Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band Frightens & Delights at Levitation Festival in Austin

Austin’s psychedelic prog rock locals, Nolan Potter’s Nightmare Band transfixed festival-goers at Empire  Garage & Control Room this past weekend with their hair-raising synthesizer solos, hypnotic guitar riffs  and strange vocal distortions. The band seemed to have resorted to pure sorcery to manipulate the  instruments in front of them.

As the set began it felt as though I was being astral projected straight into the 60’s as a haze filled the  room and people filtered in, basking in the present moment to watch the band jam in front of them. Nolan Potter’s setup included a briefcase with a clock to help keep time as well as a few guitar pedals.  He was joined by Raze Regal on guitar, Sam Blomgren on keys, Dillon Fernandez on bass and Cole  Koenning on drums.

They played a lot of crowd favorites and deep cuts throughout the night, however some of the most  notable included “Music is Dead” and “Preeminent Minds” from the album Music Is Dead and “Seahorse  Retreat” from Nightmare Forever.  

Blomgren showcased his raw talent on the keyboard and synthesizer throughout the night, playing  impressively fast with such precision that I considered whether what was in front of me was happening  or not. Potter and Regal had some intimate moments with their guitars, with Potter’s face contorting  like crazy, landing on a smile.  

The band’s most recent album, Honey, is conceptual and slightly harder to access but once you dive in, it is worth the listen. Although the music industry may be suffering as the cost-of-living skyrockets, the  band surely brought to life an insane performance, rich with the spirit of a past life. If you are looking for  an escape, going to see them live might be for you.

Review & Photos by: Rachel Imre

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