Fragile Rock

Fragile Rock is Austin’s emo puppet band—a musical collective of musicians and puppeteers founded in 2014 by writer-musician Brently Heilbron. Fronted onstage by the puppet persona Milo S. (a self-described “partist”), with bassist Nic Hole, guitarist Kyle Danko, and the Cocteau Triplets, the project is a play on Fraggle Rock and classic emo angst: real rock band energy under felt, breakup comedy, and songs like “I Am Sad (And So Am I)” and “Wake Up to the Break-Up.”

They released the Weepy EP and debut album Wake Up to the Break-Up (2017), followed by Microfamous (2025, including a vinyl debut). Highlights include an NPR Tiny Desk Concert (later ranked among NPR’s most uplifting and funniest Tiny Desk sets), multiple official SXSW showcases, and Variety’s “perfect festival act” praise. Live shows mix puppet soap-opera chaos with a full human band. Expect emo choruses, puppet pain, and Austin DIY wit when Fragile Rock hits local rooms like 3ten and Texas festival stages.