New York-based Olden Yolk could best be described as a folk-rock band with a penchant for psychedelia. This is no surprise considering the band is co-led Shane Butler from the Boston-based band Quilt and Caity Shaffer who collaborated and played with Molly Burch on Please Be Mine. Only a year out from releasing their self-titled debut, the duo has already released their sophomore release Living Theater. Touring in support of Living Theater brought Olden Yolk as a full band to the indoor stage of Mohawk in Austin this past Saturday, May 25th.
After supporting sets from Austin bands The Zoltars and RF Shannon, Olden Yolk took the stage while the crowded room waited in excited anticipation to hear how the band would sound live. “This is first time that we have played in Austin as Olden Yolk!” declared Butler once the band finished an excellent version of the opening track “240 D” from Living Theater. The audience cheered loudly as the band launched into their single “Cut to the Quick” from their debut album. The set cycled between material from both albums throughout the fifty-minute set. Standing out amongst great songs was difficult, but “Grand Palais” had the audience nodding along and, in some cases, singing along. However, standing high above the rest, “Takes One to Know One” was the highlight of the night for many in the crowd.
Olden Yolk tends to wrap heartbreaking lyrics in a pretty package and their songs have a cathartic effect for those that are experiencing similar circumstances. It was obvious that many in the crowd wanted to experience the music since the crowd managed to mostly keep themselves from talking to each other, which can be a rare thing in Austin. Considering that 90’s indie-noise rock band Archers of Loaf were playing outside, it is a tribute to the sound engineer, Moses, that the indoor venue’s sound was so good that you could hear even subtle noises from the drums. As their tour is just beginning, there are plenty of opportunities to see Olden Yolk as they work their way across the country.
