Photo by Jess Williamson
A friend of mine–transplanted from the East Coast–told me a few years ago, “Before I moved to Austin, I thought all bands here would sound like RF Shannon.” There is something undeniably Texan about the group’s sound: sparse, slow-moving, all-encompassing. The quintet has spent some time backing kindred musical spirit (and fellow Austinite) Jess Williamson, and now comes Jaguar Palace, a full-length that truly sprawls.
Though only six songs long, most of the tracks stretch well across the six minute mark. These are hazy, shimmering creations, less shoegaze and more bootgaze, thanks to the twang that drifts under Shane Renfro’s airy voice. “Had A Revelation” hits in the middle of the record, breaking up the amble of either side with a little lucidity. RF Shannon’s subtle power lies precisely in this kind of rolling beauty.
“Had A Revelation” appears on Jaguar Palace, out March 31.
–Art Levy // host, Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., producer, My KUTX