Since Plush opened its Monday doors to bands a few years ago, it has taken its role in Austin as the breeding ground for up and coming musicians that gravitate off the beaten path. Being on Monday night tends to draw listeners who are more thirsty for fresh music, and willing to endure the morning after hangover at work for a few hours of raw and uninhibited goodness. Not to mention this is free, which brings and entirely different mindset with that type of show.

Most of the bands become regulars such as Transmography, Mrs. Glass, Bridge Farmers, Like Dogs, and Rubber Robot to name a few. In the past year or so, Plush has recruited Giant Steps Productions to book one of those Mondays each month, which has brought even more of a diverse selection of bands to the mix that were commonly playing at Red 7. In one night, you may settle into some Delta blues, rip into psychedelic rock, followed by a quirkly electronic duo, and cap it off with some frenetic what-the-fuck-just-happened this-takes-time-to-process noise.

I honestly believe that bands like Dan Deacon and Think About Life would call this place home if they lived in Austin. This is the kind of venue where bands can experiment freely without bounds, and may crash and burn. But, it's worth it, since those moments where it does work are where the audience gets to immediately see the band taking the next step with their sound. The ultimate music-lover experience in my opinion.

• Bridge Farmers - "Killing Grove"

A common thread amongst bands at Plush is the raw stage presence, and Bridge Farmers are a fine example of violent body thrashers with command of their audience. Oozing psychedelia and garage rock, these guys don't sound as young as the band's existence actually is. Expect much more from them in the years to come...