Phox is at Riot Room on Wednesday

I met Monica Martin in the upstairs band lounge of Austin, Texas’ Mohawk during SXSW. As we talked about her band’s unlikely starting point (Baraboo, Wisconsin, of all places) and her unexpected role as a frontwoman, Martin admired my footwear – monstrous Danskos that, while hideous, proved to be the smartest packing decision I’d made – and we briefly swapped shoes. It was a precious moment, watching this statuesque chanteuse strut around the venue’s makeshift greenroom in boat shoes a few minutes before she was scheduled to woo a packed crowd.

Later, as I watched this six-piece joyously carouse around the stage, I noticed audience members’ enchanted faces. Even if you aren’t looking to be moved, it’s likely that Phox will give you butterflies.

You can read the interview we did with Phox at SXSW here. Details on tomorrow night’s show here.