Thursday, March 14
Bonobo
The uber-talented Bonobo graced SXSW with his absurd ability to mix music. Always a crowd favorite, Bonobo had everyone in attendance at his Thursday showcase moving with his unusually creative DJing. If you’re into electronic music, Bonobo is someone you have to give a listen.
American Authors
The first show I witnessed in Austin, American Authors, had sass. Their poppy vocals, laced with cheerful harmony and upbeat drums reminiscent of the unsuspecting audience’s applause. I hadn’t expected much for a 4 p.m. barroom show, but I was pleasantly surprised by these four. Zachary Barnett, lead singer of the indie-pop quartet, had an upper register like Ben Gibbard mixed with Adam Levine. The approachable lyricism, flavored with an honesty shaped by a Brooklyn upbringing, rang true through the ears of the crowd. Verses like “I’m a little bit sheltered/I’m a little bit scared/I’m a little bit nervous/I’m goin’ nowhere” kept the congregation intrigued, assuming the lilting guitar didn’t manage well enough on its own. American Authors are definitely a mentionable group.
Check out Thursday's photo gallery here.
Friday, March 15
Majestic Day Party
It’s cool when you can go to a massive music festival and find even one band from your area. At SXSW, there were more than I could count on two hands. The Majestic Theatre in Madison helped promote a show for Wisconsin and Minnesota artists including Dessa, PHOX, Field Report, Solid Gold, The 4onthefloor and Count This Penny. The event was well-attended, which is definitely exciting for those that follow Midwestern music.
Foxygen
I’d planned my day around seeing Foxygen. Their sunny, Stones-inspired new album called We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace & Magic had carried me through much of the drive down to Austin as well as in dealing with the snowy atmosphere we’re blessed with here. Having a Westlake Village, Calif., background led the listener to feel the sun in their sound. When I saw them, they were framed in sunlight and bursting with energy. Foxygen’s Pitchfork-accredited name preceded them and the audience was prepped for a phenomenal show. Unfortunately, the lead singer Sam France had had to work to earn the ratings as one of Fuse’s “30 must-see bands of SXSW,” and was fighting vocal hoarseness. After the audience encouraged him however, everyone in the vicinity understood the hype. Their crowd-connection was tremendous and lively, and they all traded instruments sporadically, seemingly as they felt like it. Although clearly inspired by 60s rock, the foxy fivesome kept their own indie voice through the inclusion of bright brass in some patches and vibrant key riffs in others. With palpable passion and spirited lyrics, Foxygen presented a show I’d attend again in a second.
Check out Friday's photo gallery here.
Saturday, March 16
Octant
It’s always a treat when you go to a concert and see someone with a style that you’ve never seen or heard before. Octant is definitely an original performer. He is the only one on stage, but introduces the group as “we” because accompanying his guitar playing and singing is an enormmous rig of preprogrammed instruments. This includes a plethora of percussion that he plays along with. And the best part about Octant is he isn’t a gimick. The music he creates isn’t just unique—it’s also enjoyable.
Pajaro
Hailing all the way from Gelves, Spain, Pajaro definitely knew how to jam. They played in a sort of old-time style (well not that old), but they had a classic rock twang to them. One thing that’s defintitely worth noting is that all of the members in Pajaro are extremly talented a their instruments. It was also aweseome when they would speak to the audeince in Spanish. Everyone sort of gave the band confused looks, when they did this, but went right back to dancing when they resumed their playing. All around, a really enjoyable group.
Check out Saturday's photo gallery here.
