For me, SXSW is a time to fall in love with new music and to remember the music that I already adore. The warm air and twilight BBQs certainly make it easy to lose your heart for a moment. In perhaps the oddest of settings, I was reminded of my deep affection for Austin based quartet Soft Healer. They played on the later side at a Libertarian bookstore called Brave New Books during a showcase put on by the members of Sun Araw and Prince Rama (Prince Sun Arawma). I had seen Soft Healer long ago in Los Angeles, but I was easily re-seduced by their skronk tinged, guitar groove fueled psychedelic rock. Amongst the numerous alien conspiracy books, Soft Healer’s set was one of the most cosmic aspects of the night. This video is not from that particular show, but from the previous day at Wurhaus. The song is called “Grand Isle” (a reference to The Awakening?) and is off of their new 10″ on Monofonus. Kick back and enjoy this interstellar jam.

Words: Samantha Cornwell

Soft Healer’s 10″ on Monofonus Records is available now.