SXSW Night #2: Band Review
James Harries @ St. David’s Episcopal Church
Lurple says:
A solo singer/guitarist. Very low-key performance, and I’ve got to say it was a nice break from the faster-paced shows and general SXSW hustle and bustle, and I enjoyed it. This is the only show I’ve attended so far where I’ve felt comfortable removing my Etymotic earplugs.
He’s got a good voice, and he’s got passion. Look for his songs on Grey’s Anatomy soon.
Nellie McKay @ St. David’s Episcopal Church
Lurple says:
Solo singer/ piano/ ukulele player. Good voice, witty and fun jazzy numbers that sometimes contain pop-culture references. She also has a love of traditional jazz numbers.
She’s also funny when she chats and jokes in between numbers. I would have loved to see this show in a small, smoky bar, as that seems like a perfect fit for her style. Not that there’s anything wrong with the church; it’s an excellent venue.
She had a nice selection of different songs that effectively showcased her talents. I didn’t expect to enjoy this show, but I had a great time.
StickyC says:
The voice was a bit on the Tiny Tim side of things - works some places, but not others. Fortunately, it worked well in this place. Surprisingly mature in sound, lyric, and attitude for her age. It’ll be interesting to see where her life takes her.
Sgt. Dunbar and The Hobo Banned @ Esther’s Follies
Lurple says:
While I loved this band’s name I wasn’t so crazy about their music. They have an 8-person group and possibly 30+ instruments between them, often swapping instruments mid-song.
That’s fairly impressive, but the music felt a bit jumbled and off here and there, almost as if they were stepping on each other’s toes. They’re still fairly unique and I expect some people would enjoy their show; I liked their last song of the night which was simply all of them singing together with acoustic guitar.
I counted the following: trumpets, slide trombone, tubas, french horns, a bandsaw, maracas, guitars (electric and acoustic), drums, harmonicas… I can’t help but ask why they don’t have more cowbell.
StickyC says:
In their defense, they introduced themselves as all having crashed on some nice Austinite’s floor, so I can’t imagine any of them got much sleep before the gig. All things considered, for so many people changing so many instruments so quickly in such a small space, I’ve gotta give ‘em big kudos. Not entirely sure where their music was coming from, felt very gospel-sourced. Surprisingly comfortable, despite all the varied instruments.
She Creatures @ Esther’s Follies
Lurple says:
Blue-haired space girls that would be at home in a ‘60s sci-fi movie. The band includes a Theremin player.
They had a very theatrical entrance set to music and including a smoke machine. Kind of sets the tone for the show, since they put on a good performance but their songs are hit & miss.
I got a kick out of a couple of the numbers, like “Sexy Robot”, and their attempt to massacre the crowd with a ray gun.
StickyC says:
Blue-haired girls in silver 1-pieces with clear plastic skirts singing about sexy robots? What’s not to like! No, they’re not the tightest, most technically skilled band out there and they wont be winning any lyrical awards, but the lead singer’s Janice Joplin-esque pipes and the bands hooks still have me humming their tunes 2 days and 15 bands later.
Cary Brothers @ The Parish
Sara Bareilles @ The Parish
StickyC says:
Beautiful and confident on the mic, Sarah playfully re-imagined several of her popular tracks and a lovely cover of “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”. Wondferul, if short, set.
The Proclaimers @ The Parish
StickyC says:
We showed up at the Parish amidst a poorly handled dynamic lineup - the Proclaimers played one song, a top-notch cover of Kings of Leon’s “17”, I’ve no idea how long they’ve been performing this song, but they nailed it spot on and beautifully. Shame they didnt stick around for more
HotelCafe all-star jam @ The Parish
StickyC says:
A little bit disappointing for a jam. As we’d shown up partway throught the showcase, there were several band members on stage we didn’t recognize (and several notables that didn’t return, including the Proclaimers and Shara Bareilles). Sal on keyboards drove the closing group number, with the Cary Brothers’ guitarist and drummer keeping up. Most of the backup vocals apparently werent too familiar with the song or a bit too deep in the cups to keep up with the chorus. A bit of a let down outside of Sal’s enthusiasm. Made us all a bit sad that we weren’t able to make his own performance.
