SXSW 2010: Part One
Posted 03/22/2010 09:10AM by Dan Goldin as Show Review
What better way to kick off my SXSW coverage than with a burst of local talent straight from Austin. Upon my arrival Wednesday night I headed directly to the Captiva Records showcase at The Bayou Lounge to catch one of the city’s finest space rock bands, Exeter. Already a big fan of the band, this was the first opportunity I’ve had to see them live (since they haven’t traveled the East Coast yet), and all expectations were met. The quartet comprised of Mike (guitar/vocals), Rocky (bass), Ky (drums), and Cam (guitar) launched into favorites from their Pop Up Records debut Grey Noise White Lies, including album opener "Bittersweet Vanity," "Shadowboxing," "Red Dress," and "Everyday Parade" (requested by a fan in the audience). While it was a short set, the band found time to play a sonically crushing new track, “Body Language,” leaving me very excited for their follow up album. Mike asked how many people in the audience where fans of Failure before diving into their cover of Failure’s classic “Smoking Umbrellas” from The Nurse Who Loved Me: A Tribute to Failure. Their sound was very much in tune with their records but with added punch to the layers of guitar and rhythm section. The band will be playing another set on Friday as they headline the Killredrocketrecords pool party; that is sure to be a not-to-miss show.
Following Exeter’s set, just down the street at Red Eyed Fly, Austin’s hometown heroes, LIONS, were headlining an official SXSW showcase. I had the pleasure to catch them on past tours with Toadies and Local H, but nothing beats seeing the hometown show. The band is now performing as a five piece (at least for this show), with the addition of a third guitarist, allowing an unholy assault of guitar bliss and opportunities for frontman Matt Drenik to concentrate on vocals, depending on the song. Known for their energetic live performances, the band spent much of their showcase debuting new songs, very much to the audience’s approval. Lead guitarist Austin Kalman is absolutely incredible to watch live, embodying the spirit and sonic acrobatics of Tom Morello and Omar Rodriguez Lopez, and he is truly one of the best new guitarists of the past few years. The crowd roared as they played favorites such as “No Generation” and their most recent single “Gimme Riot,” with the audience singing along to every word. Already gaining much attention in the UK, LIONS sound as though they should be playing giant arenas, and hopefully one day soon they will.
