GALLERY: Silversun Pickups

Elina Carrasco

Sep 23

EMO’S | AUSTIN, TX | SEPTEMBER 23, 2024 | BY ELINA CARRASCO

On a lively Monday night at Emo’s in Austin, Silversun Pickups brought their nostalgic 2000s sound to a packed house. Kicking off the show with a dramatic entrance, Silversun Pickups launched into the heavy bass intro of “Growing Old Is Getting Old,” with suspended light bulbs flashing as bassist Nikki Monninger’s notes panged in your chest. After a Radiohead riff introduced “Panic Switch,” lead singer Brian Aubert engaged the audience with a warm, “We miss you, how have you been?” He checked in with a crowd that spanned generations—from longtime fans to seven-year-olds whose parents were passing on their music taste to the next fleet of concertgoers. The band took several moments between songs to stop and connect with fans, creating an environment that felt like a reunion among old friends. Nikki was a constant source of positivity, never would you catch her without a smile on her face and infectious enthusiasm was reciprocated as she often made heart hands back at the crowd. Aubert also shared a light-hearted update about drummer Chris Guanlao, who had recently recovered from a hand injury. “His hand is completely normal, but the only difference now is that there’s a ring on it. Chris is drumming with the power of two,” he joked. Their set came to a close with “Lazy Eye” and fans left with a fortified appreciation for the band's enduring charm, reminding everyone of Silversun Pickups' special place in the hearts of indie rock lovers.