Austin natives, Being Dead, bring their high energy, weirdo, psych rock to Houston’s Wonky Power with support from local favorite’s Goodgirl and Bug Bites.
On a warm Tuesday night at Houston’s Wonky Power, Being Dead made the first stop on their Having Fun in the American Southeast tour. Houston locals, Bug Bites and Goodgirl opened what would end up being a showcase of some of the finest music Texas has to offer.
Just as the sun was beginning to set, Bug Bites kicked off the night with their 90s inspired indie alt rock. The audience gathered around while founding member Daniela Hernandez’s delicate vocals filled the outdoor stage. Melodic, nostalgic, with a touch of grit, Bug Bites makes music about life’s little moments, which felt like the perfect way to enjoy a hot, summer evening in Houston.
Following Bug Bites’ set, red lights flooded the stage as five piece alternative grunge band, Goodgirl, entered. Big, heavy, guitars marked a noticeable shift in tone as the audience packed in closer. Goodgirl began to work through their set, made up mostly of unreleased songs, drenching the audience in loud, moody, atmospheric instrumentals laced with dreamy vocals that float through the fuzz. They finished with “Monster” off their debut EP, Poor Habits. As their time on stage came to an end, the audience was left eager for the headlining act.
As the audience settled into the night, it was finally time for Being Dead to make their way on stage. They immediately jumped into a lively tune in their signature sound that lives somewhere between The Mamas & the Papas and 13th Floor Elevators with a tongue-in-cheek twist. Plainly stated, a Being Dead show is fun. With songs that reference classic themes of Americana through their own warped lens, Being Dead is saying a lot while telling you nothing, and keeping you on your toes the whole time.
As the set continued on the infectious groove moved through the audience, who danced and cheered as each song seemed to pull everyone deeper into Being Dead’s universe. By the time the audience reached the mid-set instrument switch up between founding members Falcon Bitch and Gumball, everyone was sold on whatever the hell Being Dead was selling.
Finally, it was time for the night to end. The crowd erupted into applause as Being Dead exited the stage, there was a noticeable buzz amongst the audience as everyone dispersed and the line for the merch table grew. The post-concert chatter seemed unanimous, that was a fun show.
I’m a photographer born and raised in Houston. Music has been a huge part of my life since I was a teenager, I love attending local shows and supporting the Houston music scene. If I’m not at a show I’m probably making my own music, hanging out with my cat, or binge watching RuPaul’s Drag Race.
