As bodies waned in and out of the Sidewinder’s inside stage, American Wrestlers played an intimate set, enthusiastically, to a small group of passionate fans. At around 11:45, Frontman Gary McClure–now sporting a shaved head–announced the band with his thick, Scottish accent. Their music started, and people gathered inside from the brisk Austin evening. They opened their set with an excellent, droney version of “There’s No Crying Over Me Either,” and you could hear a tinge of McClure’s early days of playing for shoegaze band, Working for A Nuclear Free City.
Everyone has their “Austin” story, and even McClure recalled their last visit to the capital city during SXSW, which unfortunately landed him a stay in the hospital for a split intestine. Guests steadily filtered in an out, but loyalists remained, bobbing their heads and shouting recommendations–one couple graciously waltzing along to every song they played. The setlist was littered with songs off their newly released sophomore record, Goodbye Terrible Youth, including favorites “So Long” and “Give Up”. A new song was played about halfway through the set as well; a danceable and familiar powerpop trap track that American Wrestlers are known for producing. Among the crowd were members from opening act Commander Keen, clearly enjoying the perks of being tourmates.
Some old picks were also sprinkled throughout the 50-minute long set. The band tore through “The Rest of You” and “Wild Yonder,” before closing out the night with a slightly more aggressive version of “Blind Kids”. American Wrestlers bounced around the small stage to their catchy, synth-fueled tracks, giving the audience a fun and lively show in the process. The Sidewinder’s indoor stage made for a personal, intimate night, akin to a DIY or house show; just fans enjoying one of their favorite bands, close to eye level and without barriers.
Setlist:
There’s No Crying Over Me Either
Vote Thatcher
So Long
Amazing Grace
Holy
Give Up
(New Song)?
The Rest of You
Wild Yonder
Blind Kids
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