Sweet Pill Delivered At Mohawk In Austin, Texas

Blake Burton

Music Journalist

Friday night, August 21st, I found myself at Mohawk in Austin, Texas. I’ve followed a band from Philadelphia for a few years from their mid west emo and math rock scene and was stoked to finally be able to see Sweet Pill. For those that don’t know about Sweet Pill, now is the time to check them out! Earlier this year, they released a new record called “Still There’s A Glow” which I highly recommend checking out. I mean, if you want some ethereal guitars with a bit of punk, this is something for you. Especially if you’re into Origami Angel, Modern Baseball, or Free Throw, this is for you.  

Walking into Mohawk, I made it in time for Deux Visages, which is another band from Philadelphia that brings an early 2000’s feel of alternative rock to the offering table. Right off the rip, I heard this shoegaze-y, fuzzy, wall of sound coming from their guitarist and locked right into them. Guitars are the first thing I hear when I’m at a show (as a guitar player myself), and immediately I found myself hooked into Deux Visages’s sound. I thoroughly enjoyed their set, especially when they brought out the lead singer, Zayna from Sweet Pill, to play a song at the end of the set. Deux Visages absolutely rips! Not to mention they were friends with Sweet Pill growing up so the chemistry is there.  

Around 9:30, Sweet Pill came on and nevertheless, delivered everything and more. Their stage presence is unmatched in the scene. I mean, I was kind of scared with the looks on their faces, clearly we weren’t here to only listen to music. Two songs in, Zayna commanded the crowd to split in the middle. Where was I you might ask? Well… right in the middle of course. They start the song “Where The Heart Is” and I thought to myself “I’ve seen this before, but surely this isn’t the seen.” All of a sudden, after the opening riff plays, the drums come in, and the wall of death absolutely consumes me. Circle pits transpired and I’m here in the middle and can’t help but to have a smile on my face. I mean, this is exactly what you want at a show like this. The crowd LOVED Sweet Pill. I could tell this was some concert goers first experience in a genre like this, but I can guarantee that no one was disappointed. Also, shout out to the concert goers of Sweet Pill for having amazing pit etiquette. While it was a rowdy show with audience members stage diving, the community kept everyone safe!  

For those that don’t know Sweet Pill, I feel like everyone might have come across a track or two, however, this is the dragon the scene has been chasing! Their first EP, “Starchild” in my opinion is a classic. It’s a robust, emotional journey, with quite literally the most spectral and catchy guitar lines. The track “Starchild” is one of those go-to songs for me that is just stuck in your head for years. Hearing that song live was a dream come true. I mean, I was covered in sweat. When the drums came in nearly everyone in the crowd had their heads down and their lips raised because it’s just a nasty groove.  

What a night Sweet Pill had at Mohawk! After being tossed around for a little over an hour, Sweet Pill ended their set with one of my favorites, “Dog Song.” I know the title of the song has the word “dog” in it, but throughout the whole night the crowd was barking at the bands on stage. I think there might be something that I’m not filled in on? Next time Sweet Pill comes to town, I’ll for sure be there. I think everyone should experience a live band like Sweet Pill. It’s never too late to check out a new band, their first record “Where the Heart Is” has no skips. I dare you to find a bad track on that record.  

All images taken by Caine Donaldson, @cevenphotos on Instagram.