Le Diamant Brut: SXSW Edition w/ Digital Leather, Brothers and Sisters, Natalie Portman's Shaved Head, Murdocks

Here's a look back at a few entries from the vaults of Le Diamant Brut. These are bands we've profiled in the past who are playing SXSW this year. Following a little about the artists is a list of shows they're playing during the fest, and we say it's a musical imperative that you make it out to at least one of them.

Image from MySpace

What’s the Deal: They’re a Goner Records band, Jay Reatard is listed as an occasional live player, and they appreciate photographs of grown men in assless chaps with a leather crotch-purse at maximum capacity. They also describe their music as “mustache folk music for disco scumbags.” This Arizona group, which is really just Shawn Foree and various live players, is big on the fuzzy, fun electro-punk with nearly all songs danceable, gritty and not taking themselves too seriously. The electronic buzz and hum on “Simulator” off Sorcerer is full of relentless drive and almost robotic, apathetic vocals. “Hologram," one of the more dramatic songs from the album, starts off with a simple yet enticing guitar riff that gets its hooks in your gut rather quickly. The track builds with repetitive vocals shouting “I am a hologram” into a dissonant screech which eventually fades away into more chorus and guitar.

Performances during SXSW
Friday, 20th @ Scoot Inn / Goner Records Day Show
Friday, 20th @ Speakeasy

Image by Courtney Chavanell from MySpace

What’s the Deal: The group, led by siblings Will and Lily Courtney, has a timeless folk pop sound combined with catchy, country rock ballads that has also welcomed comparisons to The Jayhawks, The Band and The Byrds, among others. Brothers and Sisters released their self-titled debut in 2006, which included some more raw and flawed tracks as well as some that seemed like they were folk ballads too impeccable to be from a local group. “You’re Gone,” the single off the family’s last full-length, Fortunately, is one of the more powerful country-tinged folkies the group has come up with. The textured infectiousness of the chorus is enveloping, and the trusty acoustic chords and electric twang make this an alt. country gem. Also, the slow pace of the pedal steel and violin on “Old Love Letters” gives the song a slow sentimentality that’s only boosted by the harmonies to come, which are a little reminiscent of Caitlin Cary and Thad Cockrell’s Begonias. They are planning to release their new album this August.

Performances during SXSW
Wednesday, 18th @ Paradise / SXSW Stimulus Package Party
Thursday, 19th @ Habana Calle 6 / Electronic Musician/ Remix Magazine/ reapandsow Party

Image from MySpace

What’s the Deal: Get ready for bright colors, white jeans and outrageous fonts because this Seattle dance pop troupe bring the drum programming, guitars, hand claps and plenty of keyboards. Their debut CD, Glistening Pleasure, is all about fun and not taking yourself too seriously. It’s the kind of dance party music that gives you an excuse for doing all those moves you practiced in your room but never had the guts to unleash on the dance floor, and if you’re lucky you just might do something you’ll really regret in the morning when the synthesizers have worn off. Let the synthetic beats and laser beam sounds in and lock the doors because it’s going to be a long night. “Beard Lust” off Glistening Pleasure is like a twisted, ridiculous electro pop version of a public service announcement about facial hair upkeep. 80s key tones buzz and chime while they sing “Where’d you get that beard? I grew it. How do you keep it so clean? I shampoo it.” Sounds like international mustache day has a new anthem.

Performances during SXSW
Wednesday, 18th @ The Dirty Dog / ASCAP Official Showcase
Wednesday, 18th @ Maggie Mae’s / Spaceland’s Throw Down
Thursday, 19th @ Levi’s Fader Fort
Saturday, 21st @ The Palm Door / SxSeattle

Image by Kristy Sparow from MySpace

What’s the Deal: They’re a local power-pop/punk rock/just-plain-rawk trio, and their music is full of energy with its fair share of squeal, screech and distortion. Then, there’s the pop element that’s strong but not too overwhelming, which gives it all an ultra-catchy sheen. Murdocks - Franklin Morris, Kyle Robarge and David T. Jones - have a basic, guitar-bass-drums set up, but they manage to keep things very full and rock and roll dance-friendly. “Die Together” from the Roar! EP is more of a dark and rambling number that rocks and jangles with a few yells and a “sha-la-la” or two. A dash of the discordant and some guitar rakes adorn an irresistible chorus of “And when we die together, it feels like holding hands” during this dancer of a tune. “Death Of A French Whore” from back in ‘03 is more poppy punk than anything else with a sizable amount of distortion and frantic drumming, as is the same with “Segue”.

Performances during SXSW
Wednesday, 18th @ One 2 One Bar
Thursday, 19th @ The Compound / Go Entertainment Party
Friday, 20th @ The Parlor
Saturday, 21th @ 1401-A Rosewood / Trailer Space Records