Rural Alberta Advantage
They made my favorite record of 2009 and they returned to SXSW with a few new songs and bigger crowds. Previously performed at the Daytrotter sessions, they played a fleshed out “Barnsyard” and played through some of the best material from Hometowns. It was great to see the festival crowd catching on to their act, and they played nine shows throughout the festival, i believe. It’s an upgrade from last year’s pizza place show, but I’m still very fond of their show at Central Presbyterian and their goodnight song.
Morning Benders
I suppose you could call them a “buzz” band, if you believe in that kind of thing. My early analysis of “Big Echo”, the debut from this band had me eagerly awaiting their surf-pop filled set. I wasn’t disappointed at all, as they plowed through some of the best tracks from their new record. From what I’ve heard, these kids are pretty consistent.
Keepaway
They did their best Animal Collective impression, but it’s hard not to see the influence that Merriweather Post Pavilion is having on countless numbers of bands at this years festival. I hadn’t heard them on record prior to the show, but it’s a band I’d like to look more in to.
Das Racist
From what I’ve heard, this hip-hop group is suppossed to be more of a parody project. I’m not sure if that’s true, but they did bring some hip-hop to the crowd at Buffalo Billards Wednesday night .
Most Unnecessarily Overcrowded SXSW Day show:
Neon Indian at Red 7. Was he one of the most popular acts at SXSW because of his appearance on Jimmy Fallon, signing to Mountain Dew’s label, or because he had a billboard on Red River? Who knows, but that place was packed.
Best 6th Street Sighting
Well there was a Japanese marching band, countless acoustic guitars, but I think it has to be that guy walking around with the lawn gnome in a backpack on his chest.
Best Wednesday Moment
The Morning Benders playing “Excuses”, arguably the best track off Big Echo, and the audience singing along to the harmonies at the end of the track. You can tell everyone in attendance was very familiar with this track as they sang along to the “oh oh ohh” vocals. Instant SXSW classic.
