There’s something strange and kind of wonderful about the fact one of the hottest shows at SXSW was seeing a bunch of unassuming Seattle guys in their 60s.
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But the legendary Sonics command a great deal of respect in Austin and for anyone who considers themselves a garage rock fan, considering they pretty much invented the genre. Which is why groups like Black Lips and King Khan, both hugely indebted, were slated to play after. Plus, the Sonics are old dudes and probably need their rest.
Playing only their fourth show since breaking up sometime in ’67 (according to the rocker-looking dude standing in front of me in line), the fuzz-toned combo ripped through a handful of their non-hits, including indelible stomper Witch, with more verve than many acts one third their age. Whatta blast.
Skipped over the “surprise” Metallica concert (half a dozen buses and trailers parked out front of Stubb’s is real incognito), to catch some of Cut Off Your Hands (pictured above). The frenetic power pop four-piece from New Zealand, being showcased by NME, made the best of what could be SXSW’s most ridiculous venue. Instead of a front row at Aces Lounge, you get giant bar, so the band is marooned on an island. COYH play it fast and twisty, with lead singer Nick Johnston exuding enough energy to bridge the literal gap between band and audience.
There was immediate disappointment upon walking into the Austin Music Hall to see reformed new wavers, Devo – their famous spirally red “Energy Dome” hats were being sold for a gouging 30 bones!
Though many in the 3,000-plus audience wear donning Domes, as the kooky quintet played a sprite set, marching in unison, gyrating and acting just plain weird for middle ages guys wearing matching grey jumpsuits with what looked like crossing guard apparel. Devo dished out classics Whip it, Secret Agent Man and I Can’t Get No (Satisfaction), to the thunderous crowd, with one woman suggesting to us that we starting chanting “Devo, Devo, Devo.” Maybe if we got some free hats.
Primal Scream was a snoozefest at La Sala Zona, so we hiked back for the tail end of Shout Out Out Out Out‘s set Beauty Bar. The Edmonton six-piece had a notorious show last year with certain members barely holding it together, but they certainly made emends for it (at the exact same bar and time slot). Fists were pumping and bodies were pogoing as Nik Kozub and crew slammed home tracks from their newest Re-integration Time.
One more day to go. Body is giving in. Must see more bands…
