AUSTIN, TX — The evening air was thick with the lingering heat of the day, offering only brief relief in the form of a breeze as I stepped into the outdoor area of the Mohawk. Being on CAPYAC’s home turf of Austin, I wondered whether the band would feel comforted or burdened by the weight of expectation. There was no doubt the crowd would be full of familiar faces and long-time supporters. Those thoughts faded as I surveyed the venue and slipped into my pre-show ritual of finding the merch stand.
To my pleasant surprise, my first impression of CAPYAC came not through music but through a table adorned with a spread of eclectic knickknacks and repurposed treasures—like something you’d find at a garage or estate sale. However, unlike most estate sales, these personal items bore the insignias and signatures of CAPYAC and were staffed by the band members themselves. One item included a hand-written setlist specific to that night’s show—memorabilia unlike any other.
Curious, I asked about the story behind the table, and CAPYAC’s Delwin Campbell explained that the practice began with a need to part ways with his grandmother’s belongings. As the band made frequent tour stops, the habit grew into a signature tradition that not only sets them apart from other acts but also brings an energy that Austinites recognize and embrace. That same offbeat charm, paired with Rubblebucket’s spirit, made the night one to eagerly anticipate.
Continuing the theme of whimsical uniqueness, Mohawk’s stage was decked out in soft pastels and abstract shapes, with oversized daisy-like flowers framing either side. If you—or a loved one, or their child—are familiar with Yo Gabba Gabba, the visuals would feel right at home. These playful details sparked a sense of childlike wonder, and the music only elevated that mood. It was the kind of show that invited you to seek meaning through the art, while also affirming that no meaning was necessary. The energy and aesthetic simply existed—like surrealist art.
CAPYAC’s set opened with a comedic twist: the “opening band”—STARSWORD—a “suspiciously familiar-looking” trio, stormed the stage wielding a celery stalk (another CAPYAC tradition), exclaiming “We are STARSWORD!” and “Give it up for CAPYAC!” Moments later, CAPYAC emerged, thanking STARSWORD for the intro and encouraging the crowd to chant their name in a hushed, self-conscious whisper: “Starsword…” delivered as if telling a secret to yourself.
After the amusing opening act, CAPYAC launched into a crowd warm-up that parodied a European workout routine, filled with quips like, “And then to the scandalous ankle,” and, “Because of the longitude, we shall skip the neck.”
One of CAPYAC’s most striking features is their stage presence and interaction with the crowd. At one point, they tossed the aforementioned celery into the audience, who were already primed to dance and move to the beat. The crowd—lively and grooving—fed off the band’s energy, swaying in the cooling air under dappled concert lights.
In this industry, some artists create earworms, while others craft entire atmospheres. CAPYAC does both. Their performance at Mohawk proved the perfect showcase for their groove-laden, electronically charged style—a sonic experience akin to capturing lightning in a bottle. Their setlist featured favorites like “Speedracer” and “Best Friend,” along with a slate of unreleased tracks from their upcoming album, which is slated to drop in June or July.
If you’re familiar with Rubblebucket’s beloved “Came Out of a Lady,” then keep your ears open for CAPYAC’s “Sexy in My Body”—a euphoric, dance-in-your-underwear anthem that pairs the funk of Prince with the joy of a Muppet.
After a night among a groovy, “yes, and…” crowd in banana suits and psychedelic garb, what’s clear is this: CAPYAC are true entertainers, bringing authenticity and whimsy in equal measure. Nothing is compromised in their art, and we can’t wait to see what imaginative world they reveal next.
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LIVE CLIPS
CAPYAC Brings Surreal Grooves and Theatrical Whimsy to Mohawk Austin on Rubblebucket's "Year of the Banana" Tour
