The bands, the people we met, the venues, the days have a way of mixing and blurring together after four days of virtually non-stop music at South by Southwest. Time bends in a strange way when you go from one venue to another pretty much without much a break for 12-14 hours. And after yesterday’s deep freeze – it was actually almost cold enough to snow – and the final frenzy of bands to see before the official last day of SXSW, a Sunday wind down is welcomed – even though there are still some showcases going on Sunday.
Day Three in Austin was warm and mostly sunny, giving many folks waiting in long lines sunburns and cramped legs. Our day started with a 45-minute wait to get into Emo’s for Washed Out, Memory Tapes and Neon Indian on one stage, and Best Coast, Surfer Blood and Japandroids.
“Catholic Pagans” – Surfer Blood
Get the Pitchfork SXSW sampler free from Citizen Insane
After particularly sweet sets from the beats and synths of this party – especially Memory Tapes and Neon Indian – we set out to the French Kiss party at the Galaxy Room to catch The Freelance Whales (again), one of SXSW 2010’s most hyped bands, and not without reason.
“Starring” – Freelance Whales
Following the FW was a much anticipated set from LA’s “jungle indie rock” band Local Natives. In addition to playing some of their best known songs, like “Sun Hands” and “Airplanes,” the band also played a cover version of the Talking Heads “Warning Signs” and were accompanied on stage by members from Fool’s Gold.
Neon Indian from Fader Fort SXSW 2010 performance
“Deadbeat Summer” – Neon Indian
“Plain Material” – Memory Tapes
Next, it was back to Emo’s (because could not get into see She & Him) for a rousing performance of the psychedelic dubs and big beats of San Francisco duo French Miami, followed by Born Ruffians and the awesome LA “tropical pop” band Fool’s Gold.
Fool’s Gold’s nucleus consists of Luke Top and Lewis Pesacov along with Garrett Ray, Jimmy Vincent and Matt Popieluch of Pesacov’s other band, Foreign Born; plus, Latin American pop star Erica Garcia, the former drummer for the spectacular post-punk era band, The Fall, Orpheo McCord and Michael Tapper, formerly of We Are Scientists. The band, who put on an energy-filled performance, considers among their main influences Afropop music. Just before Fool’s Gold, we got a few minutes to see Cymbals Eat Guitars, who we hope to see again sometime this year.
“Surprise Hotel” – Fool’s Gold
“Plainclothes” (via WOXY) – Cymbals Eat Guitars
It was then on to catch a few songs from the terrific dance band Delorean, some We Are Scientists.
“Black Eyes” – Shearwater
We decided to close out the day-long blur of performances with the Pains of Being Pure at Heart at The Mohawk‘s little “cake shop” room. The Pains, as expected, put on a great show of their catchy pop rock.
“Everything With You” – Pains of Being Pure At Heart
We saw, and missed (since can’t be everywhere at once; and many preferred shows were impossible to get into – like Broken Social Scene, She & Him, etc), so many performances that it’s like a big blur, especially after the third day. Nonetheless, we closed out Day Three with a street performance by the band Grove Session who were doing a stunning cover of Santana‘s “Soul Sacrafice.” If you never saw the official, and original, Woodstock Music Festival film from 1969, Santana’s performance was one of the best in rock history, as well as one of the best live guitar and drum solos ever recorded. The entire Woodstock film has a special place in the hearts of any classic rock lover, whether you were there (would have loved to be), not even born yet, or have uncles and aunts who were there.
Although they cannot compare to Santana, Groove Session’s street show reminded us when we saw The Ferocious Few street show during the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival in San Francisco last summer. The FF were a mini-favorite here at SXSW, and no wonder.
Day Four – the deep freeze in Austin – coverage coming soon. Even though it’s Sunday, there are still more shows to see today and tonight, and hopefully we’ll get to see Wiretree, Lovvers, Signals, Ty Seagull and Vivian Girls – the music never sleeps in Austin.
