SXSW 2008 | If I were going...

Though all of us are not attending (myself included) said “indie-rocker wet dream of a music festival” some, all, or most of us here at LMB are going to let you know about some bands that are must sees, showcases to get yourself to, and pretty much how not blow the entire weekend in a sensory overload.

I will do my best to spread the love between a few of the genres represented at the festival but it may be a difficult task. My music listening has been a unrelenting dance party for a few weeks now. Anything with a hook, loop, or heavy bass has found its way through my speakers. I’ve got some rock and roll gems on backlog though, promise. If you like what you hear check out the honorable mentions for bands of similar sound and quality as those featured. You’ll have to do your own leg work on those ones though.

Simian Mobile Disco (Electronic)
Shows: Thurs 3/13, 12:30am – La Zona Rosa (612 W 4th St) & Wed 3/12, 1am – Antone’s (213 W 5th St)

Simian Mobile Disco is a London production duo that released their debut LP Attack Sustain Release Decay in June 2007. Known prior for remixes of prominent indie bands, the new release shows the group’s ability to create strong original material. Most of their music is minimalist, based in and around hooks and loops. Really great live becasue they both use the entire set-up and end up running circles around their gear.

Simian Mobile Disco – Sleep Deprivation

Honorable Mention: Eliot Lipp, Guns’n Bombs

The Black Angels (Psychedelic Rock)
Shows: Thurs 3/13, 12am – Bourbon Rocks Patio (508 E 6th St)

Austin rock group The Black Angles will take you back to 60’s psychedelic rock paradise with the first sound of the drone machine. The band’s first album Passover was recieved well in the indie world and in my opinion it was refreshing to hear this type of rock music played with so much acumen. The Black Angles are a rock and roll band to be reckoned with: loud, dark, and captivating.

Honorable Mention: Yeasayer, MGMT

The Cool Kids (Hip-Hop)
Shows: Thurs 3/13, 4:40pm – SESAC Day Stage Cafe Austin Convention Center (500 E Cesar Chavez St) & Thurs 3/13, 11pm – Emo’s Main Room (603 Red River St)

Chicago’s Cool Kids are going to be one of the hottest tickets in Austin next week, mark it down. This hip-hop duo is reminiscent of many 80’s MC’s but without much of the diffidence felt in some early rap records. These two know they’re cool (obviously), popular, and make hot booty bass hip-hop. The music is stripped down and the rhymes are too nice.

Honorable Mention: Clipse, El-P

Le Loup (Indie/Rock)
Shows: Thurs 3/13, 1:05 – Cream Vintage (2532 Guadalupe St); Thurs 3/13, 9pm – Emo’s IV Lounge (601 Red River St); Fri 3/14, 1pm – Urban Outfitters (2406 Guadalupe); Fri 3/14, 3:15pm Emo’s Annex (600 Red River Street); Sat 3/15, 1pm -Home Slice Pizza (1415 South Congress)

Le Loup is a band that was definitely born out of the internet age coming together from a few Craiglist adds posted by frontman Sam Simkoff. The DC group had immediate success signing with a label shorty after their second show. At first listen they sound like a few of the popular Canadian indie outfits out there but in time show a bit more edge. There is some really strong layering in the music which is amazing considering how long the band has been playing together.

Honorable Mention: The White Rabbits, Lymbyc System

Crystal Castles (Electronic/Avant Garde)
Shows: Fri 3/14, 1:30pm – Club DeVille (900 Red River); Fri 3/14, 8:30pm – Emo’s Main Room (603 Red River St); Sun 3/16, 12am – Wave Rooftop (408 E 6th St)

Though I reviewed this band earlier this week, I can’t say enough about this duo from Toronto. Truly original and extremely intriguing these two are going to blow up after SXSW. I really hope that Alice Glass recovers from the car accident she was in recently and can dominate the stage the way she did last week at the Abbey Pub in Chicago. You’ve got three chances to catch these guys, I would stongly suggest seeing one. Just listen to the variation in their music between the two songs below.

Honorable Mention: Holy Fuck, Black Moth Super Rainbow

Chromeo (Electronic)
Shows: Sun 3/16, 1am – Volume (614 E 6th St)

Headlining the Fool’s Gold Jamboree on Sat night along with A-Trak and Kid Sister, Chromeo will bring you back to a time when people wore rediculous clothing, danced like assholes, and ate up any music made with a synth. We’re talking the eighties people. If you feel like getting wierd on Saturday night go to see these guys drop smooth jams and dance pop on the sweaty masses.

Honorable Mention: Ghosthustler, YACHT

Everyone enjoy themselves, see you in Austin next year…