Just caught a blistering set from Year Long Disaster at Emo’s. I was impressed with the trio’s recently released sophomore LP (reviewed a few weeks ago in Agit Reader), and this set reinforced my belief that this is one of the best up and coming hard rock bands. Basically, they’re better at being Wolfmother than Wolfmother.

Before that, I caught the Strange Boys, whose sound has matured since I last caught them a year or so ago. For this set, they incorporated a saxophone, which really helped to enhance their vintage rock vibe. While I would’ve liked to hear more from their debut LP, their set was solid, and the noticably packed crowd went away satisfied.

I can’t forget Monterrey’s XYX, who provided a fittingly epic conclusion to the afternoon at Cheer Up Charlie’s. The two-piece (drums and fuzz bass) injected the fading day with a spastic noise-punk energy.

It’s a good night in Austin, but a somber tone has been cast on the evening by today’s passing of Alex Chilton due to an apparent heart attack. I had looked forward to Big Star’s Saturday night showcase, but the rock world has lost a man who has been an icon for more than 40 years. Everybody listen to “September Gurls” tonight in honor of the great Memphis native.