My second day in Austin presented me with plenty of sunshine, beautiful scenery and a overwhelming amount of epic events and free parties to choose from. Seriously the pure amount of jaw-dropping-amazing bands performing in the city is enough to give a music enthusiast like myself a panic attack. On this particular day in Texas my first destination was the FILTER Magazine SXSW Showcase entitled Showdown at Cedar Street, an event spanning three days of free BBQ and amazing live music. I was hitting day two of this event and by the line outside it was quite clear that word had gotten out about the massive music-gasm about to take place.Admittance was first come first serve and while the line did go around the block the wait wasn't long and I was inside before the packed courtyard was at capacity. Those who made it late crowded along the fence outside the courtyard straining to get a glimpse inside as the first band began to set-up. The air was electric as everyone prepared themselves for one hell of a day full of live music. Seven amazing bands, in one place, back to back - it was clear to everyone this was the place to be that afternoon.
The first artist to take the stage was Nneka (pronounced 'Neck-uh'), a Nigerian-born singer with a bit of soul, hip-hop and reggae all mixed together with a splash of Bob Marly thrown in for good measure. I hadn't heard her music before, but after one song I was hooked. Cited as an artist with a "heart as big as her afro," Nneka has apparently been building buzz all over the country due to word of mouth and the intensity of her live performances. Since the release of her US debut album, Concrete Jungle, Nneka has made a lot of press including mentions in Rolling Stone, SPIN and being chosen as one of Beyond Race Magazine's 50 Emerging Artists. Her writing has also gained critical praise for covering issues such as capitalism, poverty and war in her home of Nigeria and Western Europe. As she puts it herself: "I do it in a sweet way - but I sing to speak the truth."
The UK rock trio Band of Skulls took the stage next with a powerful set from their amazing debut album, Baby Darling Doll Face Honey. If you haven't heard this album yet you are doing yourself a serious disservice as it is easily one of the best releases of 2009. With instant classic like "Fires," "Patterns" and the amazing ballad "Cold Fame" this album is a must have. While their name congers up images of a really bad black metal band trust me when I say they far from it. BOS is pure infectious rock-n-roll highlighted with bluesy guitar riffs, the great duel-vocal play of guitarist Russell Marsden and bassest Emma Richardson and the pounding punch of drummer Matt Heyward. Formed only two years ago BOS are on the verge of world wide stardom after a successful national tour as well as landing the track "Friends" on the Twilight - New Moon Soundtrack. I caught these guys in STL last year where they put on a scorching show so my expectations for this performance were really high. Of course BOS didn't disappoint as they attacked the audience for near 30-min with a wall of sound built by amazing vocals, infectious guitar riffs and an head pounding drum beat. It's scary to think this will end up being only #3 on my top 10 list of best performances that week, but the best - as they say - is yet to come.
The third band to grace the stage was none other than Delta Spirit, a San Diego based group with a mix of folk, soul and southern rock. A favorite on college radio stations, Lead singer Matthew Vasquez had the crowd swaying and singing along with the lyrics. "If you're feeling what I'm feeling, c'mon," Vasquez sang, "all you soul-serarching people, c'mon!" the crowd replied. The energy level in the audience spiked as the band bounced around the stage with smiles on their faces as they shuffled through several of their hit songs. Known for their catchy and contagious melodies, DS is often referred to as a "hybrid of rock and northern soul" creating a alt-country style that goes well with their spiritual-infused pop lyrics.
The music kept on flowing with The Temper Trap, an Australian outfit that has built insane amounts of buzz after landing on the 500 Days of Summer Soundtrack as well as the TV shows Greek and One Tree Hill. In fact you could actually see the girls in the crowd swoon as the first notes of "Sweet Disposition" began to dance on the air. The band went on to play many of their hits from their debut album, Conditions, including the pulsing base of "Resurrection" and the instrumental "Drums." Describing themselves as "soul-jazz exploration," Temper Trap is known for their atmospheric sound, grandiose guitar riffs and lead singer Dougie Mandagi's incredible vocal range. Comparisons to Coldplay and U2 are justly deserved as these Ausies put on one hell of a show.
Finally, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club took the stage for a short set featuring some of their fan favorite hits as well as the title track "Beat The Devils Tattoo" from their new album. The guys were joined by Raveonettes' touring drummer Leah Shapiro who replaced Nick Jago in 2008. I'll be complete honest in that I had totally forgotten about Jango leaving and was a bit surprised and confused by the cute girl sitting behind the drums wearing thick black sunglasses. However, Shapiro has no problem keeping up with the boys and makes a great addition to the band dealing out the heavy beat that has come to characterized BRMC. The band sounded great but there was a sense of urgency in their set that felt rushed giving me the impression that the guys felt they had better places to be. I love BRMC but it was a strange transition from the enthusiastic smiling faces of Delta Spirit and Temper Trap to the relatively pissed off looking BRMC. Oh well, I suppose short and sweet is better than no performance at all.
At that point in the day I was physically and mentally exhausted and in need of food, water and a comfortable chair. After all there is only so much mind blowing music one can take in one gulp, and only so much standing in the sun you can do in seven hours. With regret I took my leave of FILTER Magazine in search of someplace to regroup and rehydrate. Little did I know that soon after my departure from Cedar Street Courtyard indie-rockers Local Natives and Dr. Dog both put on amazing shows clocking in at around 40-min each. Sa la vie.
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