Austinist Show Preview + Album Review: Sixth Street Showdown + The Hands

The Hands (from Seattle) just released their eponymous debut full-length on Selector Sound, chock full of sing-along chorus’ and soaring guitar solos. Containing members of The Measurements and Cougar Fucking Mountain, this five piece holds back nothing in their pursuit of modern day garage rock. Album opener “Six Gun Hand” instantly kicks off a thunderous listening experience before segueing into the psychedelic groove of “Hearts Abandoned Will Rust.” Track two builds slowly into a spanking rocker with catchy riffs and a mantra of “I don’t wanna die” -- early signs of the band’s fondness for wailing guitars and anthemic chants.

Before we can recover from that assault, the band presents “Lies Lies Lies.” Complete with a crunching guitar hook and almost annoying “woo-hoo’s” in the background, this song would be a staple on FM radio all summer if we had our way. “Praying Hands Will Make Fists” includes chants of “Got a fire to start” and an impressive song title to boot while “Dry County” is a lighter fare compared to most of the record but not sans another scintillating six string solo and some more “woo-ooh’s".

“Nothing” is accentuated by ringing (sometimes barely audible) keys but is largely a middle finger to the world with repeated refrains of “We got nothing to hold on to.” The swagger of “Best” is followed by “I Don’t Want To Turn You On” where simple horns and psychedelic keys highlight the band’s panache.

The bluesy “Lord’s Gonna Trouble” is the only instrumental jam session on The Hands. The piano strains lead into album closer “Knife” in Abbey Road fashion before the finale turns into a fine pop song with the now familiar vocal style that seems to have more than a hint of Mick Jagger. The Hands’ incredible energy causes the collection of stomping ditties on the record to rise above the average garage band’s noisy concoctions.

Pro-Tips: Not in the mood for deafening rock'n’roll? There are alternatives, of course. SXSW Film wants a piece of that Tuesday evening pie -- Paste Magazine brings us a solid shindig Tuesday night (although there’s always the disclaimer -- “Unless otherwise noted, evening events are open only to SXSW Film, Gold and Platinum badgeholders.”) with entertainment courtesy of Moby and Kaki King. This Official SXSW event takes place just north of Emo’s on Red River St. at Stubb’s.

Alternatively, you can also head west on 6th St. from Emo’s and make your way to Friends for Dart Music International’s “International Night” featuring Lily Electric (from Germany), menwhopause (from India), Hypernova and 127 (both from Iran), telerama (from Brazil), and Mockinpott (from Mexico). If you’re lucky enough to have a ticket to IFC’s “Crossroads Party” with a mouth-watering bill boasting My Morning Jacket and Yo La Tengo, The Parish is right next to Friends. Incubation Music hosts a free show (titled Hatch the Sound) at Mother Egan's further west on 6th St. with music from Glynn Wedgewood (of IV Thieves), The Boxing Lesson, and Popup.

If you're so inclined, head over to The Music Gym and Lounge for a taste of "Rock 'n' Rollerderby" at the Texas Rollergirls Party. A "Full Contact Boxing Match" and music from Single Frame can be expected, all for $5.

Or just skip all that and enjoy Art Disaster 5 at Beauty Bar off 7th and Red River. A who’s who of local talent including Brothers And Sisters, Belaire, Golden Bear, The Mercers, Those Peabodys, Future Clouds and Radar, The Black & White Years, and {{{ SUNSET }}} make this event a must for out-of-towners (RSVP).