So I know it’s been awhile since I’ve posted anything. I’ll try to catch up and get back into the swing of things, starting with a review of a show I was fortunate to catch in Amsterdam last week.

We were traveling to Croatia for a wedding and decided to tack on an extra week visiting Paris and Amsterdam. When I checked into shows that we might go see I never thought I would be going to see a local Austin band. Unfortunately we missed KOLARS opening for Wild Child in Paris and they broke off from the tour to play another festival but I still ended up catching an incredible performance.

It was just the right amount of home away from home watching the band knock out familiar hits. The small venue, which is the smallest of three spaces at the Melkweg was fairly full with an attentive crowd. It included a nice mix of young locals, tourists, a few other Austinites and even Alexander’s (male vocals) aunt and uncle who live in the area.

When we were flying out the band happened to be on our plane and I had a chance to chat with Kelsey Wilson (female vocal lead) about the tour and their upcoming ACL taping. She said that she was a little nervous about it but the singer belted out her break-up ballads with emotion like a bohemian Adele. It was clear at their show that they are ready for their taping and it almost seemed like an ACL rehearsal. The band is tight and they know what they are doing. The only thing that needs to happen at their taping is for them to relax and enjoy it.

Overall I was really happy we made the time to go to the show. I was both proud and comforted by these Austinites performing so far from home.