9 pm, $5
Piqued Jacks (Italy/Austin, TX)
Piqued Jacks describe their sound in their own words: “being able to speak without impediment; having sex in the most intense way possible; expressing ourselves 100%”. You have to hear it to experience it for yourself.
The Piqued Jacks are brave souls. Raised in a small village in Italy, they have methodically made their way from obscurity to Austin, the heart of the indie music scene, performing at SXSW in 2013 and 2014, and sharing the stage with international acts such as Atoms for Peace and Bob Schneider. Their powerful alliance and headstrong vision has resulted in rapid success and the positive flow of their career indicates a confident band gaining serious momentum.
Back in 2006, they causally acquired the band name after someone dropped a bass during rehearsal. The damaged jack resembled a boner and the boys felt the sexual allusion suited their sound. A few years later, something clicked, a unified connection to the music making process, and from 2010 to 2011 they released two EPs, conquering Italian airwaves (Rai 1, Radio Rai 1).
In July 2012 the boys hunkered down in an old house in the Tuscan countryside for a spiritual retreat, breaking down musical barriers for a new EP. Right after that, Grammy Nominated producer Brian Lanese invited them to Los Angeles to record with him. Just A Machine came out in January of 2013, and it’s a moody and muscular album including ecological themes, that the Piqued Jacks have always supported with love.
After promoting the EP in Italy, they decided to move the entire outfit to Austin, TX, and they are now all officially Austin transplants. From Fall 2013 to Spring 2014 they toured all over Texas, receiving attention by Earmilk, Balcony TV and radio stations all across the US.
In May of 2014, the two singles Upturned Perspectives and No Bazooka were released, leading the band to a new, iridescent eclecticism which earned them placement on the home page of the CMJ Network for two weeks. The “Heart singles” were also encouraged by Matt Noveskey of Blue October.
Sensing something brewing by Summer 2014, the Piqued Jacks returned home to work intensely on their ambitious, sonically expansive first LP, Climb Like Ivy Does, published in January of 2015. This new compromise between power and sweetness, and the inspiring story connected with the songs, pave the way for an upcoming tour.
Their conviction is stronger and stronger, and their genuine camaraderie is highly palpable in their live show. This talented band of brothers seem to scream “this is not your usual fly by night, ME ME ME group of young men”; they know the strength of their sound and the endurance of their brand was born from their powerful friendship.