Arts: Rock Out With Your Cross Out
Popular Riverwalk band ‘Angels & Texans’ have brought Christian Rock to Conventioners with their popular weekend-based ‘Bible Gigs’ at the Henry Gonzales Convention Center. Music writer Mike Litoris balances writing with prayer.
Angels & Texans are famous for bringing Riverwalk-focused Christian rock to visitors and conventioners and though known for their straight-up lyrics and direct style, I was lucky enough to catch up with Gary Graystone, lead singer for the band. Most recently in the press for threatening to “beat the sh*t out of anyone from Austin”, Gary is known for his belief that the Second Coming will be soon, and when it happens, it’ll happen here on the Riverwalk. Their new album ‘Rock With God Or Go To Hell’ is available next week from all churches.
Naturally I first asked him about his comment about people from Austin, our neighboring heathens to the North. Gary laughs and then turns serious, saying their claim to being the “Live Music Capital of the World” was like stating that Las Vegas has the most churches. Both are “centers of Satan,” in his words, repeating that Austinites needed to have a serious beating, which he could arrange if they ventured sounds of New Braunfels. Gary’s eyes have a coldness when talking about Austin, like he’s calculating how such a ground zero of deviltry could be located so close to the world famous Riverwalk.
In his new album, the tone shifts from down-tempo slim-electro pulp rock, to wide-style indie low-spacial intermizz. Rather than a deliberate choice, this was mainly caused by the death of bassist Mark North, who stigmata’d to death outside the Majestic early last year. Although the official cause of death was cocaine abuse, Gary argues the coroner’s decision: “They say he’d got more China in his head than blood, but it was real clear to me he was conveying the message of his last song I am Risen. He got the verdict from CSI or some sh**.”
Gary is particularly proud of the weekend shows which frequently attract un-Christian visitors from the Riverwalk. After threatening to personally drive the unsaved to the local zoo and throw the demon-worshippers into the lions’ cage, he has succeeded in reaching a 100% conversion rate, which he performs on stage mid-show. He explains his success record: “y’all know you can’t be a stranger when your Lord was born in a manger.”
Angels & Texans intend to tour further afield next year, to Alamo Heights, the Airport and SeaWorld, spreading their message of love for the Riverwalk and the Lord through the use of physical threats and random beatings. When asked when he expects Jesus to return, Gary is quite clear: “Not during a Fiesta Weekend, f*** no, but maybe after his birthday once he’s all the presents and sh** are done.”
Angels & Texans’ new album is available now, and their show “Rock Out With Your Cross Out” replaces Mingo Fishtrap at Sunset Station, who have mysteriously gone missing.
