore, or something in between, but what we do know is they are a LIVE band to experience. With furious intensity, it’s hard to keep up with what they’re doing next. One minute a member will be on drums, the next they will be on vocals front and centre screaming into the mic, and before you know it they are banging and convulsing on a sampler. The multidisciplinary nature of the band keeps things exciting and engaging, but also allows moments for the crowd to get lost in a frenzy.

Photo Credit: Shannon Johnston (@me_onlylouder) - Lip Critic @ Hotel Vegas

Outside, Mugger took the stage which filled our itch for discovering some local music. The hardcore outfit led with extreme vigour, eventually rocking a gemstoned balaclava as the lead vocalist bounced around the stage with a “We are Mugger, who the fuck are you?” backdrop. It was also clear that they’ve fostered their own unique following, with people rushing to the front of the stage to engage with band, with a few even rocking their own matching glitzy balaclavas.

Photo Credit: Jess Arcand (@jessarcand) - Mugger @ Hotel Vegas

Heading into the 5:30pm slot was Sacred Bones’ staple, LA based group Sextile. Their new album Push saw the post-punk group trio turn into a more electronic terrain, which incited a high-energy rave on stage. The emotion and intensity of the band reverberated throughout the air and it was a joy to watch Melissa Scaduto having fun with a plastered on smile throughout the show. Overall, Sextile exudes attitude and they invite everyone in to express themselves - with Melissa bringing fans on stage to dance for album favourite “New York”. I't’s a captivating trance that Sextile have mastered and as they expand into the electronic sphere, whether it’s through their music or DJ sets, they successfully bring people together through dance and electrifying bangers.

Photo Credit: Shannon Johnston (@me_onlylouder) - Sextile @ Hotel Vegas