Austin is known to have roots in the psychedelic music scene, so it is only fitting that a festival devoted to the genre would bring dozens of great bands to the city for the third installment of the Austin Psych Fest. Noise, reverb and plenty of unique sounds were present during the three day event, which took place at the Mohawk April 23-25.

The atmosphere was one of eccentricity. Many people who attended the festival would not have looked out of place at Woodstock 40 years ago. This sort of eclectic mix was also found in the festival’s lineup, as groups from all corners of the psychedelic genre were present.

Some focused more on noise by cranking up the volume to ear-splitting levels. Others created lush soundscapes by reverberating their instruments and voices. Groups that preferred long jam out sessions were plenty, and there were several producers who used laptops and electronics to create their walls of sound.

Some of the highlights from the festival included the Raveonettes, who still put on a great show despite being limited to their two primary members because of the Iceland volcano, the folk-leaning group Pink Mountaintops, and Gull, which consisted of one man on guitar, drums and vocals at the same time.

Austin had a phenomenal showing this year, with bands such as Ringo Deathstarr and Pure Ecstasy turning in great sets. The Black Angels, who were also an integral part of organizing this year’s festival, did Austin proud by stunning audiences with their music not once but twice during the weekend.

However, if there was one band that shone the brightest, it would be LA’s Warpaint. The female group put on a gorgeous show, filled with intricate guitar work, vocal harmonies that blended perfectly together and an overall attention to craft that was simply stunning to watch. It was one of those rare shows where concertgoers were witnessing something special, which is a lot to say for a band that hasn’t even released a full album.

Despite the increasing temperatures and an excess of downtime between sets, this year’s Austin Psych Fest was a success in every way. From creating an environment conducive to individual expression, to allowing many great bands the chance to gain some much-needed exposure, it is a festival that is just as important to Austin’s music scene as any festival.