Austin – It has come to my realization that I will not be able to write long ass reviews for every band I see. So here are some quicky Ricky reviews.
Chris Shiflett – The man best known as the lead guitarist for the Foo Fighters also played Monday night’s British Embassy night. Why? I don’t know, maybe he likes soccer or something. Nothing about his set really impressed me, although with his laid back demeanor, beard, flannel shirt and the panty removing acoustic guitar, I am sure soccer moms everywhere are already taking their minivans to Walmart in order to buy his upcoming release.
We Are Scientists – This band was older then I thought, although I am older then I thought as well. Either way, they played the interactive closing party. There set consisted of guitar driven power pop songs. I thought they could have benefitted from a synth players at times. They played a couple of their hit songs during their set, as well as showing off some new material. The crowd was quite into the band, especially one girl, who was clearly super drunk and semi passed out at the front of the stage.
Matias Aguayo – This guy was a one man wrecking crew. Using a variety of instruments including flutes, snares, tamborines and electric gadgets, the French/Spanish dj put down some tribal beats and was extremely impressive. I was equally impressed at myself for taking the advice from some dude wearing an Old Milwaukee hat, tilted sideways.
Toro Y Moi – One of the biggest chillwave artists to break out in 2010, the feedback heavy sounds coming from Toro Y Moi wasn’t really impressing me, as much as the bunch of hipsters doing interpretive dancing to his semi smooth sound does. A bit of a downer, to be honest.
The Law – Playing in front of about 8 people, this Scottish band made the best of the situation by delivering an energy filled set of guitar driven indie rock. They had a light playfullness to their sound that reminded me of something like the Fratellis or latter day Supergrass, I think.
She & Him – I only got into the last 4 songs of their set at Cedar Courtyard, although I did manage here my favorite S&H song – In the Sun. Zooey Deschanel’s voice delivered as promised and the rest of the band played nicely in the background. There was no photographs allowed and Zooey had on a large hat that she may or may not stole from the Lord of the Rings movie set.
Cate Le Bon – Stopped by to see this Welsh folkish/psychedelic singer songwriter. I don’t know much about her except she was the guest vocalist on Neon Neon’s I Lust You. Her laid back set was just what I needed to calm me down after an exciting Thursday afternoon.