Enigmatic Sounds: Still Corners Mesmerizes Austin Psych Fest 2024

By Ashlee Harcar

Local Music Journalist

Amidst the kaleidoscopic lights and ethereal energy of Austin Psych Fest this year, Still Corners emerged as a shimmering gem, casting a spell over the audience with their mesmerizing performance. The British duo, comprised of vocalist Tessa Murray and multi-instrumentalist Greg Hughes, transported the crowd into a dreamlike realm with hypnotic melodies and visuals.

As the evening descended, the crowd gathered, some springing from the adjacent stage in anticipation. The stage, adorned with intricate lighting arrangements and hazy visual projections, set the tone for an otherworldly journey. From the moment they took the stage, Still Corners exuded an aura of mystique, drawing the audience in with their enigmatic presence. The two were bathed in moody lighting and dressed in 80’s business-professional attire. Murray’s vocals soared above exceptional instrumentality, creating a psychedelic atmosphere that enveloped the audience and transported them into a psychedelic realm, weaving a hypnotic spell.

Opening with “Strange Pleasures,” a track from their 2013 album release, immediately captivated the audience with their signature blend of shoegaze, dream pop, and electronic elements. As they delved into their repertoire, Still Corners treated the crowd to a journey through their discography, blending old favorites with new material. Tracks like “Black Lagoon” and “The Message” with their dreamy melodies and introspective lyrics, triggered nostalgia and longing with their atmospheric soundscapes and evocative lyrics. Each song was a sonic adventure, inviting the audience to lose themselves in the music and surrender to its allure.

The songs “Secret World” and “Crystal Blue” showcased the band’s dynamic range. But perhaps the most magical moment of the evening came during the performance of “Far Rider,” a haunting ballad that shimmered with an eerie beauty. Visuals encapsulated behind the performers partnered with the psychedelic sounds wove the pages of a story filled with themes of escapism and personal growth. The audience lived through the downpour of metaphorical rain, representing change and a sense of relief in their lives.

As the final notes of “The Trip” echoed into the night, Still Corners bid farewell to their spectators, leaving me feeling rejuvenated and deeply connected to their music. Their performance, all around, was a healing experience, ultimately transforming the venue into a place filled with serenity. As someone who frequently listens to Still Corners, I can attest that their sounds and aesthetics are just as if not more, mystifying when experienced live as they are through my headphones. Austin Psych Fest crafted a weekend that psychedelic enthusiasts will cease to forget.