Rating:
Illuminating Austin on Thursday, Machine Girl brought their boundary-pushing sound to the “Live Music Capital of the World” at Emo’s, delivering a night as dynamic as their discography. The stop was part of their tour following their latest release, “MG Ultra,” with support from Kill Alters and rising punk powerhouse Snõõper joining them for their Texas dates.
Opening the night was Kill Alters, who immediately set the tone with their unique blend of experimental electronics and avant-garde energy. Tracks like “Time Warp” demonstrated their ability to push sonic boundaries while still connecting with the crowd. Their set felt like a perfect prelude, priming the audience for what is to come.
Next, Snõõper stormed the stage and kicked the night into high gear. Known for their raw punk energy, the band wasted no time unleashing a flurry of frenetic riffs and spirited vocals. Their high-octane set had hair flying, sweat dripping and the bassist crowd-surfing; Emo’s could feel the band’s love for performing during the entire set. The enthusiasm was infectious, and the audience could not help but be swept up in their unrelenting energy.
Finally, it was time for the main event. Matt Stephenson of Machine Girl stepped onto the stage, though technical difficulties briefly delayed the start. Once resolved, Machine Girl launched into a performance that veered slightly away from their usual hardcore-infused chaos. While their 2022 tour with The Garden for “Horsehit on Route 66” carried an intense and heavy performance, this set leaned into their more rhythmically relaxed tracks. While the crowd was down to get dirty, most songs had the crowd jumping and dancing rather than pushing and moshing with Machine Girl’s hypnotic beats.
The evening showcased the seamless cohesion of the three acts, each contributing their own distinct style while complementing the others perfectly. From Kill Alters’ experimental edge, Snõõper’s punk fervor and Machine Girl’s genre-fluid experimentality, the night was a testament to the power of live performance to bridge diverse sounds into a unified, unforgettable experience.
If one has the chance to catch the “MG Ultra” tour, do not miss it. This is a show that will challenge expectations and leave the audience exhilarated long after the final note.
