Austin Collins











Austin Collins
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The songs he sings are earnest and heartfelt, hauntingly beautiful in melody and superbly sharp in observance. They are sweetly serious, and they are delicately crafted. Austin Collins is a bit of a juxtaposition in personality from the songs he so masterfully writes—he’s a witty guy who leans more often than not on his keen sense of humor to soak up the few down moments during his shows. He’ll make you cry with a song, he’ll make you laugh with a joke, and then he’ll make you cry again if he feels like it. Jokes are one thing—we all have a friend we can count on for a good laugh. These songs of his, though… Not many people have a friend who can do what Austin does so impeccably well. The Houston born, Austin, TX based Collins, whose stellar recording resume includes two critically acclaimed releases (2005’s Something Better and 2008’s Roses Are Black) has again returned with heart in hand and music in groove. His latest offering, Wrong Control, is by name mysterious and unique, but that’s par for Austin’s course. He’s a writer, after all, and as any good writer will tell you, one mustn’t tip ones hand right off the bat. And so, you can’t help but wonder exactly what it is that went wrong and exactly what it is that he’s trying to control. First, what went Wrong: Relationships. Attempts to break out. Chances to learn things that are as yet unknown. The drive to find out what else there is in life. That’s not to say these failed launches don’t eventually lift off for the cast of characters that wander in and out of Austin’s songs. He leaves them (and us) with just enough glimmers of hope, with just the right amount of possibilities, to believe that they might someday break out of the gracefully sketched situations they find themselves in. Second, the Control: His trademark lonesome, free-ranging vocals. The sparse instrumental arrangements. The ability to get a little heavier, a little grittier when it’s called for. With Centro-Matic’s Will Johnson at the production helm, Collins’ Rainbirds, consisting of Craig Bagby on drums and Dylan McDougall on guitars, both of whom garner writing credits on the album, manage to match their leading mans’ lyrical brushstrokes with musical accompaniment that stays out of its own way—the co-star beside the people living within this collection of songs. They pick and choose their moments with expertise, creating a vast and colorful landscape upon which the drama can unfold. And as that drama unfolds, you begin to get this feeling: There’s just so much Austin Collins and the Rainbirds got right with Wrong Control.
Date Venue City State Note
No Tour Dates Available
01/27/2010 - Austin Collins & The Rainbird Set Album Release - Read More
08/21/2007 - A San Angelo Homecoming for the Austin Collins Band - Read More
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Average Rating : 4.9              Total Reviews: 22


Austin Collins  03/27/2010            
arielle
They give a free show in our (and their neighborhood last night! It was so great ! Killer triple guitar and vocal harmonies and literary grade lyrics . Their sound is really unique and retro at the same time .Kind of the Eagles crossed with Neil Young .I grew up on this street but I have never gotten to experience this before.
Austin Collins  03/21/2010            
Manor_Mullet
Sounds great recorded. Sounds okay live. I think they're trying too hard to be loud instead of good at the live shows. At 2 shows, I could barely understand the lyrics both times. Maybe a good sound guy can fix that? Listening to the recorded stuff, it's awesome. A little like Son Volt.
Austin Collins  03/20/2010            
J-Rod
Contrasted by their previous 2 albums, Wrong Control is brighter and faster. It still offers the great lyrical depth and gritty sound AC fans love. This CD is a great addition to their collection and you will be hard pressed to remove it from your player. Make it to a live show and you will enjoy every second! Long Live Longnecks!
Austin Collins  02/15/2010            
Cody
The best yet from AC & The RBs! Great CD, from a group of really good guys who deserve all their success. Pick it up and support Texas music.
Austin Collins  08/10/2008            
Dad
What a great guy and talented musician and songwriter. Saw him and his band at Gruene Hall as they were playing a 4 hour show. Between sets, Austin was very approachable. The show itself was unbelievable! His band was very tight, and the songs were exceptional. Austin deserves all of the hard-earned credit, that hopefully will come his way. Do yourself a favor, catch his live show, and pick up either of his great CDs!
Austin Collins  02/19/2008            
J-Rod
Great CD! The lyrics are deep and the music is a good mix of rock and country. This CD is a great addition to Something Better which was also one of the best cds I have ever put in my truck. If you get a chance to see these guys in concert dont pass it up - you will be amazed. Long live longnecks!
Austin Collins  02/05/2008            
Bubba Witek
We all went to see Austin Collins again at Armadillo Palace in Houston and again he and the band did a fabulous performance.They are a great bunch of guys with great personalities.Friendly and play some awesome music.Can't wait till the new cd comes out.Can't wait till they come back to Houston too.Keep up with playing that good Texas country music.
Austin Collins  10/21/2007            
Bubba Ho-Tep
By FAR one of the best CDs I have ever listened to. How this guy has managed to stay under the radar is beyond me, but I can assure you, that won't last.
Austin Collins  06/14/2007            
Bubba Witek
Great band and a great group of friendly guys.My son Mike and nephew Jarrod drug me along one night to hear Austin and I am glad they did.Had a great time listening to some good music.Can't wait till they come back around the Houston area.I will be there.
Austin Collins  01/26/2007            
Clyde Walden
I recently saw Austin Collins in Gruene, Texas. They played for four hours, mostly original songs with a few covers including The Band! "The Weight" of all things and Steve Earles "Copperhead Road." These guys are the real thing!
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