Sarah and the Sundays‘ May 31 performance at Antone’s in Austin was more of a homecoming than a farewell.
The audience packed the iconic mainstay of Austin’s music scene with the understanding that they were taking part in something special. For a band that hailed from this town, to perform at Antone’s was a massive deal. It was not just a show, but a statement of evolution. With the band being more confident than ever, the night felt like a love letter to the city that birthed them.
Their signature blend of personal, indie rock and honest, emotional lyrics encompassed the audience. But it was the raw vulnerability of their showmanship, instead of the music itself, that made the night feel especially intimate. Halfway through the show, the lead singer made an unscripted, passionate, political diatribe about the current state of politics in this country. He pointed a finger at the system’s failure to protect immigrants, the alarming decline of trans and gay rights, as well as Trump’s concerning normalization of social injustices. The room was quiet when hearing this, then applauded. This moment was heavy enough that it made the whole show unique due to this expression of conviction and clarity.
What made the show exceptional was the seamless balance between celebration and protest, between nostalgia and urgency. Sarah and the Sundays proved they are not only artists with a deep sense of musical identity but also people unafraid to speak hard truths. Antone’s was the ideal venue for that kind of evening because of its extensive history of presenting performances that had a profound impact. It felt like the start of a new chapter and a challenge to continue standing up for what’s important in life and in music, rather than just the conclusion of a tour.
Fans remained rooted in their place, clapping long after the lights came up as the band lingered for a grateful, almost hesitant farewell as the last notes rang out. It was the kind of night that makes an impression, not only due to the music but also to the humanity that permeates each chord and word. Sarah and the Sundays reminded Austin why live music is still important in an era when authenticity is hard to find. You also got the impression that this ending was only temporary as they left Antone’s stage, suggesting that something even more powerful might be on the horizon.
I'm an Austin-based photographer and filmmaker. I'm a mother of two (cats) and I love picking up expensive hobbies to spend all of my money on, whether that be tattoos, vinyl, or concerts. My top three artists are Dijon, Mk.gee, and Dominic Fike. I love to travel and learn new ways to fulfill myself creatively. My biggest aspiration is to find the most imaginative way to seamlessly combine my 3 favorite things: film, photography, and music.
