Austin Music Minute followers may recall my recent raves about local roots rock quintet MARYANN, and the ongoing saga on Outlaw Opry Act I and Outlaw Opry Act II, the latter of which happens to be the first album to come from the band under their current name. Amidst a few name and line-up changes, core members and longtime friends Ray Flynt, Ray Garza, Evan Kaspar, Matt Hudson and Greg Spencer have worked on music together since 2008.
From a shotgun wedding destined to fall apart, to further heartbreak and tragedy with a finale at the end of a bullet, the tales on both albums feel straight out of the wild west, but told from refreshingly uncommon points of view. And because each band member shares songwriting duties, MARYANN’s sound continues to evolve in unique ways with different voices.
New music is on the horizon. Perhaps a continued story on a third act? You never know. Meanwhile, check out MARYANN tonight at Red 7, 611 E. 7th St. The line-up includes local trio The Villettes and experimental darkfolk band from Austin by way of Chapel Hill Patch. Doors open at 9 p.m. Soooo good. Recommended.