Post Animal at Levitation Fest

By Stephanie Giannuzzi
Music Journalist

On Thursday, October 28, Post Animal, a five-member band from Chicago consisting of Dalton Allison on bass and lead vocals, Jake Hirshland on the keyboard, guitar, and backing vocals, Javier Reyes on guitar and lead vocals, Wesley Toledo on drums, and Matt Williams on guitar and backing vocals, played during Levitation Fest in Austin. This concert, in particular, was a one-of-a-kind experience to attend post-covid with everyone eager to hear great live music.     

It’s always a bonus to see local, and well-known bands from Texas open up before the show like Pearl Earl, an all-female rock band filled with lots of spunk and charisma, Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band, who have strong jazz roots combined with a precise rock sound and Being Dead, another reputable rock band from Austin. 

Having great opening acts before the main band performs is crucial and set the mood for Post Animal to come on. Their decision to open up with “Gelatin Mode,” was not a disappointment; It’s a high-intensity catchy rock tune that is made for dancing and getting the crowd going, and it did exactly that. This song started them off strong to convey how cohesive this band sounds together when they play. 

In their memorized setlist, next came “Special Moment,” another track carried by Allison’s subtle but solid vocals, a song with a soft catchy build-up that leads into a meaty rock section that takes over the song completely.

Post Animal took advantage of the many hits they have off their album When I Think of You In a Castle to start the first part of the show off right. They kept up the energy with “Ralphie,” with strong guitar runs back and forth. This is another piece that is dance-worthy and easy listening for anyone who might not know the band well and would like to dip their toe in before they lunge into their musical greatness.  

They moved along to their latest album Forward Moving Godyssey which presented their reinvented sound that expanded upon their roots and influences. They played their self-titled track “Post Animal,” which provoked the crowd to inevitably mosh from the deep grungy metal guitar and the bashing on drums from Toledo. It’s humbling that they left space at the end of the song for a pleasing instrumental that presents them as the talented musicians they are. 

“When I Get Home” from The Garden Series – EP was expected in its full funky form, but they initially performed it stripped down. The beautiful slowed-down version of the song made you listen to the vocals for a brief moment before they brought the song back to its original form by the end, which was immensely satisfying for the crowd. 

Just as everyone thought the show was over with “Goggles,” one of their earliest classic rock jams, they agreed to play a couple more songs to end the show right. “Dirtpicker,” was the way to end the night in style and especially the right way for the crowd who was still eager to crowd surf. This track has to be one of their most impressive ones, and this was proved live on stage. It’s a non-stop, insanely fast headbanger that leaves you feeling exhausted in the best way with how much this song reaches you from its energy.         

This band was an honor to attend because of how diverse, talented, and impressive they were to see on stage. All five members exuded so much musicianship throughout every one of their songs, both individually and as a whole. 

Featured Image by Stephanie Giannuzzi