Words: Ryan Getz

For the sake of brevity (and also because I’m way late with these recaps) we’ll stick the music portion of day 2.

When I arrived at the showcase at Aquarium on Sixth, jointly booked by Catalyst Publicity Group and Third String Productions, the emotive alternative group Odd Folks was serenading the room with some riffage that sounded like it was out of the 90s. The group hasn’t played much outside of Texas yet, but the mood conveyed onstage was infectious. I observed a group of brothers from different mothers simply playing awesome tunes and having a blast onstage. Talking to them afterwards revealed that we shared some band friends in Comrades and Author, in addition to Kingfishers, who introduced me to these guys.

I was in and out of watching snippets of sets and networking with new friends for the majority of the day at that venue, but there were a few bands that stood out to me. I was sure to catch OWEL for the first time, after getting the chance to review their breathtaking Every Good Boy EP. Like most post rock inclined bands I’ve seen live, the band balanced sheer loudness with beauty well. Yet, there was bit of indie sensibility I hadn’t experienced in this sector up to this point. Night Argent I caught for my second straight SXSW, but the small stage and PA was way too small to handle their stage presence and sound. Yet, they made do with it well. Donning complimentary black outfits, the guys played their arena ready tracks with gusto. Many will compare them to Imagine Dragons. Luxxe mixed alternative rock with indie folk with alternative rock – again, a style that’s very much a trend right now but they brought the bar down to earth for a minute, something I think a lot of folks appreciated.

The highlight of the Catalyst showcase came in the form of Columbus’ own The Skulx – a band that shares a hometown with Tuned Up. Go figure, I go all the way to Austin to discover new talent and one of my favorites is from a band in my own backyard! If you like dirty rock and roll with trumpet, plenty of high kicks, head banging, and some rolling around on a bar counter from the frontman, this band is your source of entertainment. Plus, the songs themselves were pretty darn catchy. Don’t miss the chance to see this Foxy Shazam/Cadaver Dogs offspring live.

My evening was split between two showcases. I ended up at Banger’s portion of the Culture Collide party for a couple of bands. Up and coming pop rockers Grizfolk were playing an engaging set of tunes when I walked in, but they were overshadowed by Polica, who brought to the table a unique twist on the indie pop/electronica craze. Dual drum kits on stage alongside airy vocals. One would think the juxtaposition would be too wide, but the band made it work.

I was tempted to hang around for a headlining set from Miike Snow, but some folks from German Haus (based out of Cologne) convinced me to go next door and check out kraut rock legends faUSt. I had never heard these guys before South By, but it was apparent that the small crowd at their showcase was very much in tune with the sonic waves from this aging quartet. The band wavered between noise and dreamlike sounds, utilizing a number of percussion methods that were outside the box. A toothbrush on electric guitar. An empty propane tank. A large sheet of metal hanging behind the drum kit. Speaking of which, who would have thought you could make a random sheet of metal sound triumphant when utilized correctly? faUSt did.

Wrapping up my evening were two electronic acts. FEMME is a pink haired spritelike gal that seemingly refuses to grow up. Her partner in crime (hypewoman?) laid down the beats and harmonies to the rear, all the while the pair had an apparently well rehearsed yet still genuine feeling bit of choreography to go alongside each song. I was reminded of Damn the Witch Siren from Columbus, with the way FEMME bounced around onstage, the sass in the performance, and the glittery table set up behind her. The set was very sparkly and a little bit seductive. A few songs into their set I walked over to…uh…crud. Forgot the name of the bar. It was on Rainey Street. No matter, Honne played a set at 1AM in a much more intimate setting than I predict this duo will be used to in the coming months. The sound was cool, but like Night Argent’s set earlier in the day, felt a little out of place in that venue. I’ll concede that its hard to beat the view of the Austin skyline as a backdrop of that showcase though. I observed many that were super into the set though, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the duo from the UK has in store for the industry.