This week have the privilege of seeing artists who have taken existing musical traditions in new and exciting directions — from Marty Stuart’s vibrant twist on trad country to LA LOM’s exotic and rock-informed take on tropical music. Read on to find out more.
Thursday, Oct. 2
Boxcar Satan, Sound Cult, Virtual Limbs, Sýr
Boxcar Satan’s abrasive, Beefheart-esque take on roots music remains a highlight of San Antonio’s aughts-era musical underground. On this bill, frontman Sanford Nowlin — full disclosure: he’s also the Current’s editor-in-chief — is playing not just in Boxcar but also psych-metal act Sýr. Austin’s Sound Cult features a Who’s Who of Austin underground legends: Thor Harris (Swans), Lyman Hardy (Ed Hall), Leila Henley (Jon Langford) and Brent Baldwin (too many to name), while SA faves Virtual Limbs round out the night with a dose of fuzz-drenched, kraut rock-inspired goodness. $10, 8 p.m., Lonesome Rose, 2114 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 455-0233, thelonesomerosesa.com. — Bill Baird
Friday, Oct. 3
Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives
There’s no questioning multi-time Grammy winner Marty Stuart’s bonafides as a country legend. After all, the man got his start performing with Johnny Cash and Lester Flatt. Lately, he’s emerged as the most prominent talking-head emissary for the history and preservation of the style, appearing in damn near every documentary on the subject that’s popped up. Indeed, he’s such a strong ambassador that it may be easy to forget the dude is a flamboyant showman, versatile songwriter and can absolutely shred. Marty Stuart is one of the greats, and his band name is perfect. $77, 8 p.m.,Stable Hall, 307 Pearl Parkway, stablehall.com. — BB
LA LOM, The Point
LA LOM crafts impeccable tropical rock, similar almost to Khruangbin but without the cool-looking hair. The name, shortened from Los Angeles League of Musicians, was also the title of group’s first record on the storied Verve record label. Openers The Point, one of the best new bands in Austin, mine a similar vein of groovy, technically proficient jams that feel like the lost soundtrack to a ’60s surfer film set in Turkey, Thailand or another beautiful and far-away place. $41-$109, 8 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — BB
Saturday, Oct. 4
Cage The Elephant, hey, nothing
Cage The Elephant spent the summer as many across the musical universe did: basking in the glow of the Oasis reunion. The band served as an amazing opening act for the Gallagher Brothers, but Cage stands its own. The band’s blend of alt-rock and blues spawned a series of alternative staples including “Ain’t No Rest For the Wicked,” and it’s evolved over time, incorporating elements of psychedelia and electronica. $95.11-$137.28, 6:50 p.m., Boeing Center at Tech Port, 3331 General Hudnell Drive, (210) 600-3699, boeingcentertechport.com.. — Danny Cervantes
Sunday, Oct. 5
John Beltran, C-Thru
John Beltran made his name as one of the greats of ’90s Detroit techno. While avoiding being pinned down to any particular genre, he still specializes largely in ambient techno, which should take perfect advantage of the natural acoustics of the Echo Bridge, the city’s most unusual concert venue. Joining Beltran is C-Thru, a fellow practitioner of downtempo techno from Detroit. $25, 5 p.m., Echo Bridge, 310 Riverside Drive, instagram.com/echobridgeappreciationsociety. — BB
Monday, Oct. 6
Phantogram, Los Eclipses
Sarah Barthel and Josh Carter of Greenwich, New York-based electro-pop duo Phantogram have been friends since preschool, and their chemistry comes alive in their sound. The pair combine elements of dream pop, trip-hop and psychedelia into a unique sound undergirded by groovy beats. Phantogram’s 2024 release Memory Of a Day also draws on shoegaze for an added element of murky mystery. $54.50-$224.80, 8 p.m., Aztec Theatre, 104 N. St. Mary’s St., (210) 812-4355, theaztectheatre.com. — DC
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