Mt. Joy bleeds orange at Moody Center
By Katlynn Fox
September 25, 2024
Photo by Reyna Dews
More on the band who needs no introduction
Mt. Joy graced the stage at Moody Center in Austin, Texas Sept. 13 as the first show on their last solo run for a while, according to the band. They played songs from their latest album “Blood Orange,” which was released in 2022, as well as their self-titled album, which debuted in 2018.
The band consists of musicians Matt Quinn on guitar and vocals, Sam Cooper on guitar, Michael Byrnes on bass, Sotiris Eliopoulos on drums, and Jackie Miclau on keyboard.
There are many things I admire about Mt. Joy. The first that comes to mind, however, is not their knack for psychedelic sounds, but their authenticity.
They are the kind of band that opens for themselves with a cover of Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” and Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind?” A little something for everyone.
Though classified as a rock band, they reject the stereotype of black leather and groupies. Frontman Quinn sports a button-up flannel and thanks the crowd for the umpteenth time. While keyboardist Miclau does don some sleek leather pants, she charms fans with stand-out solos and an expression that perpetually tells us she knows something that we don’t. I’m sure she does, as the only female member in a band of five that sings a catchy number called “Johnson song,” a phallic-themed tune that Quinn makes sure to laugh about as he starts strumming the opening chords.
I first saw Mt. Joy last year at Austin City Limits, standing in the blazing heat at 4 p.m. on what felt like the hottest Saturday of the year. It seemed like Quinn and I were both nostalgic for that day.
“Last time we were here last fall, we played ACL. It feels great to be back here with you guys.”
You probably say that to everyone, Quinn. But thank you.
He really sealed the deal, however, when he brought up every Austinites' favorite team, ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25.
“How about those fucking Longhorns,” Quinn said. The crowd erupted with as much enthusiasm as expected.
“It’s early, but it’s looking good.” Yes, it is. And yes, it really does.
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The band goes on to play all the best hits. Truly, I haven’t seen a more well-curated setlist in a while. There was a generous mix of covers and Mt. Joy classics, and even an unreleased song — an unexpected treat for everyone amidst a slew of welcome surprises. One of them being a remix of “Mt. Joy” with “Dancing Queen” by ABBA. It was a gift to be there in a room of strangers while time stopped, feeling young, sweet, and seventeen — even if only for a moment.
For the encore, they removed the barrier between the upper level and the floor. Bodies flooded down to the pit as mesmerizing orange and pink lights cast shadows on concert-goers' faces. There were more hands in the air than phones, for once. It was equal parts beautiful and refreshing.
When the last notes of “Astrovan” concluded, and thank-yous were exchanged for the final time, fans started their trek back out into the once quiet and still streets of Austin.
But in the distance, for the rest of the evening, I could hear the faint hum echoing back to me, “maybe we’re all alone together now.”
And maybe we are, maybe that is the whole essence of what a concert is at the end of the day. ■
Mt. Joy graced the stage at Moody Center in Austin, Texas Sept. 13 as the first show on their last solo run for a while, according to the band. They played songs from their latest album “Blood Orange,” which was released in 2022, as well as their self-titled album, which debuted in 2018.
The band consists of musicians Matt Quinn on guitar and vocals, Sam Cooper on guitar, Michael Byrnes on bass, Sotiris Eliopoulos on drums, and Jackie Miclau on keyboard.
There are many things I admire about Mt. Joy. The first that comes to mind, however, is not their knack for psychedelic sounds, but their authenticity.
They are the kind of band that opens for themselves with a cover of Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” and Pixies’ “Where Is My Mind?” A little something for everyone.
Though classified as a rock band, they reject the stereotype of black leather and groupies. Frontman Quinn sports a button-up flannel and thanks the crowd for the umpteenth time. While keyboardist Miclau does don some sleek leather pants, she charms fans with stand-out solos and an expression that perpetually tells us she knows something that we don’t. I’m sure she does, as the only female member in a band of five that sings a catchy number called “Johnson song,” a phallic-themed tune that Quinn makes sure to laugh about as he starts strumming the opening chords.
*
I first saw Mt. Joy last year at Austin City Limits, standing in the blazing heat at 4 p.m. on what felt like the hottest Saturday of the year. It seemed like Quinn and I were both nostalgic for that day.
“Last time we were here last fall, we played ACL. It feels great to be back here with you guys.”
You probably say that to everyone, Quinn. But thank you.
He really sealed the deal, however, when he brought up every Austinites' favorite team, ranked No. 1 in the AP Top 25.
“How about those fucking Longhorns,” Quinn said. The crowd erupted with as much enthusiasm as expected.
“It’s early, but it’s looking good.” Yes, it is. And yes, it really does.
Photo by Reyna Dews
The band goes on to play all the best hits. Truly, I haven’t seen a more well-curated setlist in a while. There was a generous mix of covers and Mt. Joy classics, and even an unreleased song — an unexpected treat for everyone amidst a slew of welcome surprises. One of them being a remix of “Mt. Joy” with “Dancing Queen” by ABBA. It was a gift to be there in a room of strangers while time stopped, feeling young, sweet, and seventeen — even if only for a moment.
*
For the encore, they removed the barrier between the upper level and the floor. Bodies flooded down to the pit as mesmerizing orange and pink lights cast shadows on concert-goers' faces. There were more hands in the air than phones, for once. It was equal parts beautiful and refreshing.
When the last notes of “Astrovan” concluded, and thank-yous were exchanged for the final time, fans started their trek back out into the once quiet and still streets of Austin.
But in the distance, for the rest of the evening, I could hear the faint hum echoing back to me, “maybe we’re all alone together now.”
And maybe we are, maybe that is the whole essence of what a concert is at the end of the day. ■
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