Torture and the Desert Spiders
Relentless Discipline
Torture and the Desert Spiders at Hotel Vegas, Austin. Photos by Micah Bierman / TMN®.
New York based project Torture and the Desert Spiders, led by songwriter Anna Kunz, has built its identity through sustained live performance rather than isolated releases. Originally developed between the UK and the US, the project carries influences from both scenes while maintaining a consistent post punk framework.
AUSTIN | Text: TMN Editorial | Photos: Micah Bierman
With more than 400 shows since its inception, their trajectory has been shaped by repetition and endurance. A long running headline residency in New York has further reinforced that approach, positioning the band within a circuit where consistency matters as much as expansion.
Their live history spans a wide range of venues and contexts, from the Cavern Club in Liverpool to Webster Hall in New York, alongside festival appearances and international club shows. Recent releases, including two singles mixed by Alex Poeppel, continue to extend their recorded output without shifting focus away from performance.
At Hotel Vegas during SXSW 2026, that background translated into a set defined by control and continuity. The performance leaned into structure and pacing, reflecting a band that operates with a clear understanding of its live form.
This photo report captures Torture and the Desert Spiders during their SXSW appearance in Austin, documented by Micah Bierman for TMN®. Tap on the images to enlarge.
This photo report captures Torture and the Desert Spiders during their SXSW appearance in Austin, documented by Micah Bierman for TMN®. Tap on the images to enlarge.
See more photo reports here.
