ATH & SXSW: 3 to Watch Part 4.
So close! Yet we’re so far away. Okay, not really…SXSW is officially upon us, and shows are sprouting up all over the place. Personally, I’m freaking out. So many incredible bands that I want to see for the first time, and so many more that I would gladly see a hundred times over. Here’s a list of a few acts that I haven’t actually caught yet, so I’ll be seeing them for the first time…SXSW is the first time to lose your band cherry.
1. Girls Names
Oh Girls Names, how I love thee. From their first record, Dead to Me, to their newest effort, The New Life, I’ve been absolutely enamored. Those of you interested in jangling indie pop will probably lean towards the first effort, but the new album, which I reviewed recently, is this dark-tinted post-punk record. Personally, they both have great things to offer, and since the band hails from Belfast, I am not quite sure how often, if ever again, I will have the chance to see them. Also, they have a drummer who also has a super rad band named Sea Pinks. I rave about them all the time. This is probably one of the bands I’m most looking forward to catching this year, though I’ll be happy to see anyone!
[audio:Download: Girls Names – Seance on a Wet Afternoon [MP3]
Music for Listeners @ Flat Top Burgers @ 6 PM
2. Allah-Las
How could I not love this band? They combine elements of sunny Cali pop with the cloudy hooks of modern psych rock, all which made their self-titled debut a growing joy that played for a long time at the ATH offices. Ever since our first introduction to the group, we’ve seen their name pop up all over the place, which means we’re not the only ones recognizing the promise these lads have. Those of you that like to plant your feet and sway in the wind will surely find yourself enjoying any one of their many sets this year.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Allah-Las-Dont-You-Forget-It.mp3]Download: Allah-Las – Don’t You Forget It [MP3]
PASTE Party (3/13) @ Stage on Sixth @ 3:30 PM
I have a sneaking suspicion that Parenthetical Girls might be one of the more theatric bands coming to the festival this year. Perhaps it’s just the dramatic sounds that are present on their recent release, Privilege, or maybe it’s their attention to the interesting album art work. Both of those things point to a band with a sense of the dramatic/operatic, so I don’t see how they can offer anything less. They blend various elements of indie rock, classical music and artiness to create this wonderful world of collage pop that’s truly endearing. I expect big things from the group both at SXSW and in 2013.
[audio:https://austintownhall.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Evelyn-McHale-1.mp3]Download: Parenthetical Girls – Evelyn Mchale [MP3]
Force Field PR Party @ Red 7 @ 2 PM