Austin Psych Fest 2013 scooped me. In my working up a review of last fall’s Moving Sidewalks reissue, a 2-CD mini box compiling the Houston psych quartet’s sole 1968 LP and attendant singles and demos, APF beat me to the punch by announcing the Sidewalks’ performance at Carson Creek Ranch over April 26-28. ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons anchors the band.
Having booked a sole date in NYC for just after South by Southwest, the Sidewalks appeared to be a possible shoe-in for March madness next month, but APF reports their set in April as the group’s “only Texas reunion show – one of only two scheduled shows this year.” Quite the snag.
In addition, the local purveyors of live psychedelia announced Sixties Brazilian pop weirdos Os Mutantes, as well as Austin’s own third eye, Roky Erickson, whose 13th Floor Elevators inspired both the Moving Sidewalks moniker and the previously long defunct band’s blues-based growl. Other acts confirmed are: the Raveonettes, Om, Silver Apples, Kaleidescope, Besnard Lakes, Indian Jewelry, Holy Wave, and more.
Previously announced headliners include Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, local psych lords the Black Angels, Deerhunter, African blues sheiks Tinariwen, grrrl scalpers Warpaint, Clinic, Black Mountain, Spectrum, Man or Astroman?, Japanese sorcerers Boris and Acid Mothers Temple, and much more. Full list at the APF website.
Locals always look forward to the conclusion of SXSW, the year’s biggest, baddest live music behemoth, figuring that, “Once it’s done, I’m in the clear for a while” in terms of band chasing. Nothing could be further from the truth. SX remains any year’s starter pistol, as proved not only by APF, but also the Old Settler’s Music Festival, which added its last batch of talent.
More on the latter gathering tomorrow here at Earache!, but for now Austin Psych Festival has pulled Billy F. Gibbons and the Moving Sidewalks out of its top hat.
This article appears in February 1 • 2013.
