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