Twangville

A music blog featuring Alt-Country, Americana, Indie, Rock, Folk & Blues. Est. 2005.

  • Reviews
  • Why It Matters Interviews
  • 360 Playlist
  • Readers’ Picks
  • Weekly Email Updates
  • Release Calendar
  • About Us
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Powered by Genesis

SXSW 2024: The Sounds, Part 3

Thursday, March 28, 2024 By Mayer Danzig

The Lottery Winners

My last official SXSW set was delivered by one of my fave new artist discoveries – England’s The Lottery Winners.  The band’s energy, combined with the positivity of their songs, made for a cathartic experience.  


Ben Kweller

Kweller treated a Friday night crowd to a set filled with rockin’ fan favorites.  Power pop for the people.  So, so good.


Near Beer

With band members spread across the country (and in 3 states), Near Beer take full advantage of their infrequent opportunities to perform.  The group essentially set up shop at Austin venue Side Bar, performing there three consecutive days.  I caught them twice, reveling in their spirited, electric guitar-fueled performance.  Bonus points for a stellar cover of the Aimee Mann/’Til Tuesday classic “Voices Carry”.


Malin Pettersen

Norway’s Pettersen continues to evolve her sound.  While her early work was rooted in Americana, her latest album has a slick, indie pop flavor.  She and her band put on a wonderful and often intense performance that showcased her new songs early Thursday afternoon. 


Phil Hurley

Twangville fave Hurley and his combo brought some heat to Thursday afternoon, rocking through tracks from his just released new EP.  


Mic Harrison and the High Score

It’s always fun to meet an artist whose work you’ve long admired – and even corresponded with a few times – for the first time.  All the better to meet them after they’ve finished up a rockin’ set.  Knoxville, Tennessee’s Mic Harrison first crossed my radar as part of the late, great V-Roys.  He then spent time with power pop extraordinaires Superdrag before embarking on a solo career.  Great to finally hear – and meet – you, Mic.


Nathan Mongol Wells

I was only able to catch a few songs from Dallas-based Nathan Mongol Wells but he sure made them count.  The long-time Ottoman Turks singer-songwriter leaned heavily on his 2023 solo outing, including my personal fave, his ballad “Taken for a Ride”.


JD Graham

I only caught a few songs by Phoenix by way of Oklahoma singer-songwriter Graham but they left an impression. His stark tales of a life battling drug addiction and time spent in prison were captivating and left me eager to hear more. 


About the author:  Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.


Filed Under: Acoustic, Americana, Folk, Outlaw Country, Pop, Rock, Singer/Songwriter, SXSW Tagged With: Ben Kweller, JD Graham, Malin Pettersen, Mic Harrison, Mic Harrison & the High Score, Nathan Mongol Wells, Near Beer, Phil Hurley, The Lottery Winners

Friends of Twangville

Polls

What is your favorite new release for week of May 23?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...