Photo by Garyn Klasek
There aren’t many bands that can pump out classic Americana and bluegrass well with punk passion. Yet, Austin’s Whiskey Shivers have proven that they can not only accomplish this but they can kindle a crowd with utmost certainty. Even compared to their last visit to town, they brought their marvelous abilities to a packed house at Last Exit Live. They had less support than before but one wouldn’t even know it by the fantastic stage presence of this show.
Photo by Garyn Klasek
Local bluegrass Americana project Mr. Mudd and Mr. Gold started things off beautifully. While they might not incorporate much, if any, punk to their repertoire, they certainly don’t need to with how much they rock. Guitarist Tyler Matlock led the group, motivating the audience into cavorting on the dancefloor. While our energy was feeding off of the fun on stage, banjo player Jesse Gray entranced everyone with his crackerjack talent. Even more intriguing was the addition of their fiddle/percussion/mandolin player, who helped round out their sound even more.
Photo by Garyn Klasek
Closing out the evening was the amazingly skilled Whiskey Shivers. Even with a recent change to their line-up, it was hardly noticeable with how awesome their stage presence is. Unfortunately, frontman Bobby Fitzgerald was feeling under the weather so he minimized singing. But that didn’t stop him from shredding it up on fiddle. Guitarist and birthday boy Jeff Hortillosa went to town to get the crowd shakin’. Upright bassist Andrew VanVoorhees pranced around his bassline to get people hopping. James Bookert, as well, mesmerized us all with his breathtaking banjo playing. Even their new percussionist James Gwyn blew everyone’s minds between his insane talents between washboard, percussion and electronic drums. And to wrap up the show, Whiskey Shivers unplugged and rocked the crowd from the dancefloor with the addition of Matlock on guitar. In the end, this was one helluva fun show for everyone to ring in the new year.
~ Garyn Klasek
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