You’ll know it when you hear it. And if you don’t know it, do your homework and look it up already (says your crusty old-school Austin Music Minute host).
Imagine yourself in the Wild West of yore…or, at least Hollywood’s overly-romanticized, overly-glamorized version of it, with a John Wayne swagger and maybe a young Clint Eastwood squinting at you. (Actually, if Eastwood’s squinting at you, you’re probably in trouble.) And speaking of that dusty ol’ squint in the glaring Death Valley sunlight, there’s a ominous bit of music that goes well with it – the theme to The Good, the Bad and the Ugly by Ennio Morricone. Get the picture now? That music is an unmistakable, crucial element setting the mood in that specific subgenre of Italian westerns from the mid-’60s.
Now apply that unique element to a badass band that not only has the deepest appreciation for that classic sound, but also knows how to rock it hard with a kind of dark, menacing psych tone. Welcome to the world of LA banderos furiosos SPINDRIFT. Your AMM host is obsessed with their soundtrack (especially the title track) for their 2007 indie film The Legend of God’s Gun. A quick listen to that will totally get you into that wild frontier frame of mind.
If you haven’t surmised by now, this band’s an AMM favorite of many years. Don’t miss SPINDRIFT tonight at Hotel Vegas, 1501 E. 6th St. The fabulous and indomitable pop provocateur Jesika Von Rabbit is on the bill, along with ATX fiery freak folk brigade The Millbrook Estates. Doors at 8 p.m.
Reach for the sky, mister. This one’s very recommended.
-Photo courtesy of the artist.
