ATH & SXSW: 3 To Watch

We ATH crew are here to make sure you don’t completely screw up this whole SXSW thing and hate yourself for doing so.  Now we realize that every website in the nation shares some musical advice on the festival itself, but we like to think that we can offer you our opinions in condensed, easy to read versions.  Our policy has always been to only post things we like, and we promise to continue doing that.  We’ll be spending the next week or so fulfilling our promise with some SXSW artist to watch, 3 at a time.  I’ll start things off today by telling you a bit about 3 bands I deem worthy of your time.  Follow the jump for more.

For current show postings, keep in mind that it’s still early and many shows have yet to be announced.  We will post what we can find at this point.  Also keep in mind that we post ONLY unofficial/free shows and won’t go near the official stuff.  Finally, if they tell you to RSVP, don’t do it.  It’s a scam.

1. Shark Week

I shared some music by this D.C. based surf rock band back in November and I’ve been jamming out to them ever since.  I could be mistaken, but I don’t believe the band have ever made it through Austin before and I’m sure plenty of folks will be making a note to check out their sets.  Those unfamiliar with the group can stream a song below or check out their new EP for free over on bandcamp.  Word on the street is that the live show by Shark Week is crazy and not something to be missed.

Current shows listed:

3/14 – The Deli’s Hangover Hideout @ J. Blacks – 3pm

3/15 – D.C. vs Austin @ Side Bar – 4pm

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/Shark-Week-If-You-Want-Me-To-Stay-For-a-While.mp3]

Download: Shark Week – If You Want Me To Stay (For a While) [MP3]

2. Fidlar

We’ve given plenty of coverage to this band over the last couple of years so you had to know they’d be on this list.  The entire crew enjoyed their set at Fun Fest in November, but I’m personally excited to see them in a more intimate venue setting.  It’s going to be loud, and it’s going to rock.  Tons of chances to see them below:

3/13 – Thrasher Death Match @ Scoot Inn – 5:30pm

3/16 – Waterloo Day Party @ Waterloo Records – 2pm

3/16 – Burgermania II @ Hotel Vegas – 10:15pm

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/FIDLAR-The-Punks-Are-Finally-Taking-Acid.mp3]

Download: FIDLAR – The Punks Are Finally Taking Acid [MP3]

3. Gems

I thought after a couple of rock n roll bands, I’d throw in a more mellow group that can chill out your day and put you into a pleasant trance.  This is easily our freshest face on this list, as I didn’t really get into them until December when B.Gray posted their incredible song “Void Moon”.  The track below, “All I Ever”, is easily a current front runner for song of the year.

3/13 – Disco Naiviete + Crack in the Road @ B.D. Rileys – 12 noon

3/15 – Gold Robot/Father Daughter/Small Plates Party @ The Grackle – 12 noon

[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/GEMS-All-I-Ever.mp3]

Download: GEMS – All I Ever [MP3]