After learning Radio Moscow front man, Parker Griggs was arriving in Austin with a new rhythm section in tow, we were a bit concerned the show would not measure up to their great set at Austin Psych Fest last year. Griggs mentioned early in the set they had only been playing together two weeks. Although there were a few rough patches early on, overall the performance was mind-meltingly, crowd-pleasing. After seeing short sets at Psych Fest and Wednesday's opening set for Swedish psych-rockers, Graveyard we are looking forward to seeing Radio Moscow headline next time they come through Austin.
Instead of a video screen behind the band, this time around, there were old-school psychedelic visuals projected onto a tapestry with an overhead projector like the Grateful Dead used to have (see slideshow photos). We learned from new bassist, Billy Ellsworth that the guy operating the visuals is from Salt Lake City like Ellsworth and offered to join the tour. The 60s-inspired visuals are an appropriate compliment to their latest release, "The Great Escape of Leslie Magnafuzz" which pulls deeply from the well of the bluesy psych-rock of the late 60s, early 70s.
The outdoor stage area at Mohawk was crammed with fans when Radio Moscow took the stage which is a testament to their popularity among Austin music fans. Griggs' masterful guitar work is spellbinding to watch up close. The heavy layering of guitar effects Griggs employs is similar to the way Kirk Kirkwood of The Meat Puppets makes his instrument sound like two or three playing together.
Although Graveyard sounded fantastic after being sated by the rocking set Radio Moscow delivered, we ended up heading out before the headliners finished. Listening to Leslie Magnafuzz, whose name refers to the speaker and effects pedal Griggs uses will have to placate our hunger for another live Radio Moscow set until they return to town. We recommend multiple listens at high volume.
Special thanks to photographer, Casey Brewer.
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