About Last Night – The Weekend at SXSW

The ATH Team had a busy weekend, so we figured we’d wrap it up in one giant post, rather than inundate you with our opinions about each individual day. We were fortunate to host our own show at 29th Street Ballroom with our friends at Cain’s Hot Sauce, so we got in a solid 18 bands alone on that day!

Read on for our highlights and photos.

Nathan.Lankford Favorite Bands:

Cashier and Parking. First, it would be super easy to pick any of the 18 bands that played our show, but we booked them because they all ruled, and put on such great shows that we’re eternally grateful. So, I picked a couple of acts that weren’t sponsored by us. Parking was just super fun; you don’t get a lot of drummers as singers, and they’ve got this sort of bouncing punk style with hints of new wave, so I was down to groove. Cashier are super hyped, and much deserved now that I’ve caught them live. The songs are strong, but they carried that into a powerful live set too, which says a lot considering they’re playing at least a dozen more times this week!

Nathan.Lankford Thoughts:

Community. Community. Community. Make friends with the bands. Offer them snacks or a place to stay. If you’re in a band, make new band friends. Connect with one another, as there’s never been more of a need for those connections than right now. Ultimately, just embrace the joy of the art surrounding the city.

RayRay Top Bands:

I believe between these two days I saw something like 25-30 bands so this is a tough call to select the best. Also, technically Nathan really did all of the official booking for our Sunday show so I am allowed to pick those bands too! My Faves from the weekend:

Good Flying Birds – A band with a lot of twee elements, but also a guitar player pumping out a really classic and effective sound on his Gibson SG. Great solos from him and excellent vibes inside Cheer Up Charlies.

Jesus Christ II – This band hits with a super heavy sound that I love, though the tiny little inside stage at Firehouse Lounge probably wasn’t optimal for anyone. A young band showing loads of promise on the noisy, heavy AF shoegaze side of things.

Oscar Twins – I never knew I needed Emo Grunge in my life until these Italians hit the inside stage at 29th street ballroom. It’s hard to create something new and interesting, but these dudes did it and I am here for it.

Honey I’m Home – Bringing your own sound guy all the way from the Netherlands is incredibly smart and clearly paid dividends for this band. At times it’s twee pop, then it can get dreamy with droning, overtone guitars. Think Mew with absolutely lovely vocal harmonies. Maybe one of my top bands of the festival so far.

RayRay Thoughts:

I will echo some of Nathan’s thoughts to reiterate the aspect of community and connectivity during these jacked up times. Seeing a ton of old friends, swapping stories from the week and catching up, all while being entranced by some great bands, is special and restorative for the soul. Hopefully we’ll see you out and about again these next few days on your SXSW journey. Come say hey.

bgray Favorite Bands:

I did not surprise myself by finding Nightbus was my favorite thing on the day at Welcome to the Jangle. Dark, but optimistic, post punk with twinges of synth to create a foundation for Olive Rees to float up from. Also, the little dance party with Two Man Giant Squid was a highlight.

bgray Thoughts:

A stressful week coing up had me take a sensible day off on Saturday. Necessary reset. Call out, all of the drummers that are lead vocals or take on big chunk of lyrical delivery. Props. Shoutout also to the trash truck that came an emptied the big bins while Hot Garbage was finishing their set.