Whilst the standout act for this weekend appeared to be Mother Nature and her thirst for dehydration and sweat, Austin City Limits in Texas still brought a collection of the worlds Music Powerhouses together to get bodies jumping this weekend. Today, Geoffrey D’Unienville takes us through this experiences and delivers his six highlights of the weekend – the acts destined for big things, and the ones who rocked it…
Acts destined for big things
Marcus King Band (BMI Stage – Day 1)
It wouldn’t be a weekend in Austin without discovering a little gem in a mix of big names, and young superstar Marcus King and his band sure didn’t disappoint. Playing the opening slot on the BMI stage, these young gents were a delight for the early birds playing what can only be called a mix of psychedelic rock and funk.
Ryn Weaver (Homeaway Stage – Day 2)
Another early afternoon discovery was that of San Diego raised Ryn Weaver. I can’t say I knew to much about her music, but the early morning buzz around the festival site was that she was the act to watch. Playing a set of powerhouse pop to a pretty impressive crowd for the early afternoon, it was clear that Ryn was already a fan favourite, has taking her fame from internet hit “Octahate” and running with it.
Jidenna (Samsung Stage – Day 3)
What is there to say about Jidenna that he hasn’t said about himself in hit single “Classic Man”? Strutting on stage in a killer mint green suit, Jidenna brought the swagger to the main stage of ACL on day 3, with his funk inspired set. This man is clearly going places and the fact he rocked the main stage without even releasing a debut album is a testament to this.
Those who rocked it…
Run the Jewels (Miller Lite Stage – Day 1)
Running out on stage to Queens “We are the Champions”, RTJ wasted no time getting an Austin crowd hot and sweaty. Killer Mike and El-P proved on stage that they can own any stage, big or small. Rarely can you find a hip-hop show so engaging and enthusiastic that’s backed up by diverse social commentary. If you ever wanted to see a swarm of hands drop in unison this was the place to be.
Father John Misty (Honda Stage – Day 2)
Waiting for FJM to come on stage almost felt like a night at the theatre, queue classy red backdrop… check…. queue smoke machine… check… queue one of the most smooth human beings in the modern music industry… DOUBLE CHECK. Father John delivered one of the most solid sets of the weekend ensuring that he played it smooth throughout his whole show even whilst being accosted by handsy fans durin his inevitable attempt to jump into the crowd during… yep… his second song of the set.
Florence + The Machine (Samsung Stage – Day 3)
What can said other than the fact that Florence really was the Queen of ACL? There’s a good reason why she played the main stage of the festival, on the final night of both weekends, and that was purely because her set is magical. In less than a heartbeat, she instantly whisked thousands of adoring fans on a journey through her catalogue of hits.
For more of our Austin City Limits coverage, head to our HUB.
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