Ep 10. Mitski / Rainbow Kitten Surprise

Mitski and Rainbow Kitten Surprise take the stage in the 10th episode of season 45 of Austin City Limits. Mitski, an indie rock singer-songwriter, delivers a powerful and emotional performance, showcasing her unique voice and captivating stage presence. The New Yorker has been praised for her honest and introspective lyrics that draw you into her world - reflecting on love, loss, and growing up.

But it’s not all darkness and introspection with Mitski - her setlist includes upbeat and danceable tracks like “Why Didn't You Stop Me?” and “Geyser”, which she delivers with infectious energy. Her bandmates are equally talented, adding layers of guitar, synth, and drums to create a full and dynamic sound.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise, a five-piece band from North Carolina, bring their own unique sound and energy to the ACL stage. Their music is hard to categorize - blending elements of indie rock, folk, and even hip hop to great effect. Lead singer Sam Melo’s voice is one of a kind, alternately crooning and rapping over the band's intricate instrumentation.

Their setlist includes fan favorites like “Fever Pitch” and “Hide” as well as brand new tracks like “Possum Queen”, which showcases the band's knack for catchy hooks and infectious melodies. The band are clearly having fun on stage, with Melo joking and chatting with the audience between songs.

The episode is a perfect testament to the diversity and range of music that Austin City Limits is famous for. Both Mitski and Rainbow Kitten Surprise offer up unique and memorable performances that are sure to leave viewers wanting more. Mitski’s poignant and personal songwriting is complemented by energetic and engaging stage presence, while Rainbow Kitten Surprise’s eclectic and genre-bending music is impossible not to dance to.

As always, the production values of Austin City Limits are top-notch - the sound is clear and balanced, with every instrument and vocal coming through crisply. The direction and camera work are equally impressive, capturing close-ups of each band member as they perform and panning out to show the entire stage and set.

Overall, episode 10 of season 45 of Austin City Limits is not to be missed. Mitski and Rainbow Kitten Surprise offer up compelling and memorable performances that showcase the best of indie rock and beyond. Whether you’re a longtime fan of these artists or just discovering them for the first time, this episode is sure to leave you wanting more.