Post Punk Brilliance: Sweeping Promises live at Austin Psych Fest

Currently on tour to support their album Good Living Is Coming for You, every song came to life through performances reminiscing of those found off the movie Scott Pilgrim v The World. Removed from the lofi-like production found throughout their discography, these songs were met with an unabashed confidence of screeching tones bringing a shock to the typical midday festival lull.

As the band introduces themselves with the song “Eraser,” one can’t help but immediately notice a key feature of Sweeping Promises. With the unusual presence of Mondal’s vocal style, reminiscent of early Madonna, layered on top of a raucous three-piece post-punk band, one might think this combination wouldn’t work. However, as the songs are rattled off in quick succession and you find yourself locked in with every rhythm, it becomes apparent that this unusual combination is beautifully pulled off through a dedication to artistic integrity.

A personal highlight came about with their performance of Hunger for a Way Out. Featuring a call and response rhythm between Schnug’s guitar and Mondal’s vocals that’s extremely infectious in a uniquely calibrated way. With the understood roles between bass and drums laying the groundwork for the fantastic riff work to be held down by Schnug, this performance took on a life of its own as the crowd entered into a hypnotic sway, locked in through the ever presence groove.

As a welcome addition to the Austin Psych Fest line-up, Sweeping Promises was an unexpected highlight of the festival. With a polished performance exuding all the exciting qualities of a band with raw talent, this group makes the act of producing compelling post-punk music look as effortless as a quality band should.