Photos and Article by: Melanie Allen

Alternative rockers Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin played at the Holy Mountain in Austin this past Saturday night. They’re currently on tour for their new album The High Country that was released earlier this summer. In preparation for the headliners, two Texas-native bands kicked off the night with indie alternative sounds that were sure to win over the audience.

Alex Napping, a four piece named after their frontwoman, originate from Austin and did a wonderful job pleasing their hometown crowd throughout their entire half hour set. For a local band, it was clear that they are really quite established on account of all the CDs, vinyl, and shirts they had for sale at the merch table, and are rumored to be one of Austin’s next big things. Alex Napping describe themselves as “The Canadian Division of Sup Pop Circa 2003.” The group emits sounds of dreamy, silky guitar melodies combined with prominent basslines and articulate drums. Before their last song the band of Austinites addressed the closing of the venue that’s to happen next month, thanking the owners for all their hard work. The crowd was drawn in close to the stage to bring a close to this set, and to welcome the second opener.

Another band of Texas natives, Football Etc. took the stage. This trio set up their gear leaving lots of open space, which we were to find out later was used for the guitarists to be very mobile as they performed. Between verses the guitarists would play at each other or at the drummer, making it apparent that they feed off of each other’s energy. Each member played passionately and genuinely, and although they have a male drummer the band gave off an intense feeling of hardcore girl power. Frontwoman Lindsay Minton’s strong yet gentle voice and bassist Mercy Harper’s epic power stances turned heads within Holy Mountain. Minton was also sure to address the closing of the venue before welcoming out the headliner.

By the time SSLYBY was to perform, the small venue was packed with anxious fans. The headliners thanked the openers for the great start they put to the show, and began their set with remarkably high energy (frontman Philip Dickey broke a string two songs in and proceeded to borrow Lindsay Minton’s guitar). Clapping and swaying was heavily encouraged throughout the set. Songs from The High Country (such as “Trevor Forever”) were showcased as well as oldies from albums such as Broom (2005), which the fans all seemed to be equally familiar with. It’s intriguing how energetic and genuine the group’s performance is, and they were clearly very excited to be performing in general. This is the kind of chemistry that keeps bands such as SSLYBY together for 10+ years and still going strong, and Austin is surely excited to hear what sounds the band will produce next.