What with the resurgence of 80's Zeitgeist influencing nearly everything from fashion to music to politics nowadays, it was only a matter of time before someone brought the retro badassness to Austin. Last night the gregarious folks over at Teleportdoor kicked off the premiere of Holy Trinity, a monthly party showcasing the hugely influential repertoire of the 80's English New Wave Synthpop triumvirate: The Smiths, Depeche Mode, and The Cure, and the bands that subsequently derived much of their sound from these guys (think Interpol, the Postal Service, and The Rapture). As is typically characteristic of the Austin nightlife scene, the crowd was a delicious amalgam of glammed-out glitterati, aspiring rock stars and others just hoping to chill out on an otherwise dull Wednesday. There were those who were lucky enough to have experienced the era of big deficits and bigger hair the first time around, others a half generation too late but doubly enthusiastic as such. Austinist had such a great time we ended up staying till they finally shut down for the night. Contrary to advice we were given earlier, VIP reservations aren't necessary... if you leave the entourage at home.
Holy Trinity happens at Karma Lounge on West 8th Street near Congress, a nicely appointed loft space replete with decadently upholstered arched sofas and a gorgeous hardwood floor. Check it out every first Wednesday of the month.



Mr. Chen, you where were you!? Ben, Katie, and I were there till about 1:30. Next time, we share drinks sir!
Here's my take. The music was good, but the atmosphere, in my opinion, leaves much to be desired. And the service was flat out awful. I ordered a double Dewar's on the rock. The bartender poured a single dewar's in a short glass, was about to give it to me, realized she had only poured a single, then PUT MORE ICE in it RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. I've worked behind a bar since I was 19, and nothing pisses me off than paying double for a single. Not only that, but the rest of the staff was not working well, as though they had no real experience, and the door guy at a previous outing actually said, "We'll, this is a different sort of club. We aren't Austin style, we are an LA style club."
Dork!
But I do love the 80's music.
Absolutely, we are totally there next time. Let's hope they work out the kinks.