Review: Levitation Fest 2022

 

☆ By JACOB DAPPER ☆

 
 

ANOTHER HALLOWEEN IN AUSTIN, TEXAS means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. But to many, especially those who have been following the likes of Levitation (formerly Austin Psych Fest), it means a weekend of psych/psych-adjacent music.
There’s plenty one can expect from Levitation, even beyond the trippy liquid light shows. It’s a well-loved festival one might forget people travel to - not because of any sort of lackluster, but because it feels like the Austin music scene at its best - where there’s something for everyone and everyone is welcome. Whether it’s music bringing people to sway and bob or form a pit, mosh and crowd surf, giving security a little extra something to do, Levitation continues to offer its patrons the option to choose-their-own-adventure.

Hover iii

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

La Femme

Levitation carries a homegrown feeling. This is likely due to where the festival takes place - across various music venues, most of which are located in the Red River Music district. It’s like a bunch of really cool concerts are happening all on the same night for four nights in a row.  Another contributing factor to this air of familiarity is how the lineup continues to feature veteran Levitation acts every year.  

Some notable veteran acts in this year’s lineup include, Osees, who played all four of the festival’s nights at Hotel Vegas, The Black Angels, who have played every year since 2008, Ringo Deathstarr, Hoover iii, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, who played two of the festival’s four nights, Frankie and the Witch Fingers, and The Jesus and Mary Chain. 

Running across Austin, seeing some of the best “music neighborhoods”in the self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World”, doesn’t get old as each venue has a distinct charm and character.  Levitation maintains its reputation as a quality festival and is consistent beyond any part of the lineup.  

Os Mutantes

Osees

PAINT

Levitation has me convinced it is a fan-focused festival. One does not have to buy a four day pass to see the shows they want. The festival is essentially structured as a takeover of many go-to venues, a festival-goer and local alike can purchase single show tickets which may include multiple bands from the lineup one may want to see. This is cool because, let’s face it, no one ever wants to see every band on a festival lineup. Sometimes, people just want to see two or three bands listed. Levitation has the solution - just buy the tickets for the shows you want to see. Despite this alternative festival structure, festival/show-goers still have ample opportunity to discover new bands with a truly well-curated bill of bands for each show. 

Sunflower Bean

The Black Angels

The Murlocs

Tropical Fuck Storm

WITCH

 
We couldn’t be more stoked to have Suriel Hess as our new headliner for our upcoming LA show 🤩 🫶 Not gonna lie, us & Notorious Noise kinda went OFF with this line up & you’re not gonna wanna miss it - ticket link in bio 🎫
The lovely Dora Jar for our 18th Issue by Lydia Robinson ⭐️ 🤩 Get your digital or print copy of this issue now 🫶
tierra whack supremacy 🤌
Music, Music FestivalsThe Luna Collectivemusic, Levitation Fest