Austra

Having seen them three times in the last year, this band has grown from being an opening act to the main event--but never anything less than an amazement, an ever-evolving ensemble that is as exciting to see as they are to hear. (This is pure, young concert-going without the pretense, stripped of everything but terrific music and shattering talent.) Stelmanis, in particular, now *owns* the stage--the fact that these guys haven't stopped touring since May, 2011 is indicative of their incredible dedication and passion, and the fact that they have become one hell-of-a live act to experience. Confident, quirky and bold, there was no surprise that this particular venue sold out...or that Austra was cheered-on to do a double-encore. And yet, as always, they remain humble, quietly chatting with fans in the lobby after the show.

The Toronto native ventured down to NYC after the release of her debut album, 'Feel It Break'. I am patiently waiting for my pre-ordered vinyl to arrive in the mail. Of course it is being released in the U.S. later than the UK, where it is already out. Austra put on a great show. I wish she interacted with the crowd more. They are back in July to play at the Hudson River Park's RiverRocks. By then I will be very familiar with the new album and hopefully be rocking out in front.

Overall an ok time. I have been lisitng to Austra since High school, over 7 yrs and I was not blown away by their liver performance as a whole. I mean Katie was GREAT but her band sort of lacked magic. Also, the bands playing before were not that great. Talk about bed room music. The venue too was sort of lame. The staff was't very friendly either. Didn't leave a lasting impression. Oh, let us not forget that Austra was almost 30 min late, wth!? I will continue to listen to Austra but perhaps only through my iphone.....

I am a big fan of the Independent and this was my first time at Mezzanine. And the last. Stage in a corner, crappy curtain as backstage, pillars in the middle of the room. But the worst is the timing of the evening and choice of first parts. Doors opening at 8:00pm supposedly, for a band that finally shows up on stage at... 11:20pm ! For just above an hour of show. And what happened to the two ladies around the lead singer that I have seen in videos of the band ? And absolutely terrible first parts. Personally, I don't go to a concert to see a guy behind a computer and two sticks on an electronic drum. Sort of noise totally disconnected with the style of the lead band. And as the first act... two people working something out on the floor, in the middle of a big cloud of smoke. Laughable.

Became a recent fan of Austra and got an added treat with Diana. Show was a little over 2 hours and enjoyed it from start to finish. Interesting crowd and fun atmosphere.

The concert was one of the most pleasurable concerts i've been to. No joke. The sound was perfect. They're a great band. They are not , still, widely known. They are from Canada. The old harpers ferry, now Brighton Music Hall, is great place for them to play. The crowd will be bigger. The show was on a Tuesday night too.

We had so much fun at this concert and Austra was much better in concert than I thought they would be. I would definitely go see them again!!

The venue was small which i loved. Austra was ok. I don't know if there was an issue with the sound system but I prefer listening to their album rather than listening to them live.

Young, alive, energy. Amazing voices. Unique sound

Dry vocals, poor mixing (vox level too high)... Austra, I prefer you in the studio and on videos!

The Austra show was just great. I heard every song I came to hear. I also like this venue and I felt the sound system was excellent. There isnt a bad "seat" in the house and overall it was a great night.

Great vibe. Awesome place. Love the el rey. Austra was awesome. No traffic. parking was easy. Printed my tickets out. easy fun fun fun

I love electronica when it's produced by a quality band like this, but the amazing voices the singers use really blew us away. Very impressed!

The El Rey Theater in Los Angeles has always held a cherished place in my musical heart. This past Saturday Austra & Nightmare Fortress performed at the legendary concert hall fueling my passion for this venue. The previous evening I caught Nightmare Fortress at another location in Los Angeles and thought they were pretty good considering I had been a longtime fan. The following night Nightmare Fortress's performance at the El Rey Theater was in itself beyond incredible!....the minimalistic light set up and band layout was ideal and complimenting to the vocal styling that was dominating & sharp/beautiful atmospheric...I sense the vocalist has middle eastern roots either vocally or genetically due to her intensely passionate vocal offerings. The other band members also commanded attention at their perfectionist & effortless display of musicianship. The two synth players also played tom drums while standing....very reminiscent of Death in June(another El Rey performance I witnessed) in a personalized way.... Overall simply Incredible! AUSTRA followed shortly and what can I say about them.....there are not enough or descriptive enough words to even convey the sheer genius that is Austra....first of all, lead vocalist had me spellbound the entire performance!...I'm still recovering from the intensity of the performance....there are no words....sorry....and yeah, it was that good!

NEVER disappointed with Austra performance. Each member gives it they're all and Katie your absolutely breathtaking. Forever your supporter!!

great opening act, great venue, good sound, not too long of a show - just long enough.

Great concert. Sound was great, Light Asylum and Austra were enthralling and mesmerizing.

I really enjoy the concert, I really appreciate the place and the ambiance. The band is really good, the voice of the singer is amazing and I will certainly recommend to see this band!

Austra...Well...not great and the attitude of the singer made it worse...

Austra put on a great performance at the Mercury Lounge. Austra is one of the few electro bands I've seen that's even better live than recorded. Watching her backup singers move to the music was also sort of hypnotic. The band before them Trust was also fantastic. Definitely recommend checking them out.