Rocks Off hopes you're recovered from New Year's Eve. We are...almost. You've already seen and read about Fitzgerald's massive NYE blowout, but there was lots more going on around Houston to ring in 2011. Here are a few more highlights.
The mechanical bull was about the only thing that got shut down early at Groundhall's "Pease Out" New Year's celebration. Recent Reduxion stars Tax the Wolf were unspooling some of their desert-dry psychedelia as we arrived, and the Ton Tons' magical, mystical set was as glittery as a New Year's Eve party favor, and Austin's Ume made one of their periodic homecomings with some swampy, aggro guitar-rock. Outside, hardcore duo Davey Crockett took care of whatever whiplash the bull didn't, and funk-rockers Electric Attitude got loosey-goosey a little later on.
After Fat Tony's enthusiastic midnight champagne toast (above), San Antonio's Girl In a Coma turned in a scathing, hair-raising punk set topped by a wicked cover of Patsy Cline's "Walking After Midnight," and L.A. buzz band Warpaint's labyrinthine guitars and serpentine rhythms echoed long into the wee hours. Rocks Off also ventured next door to the Jet Lounge - which we understand will be hosting a "rename the bar" party soon - in time for a tight set and tasty trumpet from conscious Austin hip-hoppers Mobley.
Over at House of Blues, '80s tribute gods Thunderpants stroked out downstairs in the restaurant while Austin alt-country renegades Reckless Kelly held court upstairs, and our photographer found plenty of revelry in the Foundation Room.
At Warehouse Live, 94.5 The Buzz hosted another BLT party, as in Black Tie, Lingerie and Toga. For some reason, most of the ladies seemed to prefer lingerie (although togas were also well-represented), so this one's a little racy.
Rich's was packed as usual, holiday or no holiday, for the dance club's annual New Year's Eve party and midnight balloon drop.