Friday’s annual Spin SXSW Party is something else. Strong lineup and free booze. It’s one of the best day parties at SXSW and this year was no exception.
It’s been a few years since I’ve seen Kate Boy (featured in the picture above). Back then, they were shrouded in mystery but it’s now two years later and the band is finally ready to release their debut record. Performing in broad daylight, the group’s energy on stage was striking compared to when I last saw them in the tiny dark room that was the Wrongbar. With the additional space, Kate Akhurst was able to move and dance around to all parts of the stage and made for a much more engaging show to their percussion heavy electro-pop music. I’m looking forward to their album.
Will Butler’s recently released debut album is solid, so it should come as no surprise that his live show was solid as well. You almost forgot that Will Butler was in Arcade Fire until you saw his band, which featured also three female members playing a variety of instruments and a drummer. As the old saying goes, strength in numbers.
The additional backing vocals during the show added a nice chaotic punch to Will’s tracks. It was interesting to see Will Butler take front stage. The guy likes to move about on stage, climb stuff and manically bash his piano. I don’t stand in the rain for many shows, but his was good enough for me to do that.
Twin Shadow OPENED with 5 seconds. He basically could of dropped the mic and walked off the stage after that. He did not. The man should be a superstar. Perhaps his new record will take him to that level. I hope so. Who opens with their best track and then keeps the show going strong? Twin Shadow does.