In honor of Madonna coming to Austin for her “The Celebration” tour, Afterglow photographer Mackenzie Coleman captured students in outfits resembling the pop star’s iconic looks from the 1980s to the 2000s.
Read More
Indie-rock band The Strumbellas performed at Scoot Inn on April 12 with support from Certainly So.
Read More
Dev Patel’s directorial debut is chock full of violence and vindication; but, amongst its critiques of casteism and Hindu nationalism, “Monkey Man” showcases a deep respect for and understanding of India’s gender non-conforming communities through a traditional musical tie-in.
Read More
Crafted from the minds of Dan Barrett and Tim Macuga as a debut for their band Have a Nice Life, Deathconciousness illustrates the obscure and elusive fact of death and the varying sentiments that accompany it.
Read More
Kicking off their “Only God Was Above Us” tour, Vampire Weekend performed at Moody Amphitheater — during the total solar eclipse — on April 8.
Read More
On Instagram, Beyoncé declared, “This ain't a Country album. This is a Beyoncé album,” and she delivered on that promise. A massive 27-track record, COWBOY CARTER touches on family, religion, romance, adultery, America’s shortfalls, and Beyoncé’s reputation, backed by swarths of eclectic instrumentals from twanging banjos and fiddles.
Read More
Conan Gray swung big with his third record, Found Heaven, introducing a Swedish production team and nostalgic ’80s flair. The Texan singer-songwriter’s grand experiment is definitely enticing, but feels like it’s still waiting to be “Found.”
Read More
With twee’s recent resurgence online, it’s time to look past the ballet flats and Peter Pan collars to appreciate this aesthetic’s original fashion inspirations and roots in rebellion.
Read More
Puerto Rico’s latest trap star dials back the braggadocious tone of her SoundCloud days to deliver sincere lo-fi tracks on her debut album.
Read More
Known for its fragmented construction and grave content, “The Waste Land” may seem inaccessible to casual readers. However, it transforms into a timeless beacon of despair when paired with contemporary songs about desolation and disillusionment.
Read More
Intimate folk tunes filled ACL Live at 3TEN on April 5 as Jonah Kagen brought the intimate “Save My Soul” tour with opener Vincent Lima.
Read More
Almost a year before the COVID-19 outbreak, the release of Titanic Rising foreshadowed themes of irreversible change and doom. But upon further listen, Weyes Blood’s real triumph is her capacity to offer a stern yet considerate critique on humanity’s hand in upending their own home.
Read More
At the end of each month, Afterglow presents a staff-picked list of new albums and singles that left a lasting impression on our ears.
Read More
Alternative icons of decades past, Portishead and bôa, excelled at playing with vocal range and befitting soundscapes for timeless tunes for the lonely and spiteful.
Read More
Multimedia staffer Baylee Rosado explores the recent resurgence of vinyl, and what the Austin vinyl scene looks like as a result.
Read More
Teddy Swims brought his “I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy” tour to Stubb’s on March 30.
Read More
Alt-pop artist Chelsea Cutler performed at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater on March 28 with support from Yoke Lore.
Bright Future depicts Adrianne Lenker at a new level of vulnerability. With stripped instrumentals and more simplistic lyrics, she demands for her tender introspections about love and vastness to be heard.
Read More