Sword II’s Electric Hour at Ballroom

Desarey Elizondo Lopez 

Music Journalist 

There isn’t a band out in the world that is anything like Sword II. There are so many aspects and influences that make up their recognizable DIY music, which mixes shoegaze, indie, and punk to create a sort of chaotic but cohesive sound that can be heard in their latest album, Electric Hour. I discovered this band senior year of high school, fell in love with their distinct energy and have been dreaming of seeing them live ever since. Sword II is a trio made up of Mari Gonzalez (Bass), Certain Zuko (Guitar), and Travis Arnold (Guitar). I finally got the chance to see them in Austin when they went on tour for their latest album one fateful Sunday evening. 

I arrived at the venue in time to see the opener for the night, Tex Patrello. I was unfamiliar with her until she stepped onstage to give what felt more like an artistic performance than a set of individual songs. She told the story of how she was getting married to a man who turned out to be a monster through a series of avant-garde, experimental pop songs. At the end of her set, a man in a mask comes up onstage with her, and it was overall a well told story through movement and music. Her incredible storytelling abilities captured the audience’s attention the entire time, and it was a totally unique experience that I really enjoyed.  

Before I knew it, Sword II was up next, and I don’t think I could’ve prepared myself for the experience. They finally stepped up onstage and opened the night with fan favorite “Damage.” It sounded a lot better live, and it felt like I was immersed within their music as they played through each song. The crowd was jamming along, and the band was having a great time interacting with each other and everyone else. Their set was a mix of songs from their newest album as well as from older releases, and the overall energy of the show was calmer than the usual shows I go to, which I thought was a nice change of pace. Each song was still a hard hitter, and towards the end of the band’s set, they played my favorite song, “Sentry,” before wrapping the night up with “Under the Scar.” The entire night was such a surreal experience for me and one I will forever cherish. 

To end off the night, I snagged a CD, poster and sticker from the merch table to remember one of the best memories of my life. This was a special night for me and one that I’ve been waiting for since I first discovered Sword II. Finally seeing them in the flesh and not just hearing them through old headphones was something that younger me couldn’t have imagined. This genre-defying trio holds a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to see what else they come up with in the future.