For weekend two of Austin City Limits Music festival, fans experienced a sonic extravaganza with a range of artists who gave their all in their sets, ensuring authenticity to each performer. As fans returned to the beautiful city-lined Zilker Park to kick off the second weekend, they were pleasantly welcomed back with a rhythm that was present in every beat and guitar strum of every set: the love of good music. With all of the variance in sound that was offered across its celebrated stages, both artists and fans alike were united in this passion, and their connection was as hot as the blazing Texas heat. As the second weekend kicked off with high expectations for the crowd’s energy to pass that of the first’s, Day One was a solid start for getting lost in the music, confirming Austin’s place as the live music capital of the world. 

Good Neighbors

As one of the earlier sets in the day, Good Neighbors was the first of many to welcome fans to the city and made a formidable impression with their mesmerizing melodies and spirited energy. As the English indie duo performed a mix of singles and new songs from their debut album, Blue Sky Mentality, they created an enchanting atmosphere that directly emanated from their vivacious rhythms and harmonizing voices. Their charismatic stage presence remained enthralling throughout their set list from new enlivening hits all the way to the single that started it all: “Home.” It was a fantastic show that amped up the anticipation for what was to come next. 

Panda Bear

Panda Bear emphasized the psychedelic side of ACL with funky but striking guitar riffs that were amplified by the colorful visuals on the screen behind. It was a hypnotic set with intricate electric sounds that were easy to get lost in. Though it was a more laid back performance, that didn’t stop the music from taking full force in its fierceness and mystery. 

King Princess

King Princess brought out spunk, fun and edge in her set. She offered up a satisfying mix of emotion and sass that was complimented by her clear vocals – which shone through, precisely hitting every note on her setlist that included cheeky classics such as “Pussy Is God.” With King Princess, there was little bit of everything, from the bouncing beat of “Slow Down and Shut Up” to the intense and hot-blooded “Girl Violence” from her recently released album of the same name. Her stage presence was also unbeatable, if not in the races for one of the most enlivening sets of the weekend. While she embodied the tempo of her music, physically hitting every beat and offering a sensational smile here and there, she also interacted with the crowd on multiple occasions, even walking down to the bar to hold hands with a few lucky fans. Speaking of fans, things got a little out of control for a moment causing King to pause the music and ask, “Is everybody good? Can I keep going?” Things seemed to be heated for a few seconds, but thankfully simmered down in time for her next indie banger. Out of the many highlights from this particular set, her performance of unreleased single “Cherry” was in the top three of them, which is to debut in the next couple of weeks. If its reception at ACL was in any way telling, it’s destined to do well on the charts. With all of its girl-tastic glitz, King Princess was an illuminating sight to be seen with an all consuming performance that dominated all ears and eyes. 

MJ Lenderman

MJ Lenderman was another performer who let the music do the talking. Playing against a backdrop of the setting sun, he kept things cool and casual, allowing the loud guitar melodies to do the talking. With Lenderman, it was all about the magnification of the electric guitar. It was evident through his all-encompassing guitar playing and belted out lyrics that he was getting just as carried away with the rhythm as the fans were. Though he said little – a few thank you’s and a proper introduction of the supporting band – he still delivered a compelling set due to his already distinguished discography that culminated in a raw rendition of “Knockin” that echoed through the park with its haunting vibrations.  

Empire of The Sun

Empire of The Sun delivered one of the most fantastic performances of the early evening. With a lavish stage set and equally dazzling costumes to match, Empire of The Sun created a visual world for listeners to get lost in alongside their magnetic music. The crowd turnout was unbelievable, with a sea of individuals looking to jump in on the journey they bid everyone to join them on. After a techno-rendition of “We Are The People,” Luke Steele acknowledged the vast crowd turnout and the power of the music just experienced among all stating, “I think this is the best place to be on the planet right now.” Attendees couldn’t help but agree. 

Rilo Kiley

As the night rolled on, Rilo Kiley offered a more relaxed set of the later evening, though that doesn’t mean they were shy from indulging in the groove. They turned up the funk for bumping beats such as “The Moneymaker.” Jenny Lewis’ vocals were pitch perfect as especially exemplified on the emotional track “I Never.” As she stood behind the keyboard playing those supporting blues notes, she held an enrapturing few moments of pure vocal delight before following the rest of the ballad. Impressively, her breath wasn’t taken away, but the crowd’s surely was. For the most part, Rilo Kiley had a steady set going strong with a smooth balance that was able to fit everything in from a slower, reflective pace to a total embrace of the night’s energy. However, there arrived a sudden panic of fear in both the band and crowd as a fan in the front needed Narcan administered. The band immediately ceased playing for an intense and scary few moments with Lewis commenting on the importance for awareness with the possible fatalities of drug overdose. After the fan was cared for, Rilo Kiley returned to their set a little shaken up, but nevertheless persistent in their effort to fill the night with musical escape. In light of the recent event, Lewis dedicated their next song to the fan who was receiving the proper help. As they were nearing the end of their set, Rilo Kiley followed a familiar fashion of keeping things grounded, but letting loose at the right moment with their climbing guitar melodies. Despite the scare, they still made the most of their time on the stage fulfilling what they and everyone else came here to do: listen to feel-good music with an introspective and innovative twist. 

Hozier

As one of the first headliners of the weekend, Hozier delivered an exceptionally passionate and emotionally driven musical performance that was witnessed and deeply felt by all in the mega crowd that came to witness the spectacle. As one of the main events of the evening, things started off upbeat before taking a slower turn, which is exactly what the fans were here for. The Irishman delivered his typical display of vocal fervor that shot an electric energy throughout the crowd despite his heavy use of acoustic guitar. With his awe-striking baritone voice supported by equally awe-inspiring gospel backup singers (which he excitedly introduced to the masses), this show was a captivating exposition of Hozier’s undeniable talent and the incomparable nature of live music. 

Hozier took fans through a favorable setlist that featured both the somber and the melancholic tones that he is so widely known and praised for including, “Nobody’s Soldier” and “Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene.” While every song was a masterpiece to take in through the ears, thanks to that dominating baritone, there is one track that specifically stands out due to the message attached to it. As Hozier prepared for the next number, “Nina Cried Power,” he took a few moments to explain the meaning and drive behind its intention, acknowledging Civil Rights artists such as Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Joan Baez and Nina Simone as musical inspirations based on their effort to use their platforms as opportunities to speak out for change and hidden voices. Revealing the desire to do the same, Hozier addressed different world crises going on in the current context, expressing immense grief in the Palestinian genocide, the rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia, women’s reproductive rights, gay marriage rights and trans hate crimes among other serious issues affecting the global state of civil rights. As he commented on this despair, he desperately encouraged his fans to step into change, igniting a spirit of optimism as he turned his attention to the crowd itself declaring his witness of hope in the impassioned attendees, “I see it here tonight people are looking out for their fellow concert goers.” It was not too long before he broke into the charged song accompanied by one of his supporting vocalists, Amanda Brown, who had an equally ardent voice to add to the power of the song. 

In addition to his politically charged message, Hozier still incorporated fan favorites in for the sake of the musical side of things, playing a bassed-up “Too Sweet” and closing the night with a soul-shattering performance of “Take Me To Church,” which filled the voice of every audience member from the bar to the back, mirroring the ecstasy of a religious experience with a surge of fireworks to light up the smoky city sky and conclude the show. Overall, it was a performance of many colors with an exploration of the potential of music and the ability to use great sound to make great change. 

Day one of Weekend Two was an impeccable kickoff for the second installment of Austin City Limits as it was saturated with personal touches from the artists, adding a deeper meaning to the music behind it all. It was an incredibly fun day as well as a souvenir of what music is indefinitely all about. 

Hozier Setlist:

1. Nobody’s Soldier
2. Jackie and Wilson
3. Angel of Small Death
4. Dinner and Diatribes
5.  Eat Your Young
6. Like Real People Do
7. Would That I
8. Cherry Wine
9. Unknown
10. Work Song
11. De Selby pt 2
12. Francesca
13. Too Sweet
14. Someone New
15. Almost Sweet Music
16. Movement
17. Nina Cried Power
18. Take Me To Church

Featured Image Photo Credit: Owen Ela