SXSW Music 2007: Wednesday RecapSXSW Music 2007: Wednesday Recap
In chronological order:
Apes & Androids @ Austinist Party
This theatrical Queen-esque band melted glitz and glam all over dance-rock. The incessent doop doops and wah wahs get a bit repetitive after awhile, but they did a good job at getting the crowd moving. Photo by Patrick Dentler
Architecture In Helsinki @ Austinist Party
I wonder if they down 6 energy drinks before they perform or if they really are just that much happier and energetic than the rest of us. I love how everyone shares and switches instruments. Absoutely infectious indie-pop. Photo by Austinist.com
Hot Club De Paris @ Fader
ROCK.
Queen V @ Pure Volume House
This is the first time I had seen the PV House in the daylight (and while sober). The crowd was pretty sparse at maybe a dozen people but they were loving her catchy folk-rock. Reminded me of Ani DiFranco a bit.
The Rapture @ La Zone Rosa
Dance-rock that reminded me of Sting. On Ecstacy. Some catchy songs and even though I wouldn't say I loved it, the thought that I have to get these guys to play my wedding (someday) did cross my mind. Imagine how much of a party that would be. Photo by LD Anderson
Beirut @ Emo's Main Room
Hahaha. I was standing in the un-main room for 15 minutes while a band was setting up, wondering why there were only 20 other people here to see Beirut. Then I finally ask somebody and realize that this isn't the Main Room. I walk to the back of the venue and see a 300 foot long room completely and literally packed like anchovies. I wasn't that big of a Beirut fan, but their live show won me over. Beautiful (and I know this is overly used...)gypsy music.
Mountain Goats @ Emo's Main Room
This was the show I was looking forward to the most, and this was the most disappointing. I think I was spoiled by this show where John was solo and drunker than usual (thus more chatty, more interactive, more everything). I didn't like him with a drummer and bassist. It made them sound much more typical rock-band than blow-you-away folk-rock. And he didn't even play "No Children" but they did end with a cover of "The Boys Are Back In Town" with the help of Pony Up. I rushed right home and listened to the beautiful set from 40 Watt last year, which now I realize might have been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
