White Lies
Austin – A fun afternoon was had by all at the Filter magazine party yesterday afternoon, which was filled with the sounds of several good British bands. Seeing how us Panic Manual folks love the Brits, we knew we’d enjoy ourselves.
Upon arrival we thought we were going to miss White Lies headlining due to conflicting schedules, but the stars aligned and things got changed around. Formerly known as Fear of Flying, the Ealing (London) natives draw comparison to bands like Editors and Joy Division, though I felt that live many similarities faded away. Jason Bentley (host of KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic” in LA) introduced the band and had trouble expressing just how much he loves this band, and I can understand why. Singer Harry McVeigh has the strongest, most powerful voice I have heard in months and most certainly here at SXSW. During the chorus of “Death” I realized goosebumps were dotting my arms, and not because it was cold out (I was sweating my ass off). It was the first time that happened this week despite seeing a lot of bands I really love, which says a lot for them in my book.
There is a very serious air about White Lies, but upon a little research I found they covered Kanye West’s “Love Lockdown” on BBC radio – beautifully, of course. They seemed very humbled and appreciative that so many people had stood in a crowded courtyard with the sun beating down on them all afternoon to watch their short set. They apologized that they “may sweat a bit” since they weren’t used to the Texas heat. The band was so tight and I felt every note moving through me, unable to help swaying around and closing my eyes – okay, now I am starting to sound like an emo teenager. Anyway, don’t write this band off just because of the cliche comparisons you might read – they are going places.