Levitation Fest, the annual music extravaganza, once again captivated audiences with its eclectic lineup, blending the timeless appeal of alt-rock veterans with the electrifying energy of emerging talents. This year's edition proved to be a testament to the enduring power of the genre, as it seamlessly bridged the gap between the past and the future, offering a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts of all ages.

Unleashing the Timeless Fury of Alt-Rock Legends

Reclaiming the Mantle: Gang of Four's Defiant Resurgence

As the sun dipped below the horizon on Friday, the legendary Gang of Four took the stage at the Far Out Lounge, delivering a performance that was both joyful and politically charged. Founding vocalist Jon King and drummer Hugo Burnham, joined by a formidable lineup that included Slint guitarist David Pajo and Belly bassist Gail Greenwood, captivated the audience with a set that drew from their seminal post-punk opus, "Entertainment!" The band's infectious energy and unwavering commitment to their leftist ideals were on full display, with King's quip about "Making America Shit Again" resonating with the crowd. Despite a few minor timing hiccups, the audience embraced the raw, uncompromising spirit of the performance, moshing along to the likes of "Damaged Goods" – a testament to the enduring appeal of this pioneering act.

Swirlies: Shoegaze Royalty Reclaims the Spotlight

Later that evening, at the Parish, Swirlies offered a different kind of legacy set, showcasing their enduring influence on the shoegaze genre. Though singer-guitarist Damon Tutunjian expressed uncertainty about the band's classification, the tinnitus-inducing performance proved the accuracy of the shoegaze label. Drawing from essential albums like "Blonder Tongue Audio Baton" and "They Spent Their Wild Youthful Days in the Glittering World of Salons," the group prioritized their artistic vision over fan service, taking their time to meticulously tune their instruments and ensure the perfect tone before launching into each song. The omission of fan favorites like "Pancake" and "Wrong Tube" underscored the band's unbothered approach, but the audience members responded with enthusiasm, flooding the camera and projecting psychedelic images of the band on the screen behind them.

The Jesus Lizard: Resurrecting the Grit and Grime of Post-Punk

As the weekend drew to a close, The Jesus Lizard took the stage at the Far Out Lounge, commanding the attention of the crowd with their signature brand of gritty, uncompromising post-punk. Founding members Duane Denison, David Sims, and Mac McNeilly, along with the inimitable frontman David Yow, delivered a performance that was as visceral as it was captivating. From the opening salvo of "Seasick" and "Mouth Breather" to the anthemic "Nub," the band's sonic assault was a testament to their enduring legacy. The addition of new tracks like "Alexis Feels Sick" and "What If?" from their first full-length in 26 years, "Rack," further cemented their status as alt-rock titans, while the encore of "Fly on the Wall" left the audience with a lingering sense of the band's unrelenting energy.

Boris: Ascending to the Halls of Valhalla

While the weekend was filled with legendary acts, one performance stood out as a true testament to the power of experimental noise rock. Inside the Empire Garage tent, the Japanese noise sovereigns Boris unleashed a sonic onslaught that left the audience in awe. Augmented by a drummer who served as a Kabuki-esque conductor, the trio and touring quartet delivered a 70-minute "Amplifier Worship Service" that was nothing short of a religious experience. From the feedback-drenched opening to the sludgy, double-drumming crescendos, Boris demonstrated why they are poised to join the ranks of musical gods like Led Zeppelin, Rush, and Sonic Youth. For those lucky enough to witness the event horizon of this sonic juggernaut, the experience was a testament to the enduring power of experimental music.

Nitzer Ebb: Electrifying the Dancefloor with Industrial Anthems

As the clock struck midnight on Halloween, the industrial dance titans Nitzer Ebb took the stage at Elysium, delivering a performance that was equal parts electrifying and bacchanalian. Frontman Bon Harris, backed by local darkwave artist Rona Rougeheart, led the charge through a set of iconic anthems like "Join in the Chant" and "Murderous," pulsing with laptop beats and girder bass. The full house was treated to a glimpse of the early-80s pioneers, as they showcased their enduring influence on the industrial and electronic dance music scenes.

Die Spitz: Carrying the Torch of Grunge Fury

When Destroy Boys' bus broke down, local quartet Die Spitz stepped up to the challenge, taking the Mohawk stage by storm on a warm, blusty Saturday night. Dressed in Halloween costumes that ranged from horns to clown makeup, the band unleashed a seething, explosive brand of grunge that channeled the spirit of L7. From the Bleach-esque riffs to the In Utero-inspired heaviness, Die Spitz proved that the torch of grunge fury has been passed to a new generation of musicians, who are more than capable of carrying on the legacy.

Slowdive: Shoegaze Royalty Captivates a Cross-Generational Audience

As the festival drew to a close, UK fivepiece Slowdive graced the stage at the Far Out Lounge, cementing their status as the focal point of the Levitation lineup. Thanks to a recent surge in shoegaze's popularity, the over-three-decades-old group now serves as an entry point for many young music lovers, and their Levitation performance was a testament to their cross-generational appeal. The audience, a mix of the band's contemporaries and their younger fans, was captivated by the group's onstage presence, as they glided through a best-of-the-discography showcase, highlighting standouts from each of their five full-length releases. Against a backdrop of shifting visuals, founding members Rachel Goswell and Neil Halstead harmonized in intoxicating near-whispers, delivering a performance that was both ethereal and powerful. The set's climactic closer, "40 Days," served as an ideal send-off to a long, successful Levitation weekend.

Frost Children: Electrifying the Next Generation of Alt-Rock

As the festival kicked off, the opening-night set by Frost Children left little room for pre-show jitters. The sold-out show represented a homecoming of sorts for Moonbby, the alias of DIY booker and Levitation co-presenter Cristina Mauri, whose ability to draw scores of Austin's hippest young concertgoers remains a force to be reckoned with. Onstage, real-life siblings Lulu and Angel were tornadic forces of nature, delivering a high-energy brand of electroclash that struck an immaculate balance between glitched-out futurism and old-school punk sensibilities. Unleashing rapid-fire covers of "Drain You" and "Celebrity Skin," the duo's breakneck set was a syrupy-sweet and abrasive delight, showcasing the strength of Levitation's young talent.

Wisp: Shoegaze Prodigy Captivates with Ethereal Soundscapes

On Saturday night at Stubb's, the well-streamed shoegaze project of 20-year-old San Franciscan Natalie R. Lu, known as Wisp, delivered a performance that was equally captivating. Drenched in thick swathes of reverb, Lu's sway-inducing set offered a stark contrast to the energy of Frost Children, but equally demonstrated the depth of Levitation's lineup. From the fuzzed-out first chords of "Pandora" to the gentle rasp of Lu's dream-pop vocals set atop a harsh, confrontational wall of guitar, the performance was a magnetic juxtaposition. Despite her young age, Lu proved to be a charming host, engaging with the audience and laughing off a slight technical issue during the slow-burning "See you soon." The crowd, mostly composed of her peers, enthusiastically responded to the comparatively uptempo "Once then we'll be free," showcasing the up-and-comer's clear scholarship of the shoegaze greats.