There’s something about a Texas night under the skyline that makes live music feel even more electric. 

When the Red Clay Strays rolled into the Moody Amphitheater in Austin on their “Get Right Tour,” the air buzzed with that familiar mix of anticipation, beer, and pure Southern soul. The Alabama band has been turning heads across the country lately, and their Austin stop proved exactly why. This is a group at the top of their game, playing with heart, grit, and the kind of chemistry you can’t fake.

Opening the night was Dexter and the Moonrocks, who set the tone perfectly with their gritty, cosmic brand of country rock. Songs like “Cowboy Calling” and “Birds and the Bees” got the early crowd swaying, as did their cover of Green Day’s “Basket Case. By the time their set wrapped, it was clear they’d earned a few hundred new fans. Dexter and the Moonrocks brought the kind of energy that makes you say, “Yeah, I need to see these guys again.” Be sure to check out their new EP “Happy to be Here,” which is also available as a double EP that includes their first EP “Western Space Grunge.”

Then came the main event. The Red Clay Strays walked on stage to a roar that could have rivaled a stadium show, and from the first notes of “She’s No Good,” they had Austin in the palm of their hand. Frontman Brandon Coleman’s voice, raw, soulful, and aching with emotion, cut through the night air like a freight train. Backed by Drew Nix on guitar and vocals, John Hall on lead, Andrew Bishop on bass, and Zach Rishel on drums, the band delivered a set that balanced high-octane rockers with moments of pure vulnerability.

Songs like “Wondering Why” and “Sunshine” turned the amphitheater into a massive singalong, while “Good Godly Woman” and “Doin’ Time” hit that sweet spot between gospel and Southern rock. There’s an old school spirit to the Red Clay Strays, something that feels equal parts Lynyrd Skynyrd, Elvis, and Muscle Shoals soul, but it’s never imitation. They’ve carved their own sound, and it’s one that feels both timeless and urgent.

One of the most memorable moments of the night came when Coleman took a step back from the mic and simply let his voice echo across the amphitheater. You could feel the emotion ripple through the crowd. This wasn’t just a concert, it was a shared experience. The lighting, the energy, and the way the band locked in together made it feel like everyone was witnessing something special.

By the time the band closed the night with their anthemic “Stone’s Throw,” arms were raised, voices were hoarse, and smiles were everywhere. The Red Clay Strays didn’t just play a show in Austin, they gave the city a sermon in rock and roll, soul, and Southern truth.

If you weren’t able to make it out the Moody Amphitheater to see the Red Clay Strays, unfortunately you will have to wait. The band will be back in Georgetown, Texas, for Two Step Inn in April 2026.

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Cover photo Brian Maass

Brian Maass, a lifelong Austinite, is passionate about music, travel, and capturing life’s moments through his camera lens. He resides in Round Rock, Texas, with his wife, Dana Kent Maass, and their loyal dog, Chester.