HEALTH in Austin

About HEALTH

HEALTH is an industrial noise rock band from Los Angeles that's been making abrasive, technically precise music since the mid-2000s. They built a reputation on dense wall-of-sound production that somehow manages to be both punishing and weirdly catchy. Early albums established them as something between a rock band and a power electronics project, all distorted synths and harsh vocals layered over surprisingly groovy rhythms. By albums like 'Get Color' and 'Slave', they'd started incorporating more melodic elements without softening the aggression. They've collaborated with everyone from Merzbow to Chvrches, showing an interest in genre cross-pollination that keeps them from feeling too precious about their noise rock identity. Live shows have become increasingly cinematic, with video work and staging that matches the intensity of the music. They're the kind of band that appeals equally to noise enthusiasts and people who just want to feel something visceral.

HEALTH shows are sensory overload in the best way. The crowd gets genuinely physical, not aggressive but moving with purpose. Their visuals are integral, not decorative. Sound is immense. People leave damp and a little disoriented.

Known for Space Hound, Steal Money, Cybernetic Organism, We Are Water, Die Slow

HEALTH + Austin

HEALTH has maintained a low-key presence in Austin, with their most recent stop at Radio East in December 2024 serving as a solid reminder of why they matter. The set leaned into their noisier impulses—opening with the barbed "IDENTITY" and "GOD BOTHERER" before shifting through darker material like "STONEFIST" and "PSYCHONAUT." There was an unexpected softness in the closer "DSM-V," a track that finds them almost introspective. They also covered Deftones' "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)," a choice that made sense given their shared DNA of texture and dissonance. For a band that thrives on controlled chaos, they proved Austin's smaller venues suit them just fine.

HEALTH in Austin News

• RFK Jr. touts Austin ISD lunches as model, parents call his policies 'dangerous' Austin American-Statesman · Feb 27, 2026
• Secretary Kennedy Champions Dietary Guidelines During Austin Stop on ‘Take Back Your Health’ Tour HHS.gov · Feb 27, 2026
• Famed Texas barbecue joint faces backlash from RFK Jr. visit MySA · Feb 27, 2026
• RFK Jr. visits Terry Black's in Austin on 'real food' BBQ tour Austin American-Statesman · Feb 26, 2026
• UT Austin unveils electronic tattoos and soft robot skin designed to transform aging KXAN Austin · Feb 23, 2026

Live Music in Austin

Austin's underground electronic and industrial scenes have always run parallel to its country and indie establishments, creating pockets where noisier acts like HEALTH can find genuine audiences. The city's smaller venues have become essential testing grounds for experimental music, especially bands working in the space between industrial electronics and art-damaged rock. HEALTH fits naturally into this ecosystem—they're the kind of group that Austin's more adventurous listeners seek out, even if mainstream radio ignores them.

Austin road trip to see HEALTH?

Stay in East Austin, where you'll find better restaurants and a neighborhood that actually feels alive. Dinner at Suerte—confident, creative food in a space that doesn't try too hard. During the day, wander the galleries and vintage shops along East 6th, or head to Zilker Park to sit with a coffee and watch Austin be itself. If you've got time, catch live music at Mohawk or Hotel Vegas—smaller rooms where you can see how Austin's songwriting community actually operates. The city's best asset isn't any single thing; it's the density of good people doing interesting work.