It’s hard to beat a surprise set by St. Vincent, all the more so when it takes place at a Rivian showroom. The set was short but potent, including a few from her most recent album. And thanks, Rivian, for the limited edition vinyl of said release.
Although he’s been on my radar for several years, this was my first time seeing Carlisle perform live. It won’t be the last. His songs and stories rang out with tremendous warmth, humor, and authenticity.
Palmyra – Virginia folk t
Tommy Stinson writes great power pop songs and then roughs up the edges, a skill that I got to see him demonstrate twice in Austin. He started his sets acoustic before bringing out his young proteges, the rock band Freedom Rockets, to back him on a handful of Stinson classics. It was an energizing jolt of rock and roll.
Melanie MacLaren caught my attention last year with an EP of songs wistful and poetic. As she gears up to release her debut full-length album later this year, she made her first visit to SXSW and played a wonderful afternoon acoustic set. And great news: she’ll be back in Texas – Dallas and Ft. Worth specifically – for two special Twangville songwriter showcases in May! (Dallas info, Fort Worth info)
I only caught a portion of his Saturday night performance but it was impossible to not be captivated by Lowrey’s infectious energy and personality. Add some wonderful pop songs into the mix and you’ve got something special. His debut album will be released on 4 April.
ENGLISH TEETH TRIBUTE TO R.E.M.
Every year, Austin’s English Teeth gather a group of friends and pay tribute to a legendary rock artist. This year’s selection was R.E.M. and featured impressive performances by Bob Schneider, Otis Gibbs, Kelly Willis, Ian Moore, Steve Wynn, and Jon Langford, among others.
Austin punk band Riverboat Gamblers have been relatively quiet for the last few years. If they were rusty, however, no one in the Saturday crowd noticed. Singer Mike Wiebe was in particularly fine form, prowling the stage before taking a stage dive into the crowd.
Austin’s Restos kicked off their Sunday afternoon set with “I Came Here to Rock and Roll”. It’s exactly what they did. A special bonus was getting to hear a couple new songs planned for their next release.
I may have been running on fumes, but I closed out SXSW strong watching Jeremy Pinnell serve up some hardcore country at midnight on Sunday night. Pinnell is the real deal, with an impressive catalog of honky-tonk gems.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.