Austinist SXSW Highlight Reel: Saturday
Israeli trio Monotonix is fast acquiring a reputation that precedes them. The band’s recent shows in Austin have wreaked havoc on Red River St. They brought all their usual tricks to Waterloo Park for Mess With Texas 3 on Saturday the 21st, disrobing and parting the crowd in half right off the bat. Singer Ami Shalev then jumped into the open space in the middle of the audience, rolling around on the grass with his fellow band mates much to everyone’s amusement (or was it bemusement). The raucous racket this band generates is almost an afterthought as they essentially ignored the stage for much of the show and delivered their messy garage rock from within the crowd. Shalev sang while immersed in a huge trash can, guitarist Yonatan Gat floated above the many hands that held him up, and we couldn’t even see drummer Ran Shimoni (correction: Haggai Fershtman is the current drummer -ed.) from our spot. It was quite the spectacle, a ridiculous rock show, something we’ve come to expect from Monotonix every time they take the stage (or not). -Adi Anand
The Red Bull Moon Tower: The Red Bull Moon Tower was back this year at its usual (and a tad out of the way) location on 4704 Cesar Chavez. After a quick stop at Perez Hilton's One Night In Austin to enjoy Ladyhawke's synth-pop ditties (and "Magic") for a second time in two days, we headed down to the Moon Tower for one last SXSW week hurrah on Saturday the 21st. Red Bull had rounded up quite a roster of bands for the weekend -- Monotonix, I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness, Riverboat Gamblers, Lady Sovereign, Bedouin Soundclash, Von Bondies had all already graced the event with their presence. On Saturday night, rumors of Kanye West and Common joining Erykah Badu (performing with The Cannabiniods had the crowd coming through in droves all night. After taking in some impeccably catchy pop 'n' roll from U.K.'s The Cheek and Australia's Red Rivers (and Red Bull cocktails aplenty), we mustered up one last burst of energy to take us through the end of the night. And although we were treated to a brief dance party courtesy of Canadian electro-poppers Shout Out Out Out Out who infused the crowd with a renewed vigor, the night was a bit of an anti-climax as the cops shut down the event during the GoldieLocks set that followed. Read her blog post on the incident here. -Adi Anand
Explosions in the Sky at Auditorium Shores [with fireworks]:
Delta Spirit, Q Party: We aren't sure if Delta Spirit chugged a gallon of coffee before heading onstage at the Q party, but they certainly had more energy than most of the bedraggled Brits in attendance. The California band brought their mix of indie-pop and Americana to The Parish with a noisy, compelling, and tight set featuring songs from their Ode To Sunshine album, which is finally dropping in the UK this month. This band has obviously been on the road for a year - their live show blows the doors off their album cuts, which were solid to begin with. The vocals were raspy and warm, the percussion had heads nodding at an early hour, and the choruses were memorable. Highly recommended. -Tom Thornton
Fanfarlo, Q Party: This London band was formed by a Swedish musician, and like violin and mandolin in their arrangements. So they're pretty twee. But like a softer Arcade Fire (or a harder Belle and Sebastian), the band approach being anthemic without ever calling too much attention to themselves. Their ambitions are more modest than terrace anthems; it's music to make you think, reflect, and smile. The arrangements were pretty and unique, the playing was excellent, and the band had the attention of a Day 4 SX audience, which is no easy task. They didn't blow us away - but they sure have a lot of potential. -Tom Thornton
Little Boots, Chop Shop Party/All That Glitters Party: If you're aiming to be a dance music star, it's not a bad idea to look like Kylie Minogue, and it's an even better one to ask Hot Chip to produce your tracks. Little Boots arrived at SXSW on a wave of hype, but the tiny singer delivered on her promise at both of the performances we witnessed. Songs like "Stuck On Repeat" and "Meddle" are certified bangers, and the drunken crowds responded with goofy dancing and hand waving not often seen at an industry-heavy festival. We'd opine than in dark times, happy music sounds better, and it doesn't get much more poppy than this. One final note: Little Boots didn't play to tracks, but actually brought musicians (so someone was triggering the samples at least.) This made for a more compelling and less cheesy concert experience, and we'd hope that other acts take note of it. -Tom Thornton
