Big Bill, Silks, Sap

Austin's Big Bill forges their own darkly comedic brand of philosophical post-punk. Vocalist Eric Braden conjures weirdo underdog characters in deadpan wit, while Alan Lauer plays spring-loaded bass lines, Alex Riegelman scratches crazily on guitar, Keith Galloway layers the keys, and ex-White Denim member Jeff Olson pummels his drums with a deft touch. The result is a legendary live show, fueled by what has been called “climbing-up-the-rafters energy.” After being named Best Punk Band at the Austin Music Awards, Big Bill dropped their fourth full-length album, Sick Myth (Todo Records)—distilling the band's politically righteous, hook-laden approach down to its purest essence yet.