SXSW

SXSW Review: Bloc Party, March 11, ACL

Posted on by Ricky in South By Southwest | Leave a comment

bloc party

bloc party

Bloc Party’s career trajectory can be best compared to the television show Lost. Stunning debut, less spectacular follow up, followed by Kele leaving the band for awhile to do his solo stuff, only to have a Jack “We have to go back” moment with the band returning from hiatus, only things are slightly different and the outlook is somewhat murky. Recent releases have not been met with the same universal adoration that greeted Bloc Party when they first arrived on the scene and it is uncertain whether the band can recapture that magic they had when they first came onto the scene over a decade ago.

What does this have to do with their show at the ACL as part of SXSW Interactive party? I don’t know. Despite the middling success of their new release, Bloc Party still brought a packed house at SXSW on the first night of Interactive and with their new lineup, played a sixteen set that mixed material new and old.

Perhaps it’s my unfamiliarity with the new material, but none of it really stood out for me. If I had to pick, new single The Love Within stands out the most and with the inclusion of synthy dance elements, perhaps is the one that identifies with the newer Bloc Party sound. Still, it was all the classics that brought the crowd to a frenzy. Helicopter, Positive Tension, Banquet and This Modern Love had everyone singing along. I am pretty sure This Modern Love is one the best songs of the 00’s, Kele’s lyrics are so on point and the delicate delivery of that track still resonates to this day. Banquet is not far behind, and brings me back to the old Dance Cave days.

It must be tough to recapture that magic you once had, I think Bloc Party’s still trying to find it and I hope they do. In the meantime, we’ll still have their classics.

SXSW Review: Mamamoo, The Belmont, March 16

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IMG_8240

Mamamoo were the chosen ones by the Korean music industry to showcase this year at SXSW. A group that was formed a few years ago, Mamamoo has quickly risen up the ranks of power among the girl group factions in Korea. The Belmont was packed to the roof for them and the excitement was high. You know, I’ve been going to K-Pop nights at SXSW for four years now and they never take the time to serve free Korean food. Why is that? It’d be a great opportunity for Korea to introduce a lot of Texans to the wonders of bulgogi and bimbimbap as well as all those cool bands and cell phones they are making.

Anyways, the group took the stage and people just lost it. Four grown ass men next to me pulled out print out paper signs with the names of the girls and waved them throughout the show, trying to get the girls attention. These were grown ass men I’m talking about. I’m like, well if you are going to make signs, put a little more effort into it and not just a shitty black and white printout. Much to my delight, the girls ignored them. Does that make me a bad person? Maybe.

Mamamoo’s music was quite refreshing, they incorporated many different genres into the music, ranging from 50’s style doo-wop sound to straight up hip hop track sounded like it was produced by ‘Dre. It made for an interesting show and I can see why they have separated themselves from all the other girl factions in Korea. Their dance moves were on par and quite flirtatious, which brought all the boys to the yard. I found it charming that even though it was obvious that hey didn’t know a lick of English, they would just yell out random stuff like “Let’s go!” or “Are you ready!”. A very charming show.

I would say go check them out but they probably aren’t touring, so watch this video instead.

Here’s a video

SXSW Review: Crystal Castles, Stubbs, March 18

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crystal castles

For ten minutes, it was glorious Crystal Castles – panic inducing strobe lucks, bone shaking beats and a barely audible and aggressive sounding vocals from Edith Frances. Then it all came crashing down. After some apparent technical problems, the group left the stage and ended their set, leaving a wet and drunk crowd bitterly disappointed. Same old shit I guess.

SXSW Review: Chairlift, Budweiser House, March 16

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chairlift

Chairlift’s new album Moth is one of my favorites thus far in 2016, with it’s incredibly catchy hooks and delightful synthpop sounds, so it was a no brainer to see them at SXSW. Taking the stage a bit after midnight, I was pleased to find the new album also seemed to bring forth a new change in the band’s live setup. Considering how creative and visually pleasing their videos have been, it was always odd to find the band mainly behind their instruments during the set. The new album seemed to have changed the presentation, the new tracks bring Caroline up from behind the synthesizer and in front of the stage. She’s a dynamic presence when not behind her synthesizer and adds a much needed visual and energetic element to the groups live show.

Playing a short set full of new material and some previous hits, the group seemed more lively then ever, although they still did not do the Amanaemonesia dance. One could only dream. My only complaint was that the track Moth to the Flame, which is definitely going to be a hit this year, was not as ‘anthemy’ as it could have been. That’s a killer track with a sick hook and the live version came out a bit subdued for some reason. I guess there’s some kinks that need to be worked out. Minor complaint aside, this latest rendition of Chairlift seems destined for success. Now if they would only hire some dancers or something for when Amanaemonesia comes on.