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FRIDAY 03/16/07
2:00 P.M.
VietNam :: 03.16.07 :: SXSW |
The day got underway by sharing a cab with Galactic's Stanton Moore as we were both in a bit of a rush. He had a show at 3:00, and I had to get to VietNam. After seeing the band the night before, I was even more impressed with their intimate day show that proved to be more engaging than the previous evening's rock-out. The mellow setting allowed the songs to breath a bit more, and the actual room sound was superior, which always helps. After a great set closing cover of "Dark End of the Street," I stepped out back with these Brooklyn-by-way-of-Austin boys to conduct an interview for a forthcoming feature. I enjoyed my time with their music and their points of view. Keep an eye on JamBase for more on VietNam.
3:00 P.M.
Galactic :: 03.16.07 :: SXSW |
While rapping with Stanton in the cab, he impressed upon me his excitement for both his upcoming show at Stubb's and his band's new album, both of which feature a slew of hip-hop emcees. Following the interview with VietNam I slid over to Galactic's set. Guests Lyrics Born, Gift of Gab, and Boots from the Coup made for an upbeat, enjoyable set, though at times it was plagued by sound issues. Live hip-hop with a full band can be a tough thing to pull off but with a few more shows under their belt it appears Galactic should nail this project down.
4:00 P.M.
After Galactic it was time for another local gem that most folks aren't aware of, Lions. After one song I knew this band would be my find of the day. Playing dirty, lewd, slammin' hard rock, this quartet brewed up a sweaty good time. It was all sex and cars, loud guitars, and good old 70s cock-rock and roll. Some people have "it." The lead singer for Lions has this "X-Factor," and it makes this band thrive. Thrashing around, jumping into the audience, screaming through a megaphone, and generally freaking out, the frontman Matt Drenek makes this band ready for bigger and better things.
4:45 P.M.
Lions :: 03.16.07 :: SXSW |
Arriving at the Harp/Yep Roc party just in time for the end of Apples in Stereo, I was shocked how well their sound translated live. Having enjoyed Apples in Stereo's new album I was skeptical that the studio-heavy recording would do well on stage. I had grossly underestimated this band. With dissonant spacing, swirling jams, and perfect harmonies, Apples proved to be another strong point in what was turning out to be an incredible day of music.
10:00 P.M.
The first set after the sun went down was My Brightest Diamond. Shara Worden and her three-piece band did a great job filling Antone's with their unique blend of rock, pop, indie, jazz and more. There were times when the softer vocal arrangements were difficult to comprehend, but when the band kicked-in the songs took flight under Worden's voice and keyboard work.
11:15 P.M.
The Black Angels :: 03.16.07 :: SXSW |
One of the biggest buzz bands of 2007's SXSW is Austin's Black Angels. Having seen them on Wednesday I was hesitant to use my precious time in Austin to see the same band twice, but when it's this good you just can't deny it. The fact that this set was at night, in a real venue (Wednesday's day show was on a make-shift parking lot stage) made it an even stronger showing. Amongst the many intriguing aspects of this band is the hard-to-get-over fact that such a cute blond girl slams the drums for this heavy act. As the music swarmed in a bed of reverb and seizure inducing vibrato, The Black Angels took over Antone's, converting fans as they screamed through the dark psychedelic tunnels opening up around them.
1:00 A.M.
Closing down Friday night was super-hyped all-star band The Good, The Bad & The Queen at Stubb's. Featuring London uber-musician Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz), African hero and Fela drummer Tony Allen, Clash bassist Paul Simonon, and Verve guitarist Simon Tong, this is one of the most talked about project of the year. While the songs were great and the playing tight, the majority of the music was too mellow for a late Friday night following hundred beers under the hot sun. There were moments that stuck out, like the double-encore including a string section and a Syrian vocalist, but overall it appears this music would fit better in a hot club than an open-air festival.
Continue reading for Days 1 and 2 of SXSW...
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