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It's that time of year again friends. Sleep deprivation, cans of beer, BBQ, and bands bands bands! That's right, we're here at Austin, TX's annual South by Southwest Music Festival and Conference. Every year in mid-March, Downtown Austin swells beyond capacity as hundreds of bands and just about every person in the Biz converge for a long weekend of madness.
While most festivals are punctuated by big name headliners, the beauty of SXSW is discovering new bands that your friends and co-workers back home have never heard of. While there are big name acts like The Stooges, Spoon, The Good, The Bad and The Queen, Interpol and interview panels with the likes of Pete Townshend, Emmylou Harris and David Byrne, the real reason to head to Austin is to dig out the gems that are hiding on make-shift stages, dilapidated bars, and performing at liquor-lubricated daytime parties. Every year there are a few breakouts that receive a huge boost from their SXSW shows. Past years have seen buzz build behind The Decemberists, Bloc Party, and Dr. Dog. Who will this year's rising stars be?
WEDNESDAY :: 03/14/07
5:25 P.M.
The Black Angels :: 03.14.07 :: SXSW |
Making the mad dash from the hotel to Emo's Annex for IODA's Opening Day Bash was the best move of the day. Austin's The Black Angels 5:30 p.m. set was the best music I would hear all day. With that first cold beer in hand and the Angel's distorted, swarming psychedlia wrapping around my head, I knew I had arrived. Their most striking feature is the Jim Morrison-on-steroids vocals, but the key to their sound is the subtle guitar shifts that are constantly moving under the sloshing, rhythmic sludge. When this band hits, THEY HIT! Not only was this set the best of the day, it's going to be tough to beat overall.
6:40 P.M.
The FADER Fort is the coolest venue in town. Every year the fine people from FADER Magazine up the ante, creating a unique area for their showcases. This year is truly over-the-top. With a huge stage, a little covered "fort" area with seats and benches, a DJ booth, and an indoor facility for bloggers and gawkers, these cats know how to throw a party. Unfortunately, the only band I caught was The Boggs. With an un-original, Brit-punk vibe, this three-piece did little to impress. However, the DJ was kicking out some seriously good shit. From Dead Prez and the Shaft soundtrack to The Mars Volta, every cut was a keeper.
10:00 P.M.
MiniPop :: 03.14.07 :: SXSW |
If there's a downside to SXSW it's the increase in attendance. If you have a badge (which allows you access to all shows) you used to be able to stroll right up to whatever gig you wanted to check out and walk right in. Those days are gone. SXSW has outgrown Austin a bit, and when we wanted to see Beirut and The Early Years at Emo's the line was ridiculous so we moved on.
10:30 P.M.
Arriving at Antone's, the vibe was far more pleasant and the beers easier to grab. We stayed for a bit of Oakley Hall and The Rosebuds but the next band to really leave an impression would be found around the corner at The Parish II.
11:45 P.M.
Annuals :: 03.14.07 :: SXSW |
Hailing from San Francisco, MiniPop packs a bigger rock sound than their name suggests. With a great drummer and captivating vocalist, this five-piece was a huge surprise. While not reinventing the wheel, they kick out a nice blend of power-pop. (Note to self - and all of you, too - go see MiniPop again).
12:45 P.M.
Taking a strong second place for Day 1 was the Annuals. A close-knit, dynamic rock band, these cats put on a great set. The focus is on enthusiastic frontman Adam Baker but this band has lots of layers. At times more than half the band would be wailing away on some sort of percussion, creating a huge rhythmic backbone for the guitars, keys and vocals to climb atop.
At this point it is time to remove myself for the computer and continue the search. Check back for updates, you won't want to miss tonight's Playboy Rocks Austin Party...
JamBase | SXSW
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