Words by Popejohnpaul12 and Brokenbrooklyn

Pictures by Brokenbrooklyn

Today was my first day ever in Texass, I must admit the Bush years gave me a scare as to what it would be like here and I have to admit I was apprehensive about actually taking the trip. My first interactions with Texans and with the state itself have been great.

So far, I’ve gotten cheap alcohol, met amazing people and enjoyed a couple great café’s, the best so far being Spider House, a ridiculously laid back coffee shop, bar, patio and hang out for all of Austin’s best looking folks.

After a couple margarita’s Brokenbrooklyn and I headed downtown to get familiar with the layout of the city before we get thrust into the insanity of the festival’s kick off. We went to Beauty Bar (probably the best Beauty Bar location) and got a vodka tonic for two freaking dollars. We then wandered around town until we needed to head to our first official Austin party at the Carousel Lounge, an amazing, friendly dive bar that looks (and feels) like carnival that was run down in the 60’s.

Unfortunately, we took the wrong bus and ended up walking forever in the strangely quiet Texas night. Making the best of our unplanned detour, we both grabbed tall cans of Lone Star Beer and I took in my first of what is sure to be many of The National Beer of Texas. The beers somehow lead the way and when we finally arrived at our destination it was soon very clear that the walk had been worth it: first we saw a Midwestern Drag King owning the stage; he was accompanied by his assistant Tatania and he had a pet named Pussy.

The Drag King was dressed as a circus leader equipped with a mustache, tight pleather pants and a hairy chest. When we first walked in he was scolding Tatania for getting Pussy wet (apparently Tatania mistakenly spilled beer all over her pussy) and as the night continued, there was much cucumber taunting and tampon chasing that ensued. The drag show was followed by a performance by Follow That Bird; a trio from Texas and our first real Texas band.

Follow That Bird are a lo-fi band with a garagey sound that hits all the right jerky buttons. They are currently recording with long time Nada Surf producer, Louie Lino who will most likely make the most of their youth, talent and good looks; basically, we expect great things from them in the future. After the Follow That Bird show, the stage was cleared for a minorprogression favorite, and Agent Ribbons took stage.

Recently Agent Ribbons added Naomi Cherie to the line-up which makes the band a three piece. She doubles on violin and cello, and adds a new level of excitement to the bands rapidly growing dynamic.

Watching them play to an ecstatic Austin crowd made me really happy to know we all share the commonality of being Californians. During their last song a few locals got up and started dancing Texas style, one in clown attire and the other in full on Texas regalia, surely suggesting that our week will be an experience never to be forgotten.

Ye Haw indeed.

DOWNLOADS:
Follow That Bird – The Only Silence

Agent Ribbons – Thats Not Edgars Heart