SXSW Trip 2009 via New Orleans
Day Two (18th March 2009):
Well, as it turned out, not quite yet. The early party of the day started with a visit to the Barton Creek Square mall to ensure that those left behind had some mementos of the trip. Job done, now let's get cracking!
Having applied for every party going on the internet, in-person registration was imperative at the Levis Fader Fort party. This enabled two bands to be watched whilst enjoying the compliments of the sponsor's generosity. Band one, Let's Wrestle, a three piece band modelled on a combo of Green Day and Mcfly. Next up, The Strange Boys, a four piece boy band, with sounds at times not dissimilar to that of the Kings of Leon. The most notable entertainment came from seeing their middle aged parents rocking agedly to their every twitter.
Then off to Sonny's Vintage store, on the other side of town via cab, not before a good 'healthy' barbeque at Ruby's (not your usual restaurant by any stretch of the imagination, but the food was good). Sonny's Vintage store, what a great little place stocked with second hand music paraphernalia of a bygone era. Clothes, records, bric-a-brac, jukeboxes etc.; could be found in the shop. First up although we had missed the start, were The Hall Monitors a four piece rock 'n roll fun band, followed by a three piece band called Powersolo who classify themselves under the genre of 'donkey punk'. A very entertaining band especially the scary antics of the lead singer, mingling and accosting members of the audience. The set was great fun, albeit they played only three songs, however definitely one to see again if the opportunity were to present itself. Next on the surprise line-up were The Right On's from Madrid, a lively five piece indie rock band who at one point handed out maracas and miniature tambourines to the audience (of around 15!), to join in. Finally, Eli 'Paperboy' Reed and the True Loves a polished 60's style soul band with brass section. They had the small venue rocking and we left with the feeling of 'wanting more'. What a start to SXSW 2009 and this just the first day and not over yet.
Back to 6th Street and a first taste of the great venue, Emo's. A British modern day punk band from Hertfordshire whose sensitivity over the press articles claiming they are from Watford, were clear for all to see - Gallows, brilliant, best live band yet, UK punk at it's modern day finest. Wow, what a gig. This involved the very energetic and happy to self harm lead singer, Frank Carter, who spent most of the set in amongst the audience and up in the rafters after one of my party assisted him with a leg up onto a corrugated roof. The rest of the main band, then joined Frank in various stages throughout the set, on the floor both producing scary and stirring moments for all those in the immediate vicinity. Great entertainment and from that moment, this was the band to see at SXSW in order to obtain a daily fix of endorphin rush.
From Emo's to the open air largest of the venues, Stubbs to see Ladyhawke. The music was as expected from the album, however, the act was never going to live up to the previous entertainment and as such it was time after three songs to move on to the Radio Room Patio stage to see the excellent, What Laura Says (Does And Thinks). Back to Emo's once more to see the 'well established' punk band The Circle Jerks from LA. A pattern is emerging, even after day one! Last up for the first of a series of exhausting days at the Hilton Garden Inn on the 18th floor was, Sandi Thom from Scotland. A very small crowd saw a good set which included 'I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair'.
What a day, eleven artists, seven venues, severe ear bashing as well as excessive alcohol intake.