SXSW 2006 Report [Part IV]: Friday, March 17, 2006

by Rachel Pesin
3 April 2006

[Continued from Part III]

I got up nice and early on Friday to head over to the Vice Outdoor Stage (which was a bit of a walk from the 6th Street area) to see some day shows. Luckily I got there extra early and caught MAN MAN’s set. I’ve never seen anything quite like them: dressed all in white, they sounded like gorillas pounding on a billion drums and various other instruments. Oh, and a bit like MODEST MOUSE on drugs. At other times they reminded me of THE CORAL, which was completely unexpected. They never really stopped between songs, so it was an ongoing musical slaughter—but a good one…

Next up at the same location was MYSTERY JETS. I have to say I was a bit let down by their performance, but then again, any performance given at 1:30 in afternoon in the rainy outdoors after two previous heavy days and nights of partying deserves some praise. I do like this band a lot on record, and I know others who’ve seen them live and loved it. They’re like a crazy amalgam of sounds that somehow work together: dance, electro, pop, funk, rock, gypsy, etc. I just wasn’t feeling it at this particular show.

GUILLEMOTS (pictured above) were up next. I’ve been dying to see this band since I found out about them back in November, and they did not disappoint. They’re music is lush and uplifting – gorgeous! “Trains to Brazil” is definitely one of my favorite songs of the recent past, and it was great to hear it live.

From there I went back to my hotel to see IV THIEVES (formerly NIC ARMSTRONG AND THE THIEVES) give a radio performance. I think this is one of the greatest bands in existence. Sure, it’s a throwback to ‘60s and ‘70s rock, but they put their own signature sound/style/lyrics in the mix, and it’s unbelievably good. I strongly suggest for anybody who’s reading this to check out the band!

From there I went over to the Red Eyed Fly where BRIAN JONESTOWN MASSACRE were supposed to play. Unfortunately the band was still on their way to Texas, so BJM singer/guitarist/leader ANTON NEWCOMBE jammed with his friends, Austin-natives THE BLACK ANGELS, for one 10-minute, improv song, and it was awesome—it was really tight and the audience was really into it. After that, the Angels played their own set and it was great, too; surprisingly, I really dug their experimental rock set.

Then I headed over to the Aussie BBQ to see my favorite Aussie band, THE LIVING END. I love this band. They’ve been around for at least a decade, and they have their slick punk-pop down pat, and I have no qualms with how much I love it.

My first night show was THE EIGHTEENTH DAY OF MAY. This London six-piece plays lovely English folk music that’s garnished with interesting instruments (dulcimer, autoharp, harmonium, sitar, and glockenspiel, to name a few) and beautiful vocals from most of its members, particularly those of lead vocalist ALLISON BRICE.

From there I headed over to the Blender Bar at the Ritz for the BBC 6 Music British showcase. First on was BRAKES, with members from BRITISH SEA POWER and ELECTRIC SOFT PARADE, and they played a great set of dark, dancy post-punk.

Next up was the band I had been waiting all day to see, THE KOOKS. (The picture above was taken the next day after I saw the band again during an impromptu photo session). I’m happy to report that this band sounds as great live as they do on record. I think this is the most exciting band from Britain at the moment—Arctic who’s?— their sound is a bit like that of early KINKS and ROLLING STONES and they’ve got the whole boho look down pat. But regardless of their look and their influences, this is a band whose live performance is great fun and full of energy – they seem wise beyond their years.

I left the venue early, missing sets by JIM NOIR and EDITORS so I could catch another joyous, uplifting set from THE BOY LEAST LIKELY TO at Elysium.

After all this, I was quite tired, so I decided to end my day at Spiro’s and Spiro’s Patio. First up were the FIVE O’CLOCK HEROES outside on the patio. This band, with members from both sides of the Atlantic, plays a great blend of British post-punk and American pop.

Then I went back inside to catch the MOST SERENE REPUBLIC. The band’s name does not lie: they play calming (serene even!), lush indie pop.

My final band of the evening was a band I had only heard of in passing, AEROPLANES. They reminded me of TOM PETTY, if Tom Petty were from Liverpool.

I went back to my room, collapsed onto my bed, and got a bit of sleep before my last day in Texas.

[Part V to follow]

Filed under music festival concerts