Austin, TX • Emo’s Austin (East)
Walking into Emo’s Austin last Saturday, for The Runarounds show, the energy was unlike any I had seen for some time. While I have been in this game for a long time now, I don’t think anything could have prepared me for what I was about to experience. The venue was packed with a legion of young adults — heads swaying, hands in the air, ready for something electric. It was the beating heart of a scene buzzing with youthful zeal and good-vibe anticipation.
Before The Runarounds took the stage, Easy Honey warmed up the crowd with a set that felt effortless yet gripping. Their indie-leaning tunes carved out an atmosphere that was both laid-back and exciting, like sunrise-tinted chords meeting twilight swagger. By the time they wrapped, the room was fully tuned in and ready for more.
Then The Runarounds hit the stage. I’ll admit I wasn’t familiar with their music before the show, but their presence commanded attention from the opening bars. Their performance had a confidence that was infectious — each member moving and interacting with the crowd like they were hosting a house party where everyone en fait knew the words.
What struck me most was how seamlessly they bridged crowd-pleasing hooks with raw stage charisma. Songs rolled out with punchy rhythms and singable lines, and the crowd met them with cheers, chants, and phone-flash sing-alongs that made the whole room feel like one living playlist. There was an easy chemistry between band and audience, a shared rhythm, a shared moment.
Their delivery wasn’t just technical, it was presentational. They played like they genuinely loved being there, and that made it impossible not to get swept up in it. Their set wasn’t just a performance — it was a communal pulse of sound, youth, and sheer delight.
What started as a curious night out became a revelation. With a buzzing young crowd, a strong opener in Easy Honey, and The Runarounds delivering way more than I expected, the show was one of those memorable Austin nights where the music felt alive in every corner of the room. As Gen Z, Gen Alpha say, Runarounds, “I was not familiar with your game.“
For those unaware, The Runarounds also have their own Television show. That’s right, an American musical teen drama series streaming on Amazon Prime Video, centered on a group of friends who form a rock band the summer after graduating from high school. The story follows their journey as they chase musical dreams, navigate relationships, and deal with growing up in a world full of high hopes and obstacles. Be sure to check that out!
