Austin – This is the fourth time we’ve reviewed The Antlers on the Panic Manual, so it’s quite possible to say we like them quite a bit. Friday night was a great source of frustration for me, as once again, I was foiled in my attempt to see She & Him. The lineup was extremely long and my attempt to casually walk through the side entrance pretending to be someone important ultimately failed. I then retreated to Esther’s Follie to check out some comedy acts to cheer me up. Once fully cheered, I decided I liked nothing more then to hear some familiar depressing music. It was my emotional roller coaster night I guess. Midnight seemed like a perfect time for the Antlers to play. It’s dark outside and they play dark music. They were playing the French Kiss showcase, which also featured bands like An Horse, Suckers and Les Savy Favs.
Just like their opening set for the Editors in February, the Antlers played only a handful of songs – five to be exact, and just like that concert a month ago, I was equally captivated by their music. This time, I was slightly less captivated as the sound system pretty much sucked balls for some reason. Still, it’s always a pleasure to see Pete Silbermann sing. The man does not hit all his notes, and somehow every version of Two comes out sounding a bit different, but the intensity and heart behind the voice makes it all okay somehow. The Antlers have become experts at the building up songs. The music starts off quietly, maybe a few beeps, a few boops. Some slowly paced drum beats and stellar guitar feedback and then the next thing you know, Silbermann’s wailing on his guitar, the synth has become deafening and theres a massive wall of sound hitting you square in the face. It’s quite the treat experiencing it. This wasn’t the best set of theirs I’ve seen, I thought the some of the tenderness that is Bear was lost amongst the chattering and the crappy sound system. Still, a band I would recommend seeing live.
Here’s a crappy video I took during their set. This video camera is good a picking up vocals, bad at picking up noise, so don’t think this is acoustic performance by any measure:
ps. the picture was not from sxsw, but from February because our photographer Gary decided to take a break.
Austin – Eddie Argos. What a showman. If you have been to any Art Brut shows, you will know that he puts on live shows like no other. Hilarious banter, genuine honesty and true love for rock n roll, that’s what the man is about. When it was announced that he was in a new band with his LA girlfriend called Everybody was in French Resistance Now! and they were putting on shows at SXSW, I marked this one down as a much watch. Sadly, I must have been one of the few, as the Galaxy Room was only at 30% capacity for this band’s debut. The people who did stayed enjoyed one hell of a show.
With Dyan Valdés on synth and an old British man on drums/guitars, EWITFR is like a lighter, bouncier, popier version of Art Brut. Fans not fear, the cleverness of Eddie Argos lyrics are still there. Announcing this band as a ‘concept’ band, Eddie delivered introductions to each song, including songs like Billys Jean, which was a response to the Michael Jackson’s song Billy Jean. Other songs included Superglue, a response to Elastica’s Vaseline and also ‘Do Think Twice’ a response to Bob Dylan’s song Don’t Think Twice. You get the idea.
Because of the small crowd, the show seemed rather intimate. It was made even more intimate when Eddie Argos took the microphone stand directly into the crowd and sang in the middle of the people who were there. At one point, I was looking at my phone to read a text message from Derek or Alli, only to look up to see Eddie singing directly into my face. Slightly embarrassed, I never reached for my phone again – it was that kind of intimate. The show ended with a rant on Avril Lavigne’s song Girlfriend, followed by the band covering the original song boyfriend.
Kickass music, intelligent lyrics, great showmanship and a small setting. That’s what SXSW is about and I’m excited to see this band again if/when they tour.
Toronto– So I think in the future when I say that my routine of little sleep and a lot of coffee will help me make it through CMW and work, I will think twice about the validity of that statement. After a heavy schedule with CMW and work, followed by an even more insane week of work, I did not think I would survive until this weekend to write this. Now with kangaroos, koala bears, the full selection of Tim Tam flavours, and lovely beaches on the horizon, I’ve been thinking about what to pack in one suitcase, and of course what Canadian music to preach to the Aussie office. What better list to start with than with my favs from this year’s CMW.
1. The Mountains and the Trees at Central’s Factor Breakthrough Session
I had heard of the Mountains and the Trees sometime last year, and was waiting for my opportunity to hear him perform live. Hailing from Newfoundland, the Mountains and the Trees (a.k.a. Jon Janes), croons songs about things from his day to day life, to the lament of a person leaving his little town by the sea for better opportunity. His performance was honest, humble and with heart—the type of show that sits you down, captivates you by story through song, and one which you find yourself humming along with, or tapping your foot to the beat of the drum. Okay, so maybe a man who plays guitar, harmonica, banjo, and ukulele makes me weak in the knees, but there’s an earnest air to his overall performance which I think is rare. The Mountains and the Trees embark on a UK tour in May, but will be back in Toronto for NXNE in June. Highly, highly recommend you check him out if you are a fan of folk rock.
2. Jason Collett, Zeus, and Bahamas at the Bonfire Ball, Lee’s Palace
I’m already a big fan of Jason Collett, so when I went to show I thought I was going to see a regular concert, with each act taking its turn. I was pleasantly surprised to see everyone was each other’s back up band and played a solid 3 hour set of each other’s songs. Not ever having seen a show like this before, I was really impressed even with Jason Collett’s apologies as he told the crowd they were still learning each other’s songs. If he hadn’t said anything I would not have known—their chemistry on stage and their never ending energy would have told you this wasn’t their first show but maybe their tenth. Zeus was a lot of fun, with songs and performances that sometimes reminded me of the Beatles. Bahamas was also fantastic and a great discovery for me. As for Jason Collett, his set included a lot of songs from his highly acclaimed album, Idols of Exile (which was also fine by me, because they were all my favourite songs). Overall, I had a great time, and it wasn’t just because of the three cups of coffee I had before the show! You can also read Paul’s review here.
3. Jeff Martin at the Sirius Song Writer’s Café, Mod Club
Where has Jeff Martin been all these years? Admittedly, I haven’t kept up with his music since the Tea Party—way back in my days from middle school and high school. All I can say is that watching his performance at this age allowed me to gain a better appreciation for his level of musicianship. Amazing, amazing, amazing. Read about his performance here, from Mark, my partner in crime.
4. Joel Plaskett at the Sirius Song Writer’s Café, Mod Club
If there is one country which loves Joel Plaskett more than Canada, it is Australia. I probably won’t understand why they love him so much until I get there, but given his following I’ll spare the office the opportunity to listen to my rendition of Deny, Deny, Deny. The audience was treated to an acoustic set backed by Peter Elkas, and within the first strum of the guitar he had the majority of the club singing along. As mentioned in my CMW primer, I’ve seen him more times than I care to share, and in classic Plaskett tradition (which I can definitely attest to), his performance left yet another crowd yelling, screaming, and begging for more. Read Mark’s review about Joel here.
5. Great Lake Swimmers and the Constantines at the Indie Awards, Royal York Hotel
I think perhaps the Indie Awards deserve a spot alone. Compared to last year, the show has certainly improved. With a better line up and longer sets, everyone was able to enjoy performances from the likes of Plants and Animals, the Rural Alberta Advantage, Great Lake Swimmers and the Constantines. While I love Great Lake Swimmers and the Constantines, I do feel they could have picked other slightly lesser known bands to promote in front of a live, radio, and video audience. Nevertheless, Great Lake Swimmers and the Constantines were outstanding and my favourites of the show. I’ve seen each band many times, and both groups never fail to disappoint.
Honourable Mention:
Otter Petter at Central’s Factor Breakthrough Session
From Chicago, Otter Petter, plays sugar coated alt rock that’s reminiscent of Matthew Sweet. Not always my cup of tea, I’ve heard a lot of bands try and do the same but failed to play music that could get me past thoughts and feelings of annoyance, headache, and the desire to stick a pen in my eye. I find their music a good balance of guitar, harmony, and nah nah’s. Songs are not too long and not too short, and leave you pretty satisfied. It’s up beat feel good music. So if you’re in the mood for sugary sweet indie rock, I would check out Otter Petter.
Best show: The Mountains and the Trees
Best show from a band you have never heard before: Bahamas and Otter Petter
Worst show: tie between We are the City and The Darcys (I’m sorry, I don’t want to be mean)
Best CMW moment: the return of Jeff Martin
Worst CMW moment: the asshole at the El Mo who would not stop farting while I was trying to take pictures of We Are the City. That may have been why I disliked the set so much. So sorry again.
Austin – Filter puts on awesome showcases every year at SXSW (witness last year’s Late of the Pier party) and this year was no exception. The lineup was around the block on Friday for their showcase which involves bands like The Temper Trap, Local Natives, BRMC and Dr. Dog. We were there for all of them, Gary will be reviewing Dr. Dog and the Temper Trap (who ruled).
The Local Natives have been featured on our blog a few times before and so as you would figure, I was rather excited to see the show. For those who NEED to know, they are a LA based band that relies on harmonizing vocals blended with a California laid back rocker sound. It’s good.
I had high expectations for this show and much to my delight, Local Natives killed it. 3 part harmonizing vocals, two guitars, one synthy guy, one bassist and a kickass drummer. Nice setup. These guys have mastered quiet…quiet…EXPLODE technique. Perfect example would be the live rendition of the song Sun Hands, Taylor Rice slowly lulls you to a nice calm state with his subdued singing then BAM, all four of them scream out “AND WHEN I CAN’T FEEL WITH MY SUN HANDS” and whoosh, awesomeness. Speaking of Taylor Rice, he has a pretty nice voice and hits the notes despite the show being like, the band’s 5th show in 3 days. Kelcey Ayer’s multi-instrumental skills was impressive as well. The sometimes duo drummer setup the band employs adds a lot more ooompf to the live show then the album, which is great. I’m a fan of two drummers in a band. Don’t ask me why.
The 40ish minute set consisted songs from the debut album – Gorilla Manson, something you should look into. Good showing, will definitely see them if they tour Toronto.
Speaking of Filter, they want you to win a record player and a bunch of vinyl, as long as you are American. One lucky winner will receive a Crosley Archive Portable USB Turntable and the following must-have titles for any record collection, hand-picked by FILTER’s editors. Animal Collective, Tribe Called Quest, Beach House, etc. You can enter here
