SXSW Night #3: Band Review
My Latest Novel @ Latitude 30
Lurple says:
Generic British folk/pop with a violin. Low-key and bland. Nothing you haven’t heard 100 times before. They’re technically sound there’s nothing wrong with their music, but I’m not inspired to write any more about their music, or seek it out.
They looked like they’d been awake for days, and I can empathize with that.
Shiny Toy Guns @ Bat Bar at the Convention Center
StickyC says:
Just like all the other recent cookie cutter pop bands. The twist on this McBand was the stand-out female vocal contributions. Also, they need to sue DirecTV for having such a miserable sound mix for such a “professional” presentation. I guess if it sounds good on TV, that’s what counts.
Hammell on Trial @ Soho Lounge
Lurple says:
Solo performer that does half standup/ half guitar and song. Very funny, personable, and vulgar. Some of them are really vulgar, but they’re still very funny.
He reminds me of Shel Silverstein’s more adult work, perhaps combined with a bit of George Carlin. As the man himself said, “I drove 1,800 miles to get here, you don’t think I’m gonna kick some ass?” Good stuff.
Dirty Old Men @ Elysium’s Japan Nite
Lurple says:
Pop/punk group tending towards pop, but usually not as sappy as your generic j-pop. They did have some sappy bits in a song or two, though.
More enthusiastic than skilled; the longer they played the less I liked them.
Honeysac @ Elysium’s Japan Nite
StickyC says:
Very high energy mainly female Japanese hard rock. Their first gig in the US and they grabbed the Texas bull by the horns and ran with it. They had all the prime pop ingredients, but very abrupt transitions (both in audience participation and key changes).
Lurple says:
REALLY high energy pop/rock girl band. The lead singer exhorted… nay, demanded that the crowd clap, hop, and sing along. Most of the crowd responded but I think these girls would have given it 100% even if only 3 people showed up.
Very charismatic and talented lead singer, and the rest of the band is really skilled too. Fun, upbeat, and hard working. I fully expect one of their songs to end up as an anime theme (which is not an insult-there are some very cool anime theme songs).
The Urges @ Red Eyed Fly
StickyC says:
Freaking amazing. Maybe the new #1 of the gig. Very early Byrds with a completely wrecked early (pre tights) Mick Jagger. Best quote of that gig “I wrote this song so I could get a big prick in my arse”. Great intensity and competence. If the British Invasion starts over again, these guys will be kicking the balls of anyone who gets in the way.
Grapevine @ Elysium’s Japan Nite
StickyC says:
Channeling a slight (very tiny) bit of Stone Roses twinkly bits but with more wailing vocals and half-as-long jams. Mix in a bit of Styx + INXS + late-era-slower-Cheap Trick and smack it with the generic pop hammer and you’ve got Grapevine. In Japanese.
Detroit 7 @ Elysium’s Japan Nite
Lurple says:
Wow. This trio- guitarist/lead singer, drummer, and bass rocked! One of the most technically impressive bands I’ve seen, skill-wise, and they give it their all. I wasn’t sure if I liked the singer at first- she has a bit of a low, growly voice. When she opens up and really sings, she’s great.
The drummer plays like she’s having a seizure but she’s also really, really good. The bass player would only be called layed-back in comparison to the other two, since the whole band plays like they’re possessed.
Music ranged from good ‘ol fashioned rock ‘n roll to metal, and a mosh pit broke out at one point. Highly recommended.
