Five SXSW Bands You Have to See: Wednesday [Phantogram, Inlets, More]

SXSW can be a hectic and overwhelming situation for music lovers. There's always a long list of bands you know you want to see, but there's also always a ton of bands that you're intrigued by. Here at Austinist, we've got a few favorites we're excited for, and a handful of under the radar bands that we want to make sure you've got a lead on.

PHANTOGRAM: Wed., March 17 at the Mohawk, 5 p.m. Phantogram is a Saratoga Springs-based duo: guitarist Josh Carter and keyboardist Sarah Barthel. Their psychedelic synth pop has earned them opening spots with bands like Minus The Bear, Zero 7, Ra Ra Riot, Yeasayer, Brazilian Girls and The Slip. In 2009, they signed to Barsuk, and their latest release, Eyelid Movies, is a pop gem, and a reflection of their time spent in a rural NY barn they call Harmony Lodge writing and recording. Their unique approach to beat making and melodic pop make them a perfect indoor headliner, so don't miss out on their set.

INLETS: Wed., March 17 at Red 7, noon Inlets is Sebastian Krueger, a former choir member and "unfocused student of many instruments." His music blends baroque pop and the darker corners of indie rock with a warm, lo-fi personality. His first release, The Vestibule, came out last Thanksgiving and offered 8 incredible songs as a free download. The new release, Inter Arbiter is a lot like its previous partner, but includes flourishes of strings and a sharper focus that we find intoxicating. Pitchfork recently featured the video for "Bright Orange Air [Twosyllable]", a haunting acoustic number that we've had on repeat. Don't miss this rising star at SXSW. Get more details on the party here.

BODY LANGUAGE: Wed., March 17 at The Hype Machine House (VICE) Body Language are another wildly talented Brooklyn-based group that for some odd reason remains unsigned. The group has been around since 2008, playing music that is influenced by everyone from the Beach Boys to St. Vincent. They've swapped remixes with Toro y Moi and will tour with Zero 7 in 2010.

JAPANDROIDS, Wed., March 17 Emo's, 2:25 Japandroids' first full-length, Post-Nothing, earned a rave review from Pitchfork and started everyone talking about the duo. Since last year, however, we've seen glimpses of what this explosive power duo are capable of, not the least of which was the exhilarating single, "Art Czars" -- a powerful retro-punk anthem full of hooks and dives. Though the band has been on the buzz radar for a while, we have a feeling that new material showcased at this year's SXSW will propel these dudes into a whole new stratosphere. Get more information about the party here.

GIVERS, Wed., March 17 Galaxy Room Louisiana-based Givers offer addictive melodies garnished with sugary sweet vocal harmonies and slew of whimsical instrumentation is the Givers’ forte. Pulsating beats, chiming bleeps, and irresistible rhythms keep those toes tapping throughout, and the nifty compositions are delivered with enough unbridled enthusiasm to trigger an uncontainable urge to dance the night away. It’s all quite captivating. Watch the video for "Saw You First". RSVP here. -Adi Anand

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