Rocker Stalker

Apparently, it has taken almost a week to get back into the swing of things, so hello again! To reiterate, SXSW 2013 was the best yet of my five consecutive trips down to Austin for the festival.

Wednesday, March 13, which marked the second day of SXSW’s music week left me in awe (without knowing the rest of the week would leave me feeling the same).  I spent most of the day at one of my favorite ATX venues, Rusty’s waiting with bated breath for epic acts inlcuding Eagles of Death Metal and Reignwolf.  Sticking around all day paid off, as I heard a bevy of bands that impressed on all three of the venue’s stages.

Soulful Southern Californians, The Mowgli’s, kicked my day off with aptly sunny tunes. The LA octet  recently released a music video, ode to  NorCal counterpart, entitled “San Francisco.”   A solid set of upbeat and dancable pop kept the spirit up, as Oxoford, UK’s A Silent Film, made it their goal to rile up the SX crowd.  You can check out their record, Sound and Snow here.  On the outside stage, hometowners,The Rocketboys were having a ball playing their indie rock anthems in the sunshine, showcasing their rich harmonies. Their record Build Anyway is out now.  Back indoors, sibling-led blondfire filled the room with ethereal alt-pop sounds from their EP, Where the Kids Are.  One big moment I was looking forward to was upon me, as I stood in sweaty anticipation for  some of my rock ‘n roll heroes, Eagles Of Death Metal. Flirtatious and sassy Jesse Hughes, who donned a t-shirt reading “Pigeons of Shit Metal,” winked and danced his way through the set of adrenalized ‘hits,’ defining the ultimate frontman.

I took a momentary break to see NYC’s Hollis Brown rock out an acoustic set at The Deli Magazine’s “Hangover Hangout,” a little break with acoustic sets. Hollis Brown stripped down to two members, taking a bit of a break themselves from their ongoing tour.  Check these guys out when they are back in NY on March 30  and their album Ride on the Train.

Back at Rusty’s, I found my self headbanging to Brazilian Black Drawing Chalks,  who I can’t say much else about since I don’t speak Portugese except they were awesome. Following suit, space rock, Cosmic Suckerpunch, who has twin guitar and bass players (fun fact) which contrasted with gypsy folk group  The Herbert Bail Orchestra, that literally was an orchestra of  nine plus members.   Back outside, London and Johanessberg-rooted and now Arizona-based KONGOS made up for four (genetically related) brothers, who generate a sort of tribal indie rock. Classical guitarist Alain Johannes performed with impassioned spirit, driving the audience to hush themselves to hear the guitar’s subtle nuances.  Closing my night with perfection, I was yet again privileged to hear the phenomenal Reignwolf whose prevous appearance in NYC last year rattled my brain.  Starting off solo, with guitar, kick drum, and vocals, Jordan Cook aka Reignwolf proved himself a top bluesman of the 21st century. Joined onstage, the one-man-band became three, and together they yet again blew the minds of all onlookers with incredible riffs and authentic rock ‘n roll, even including a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain.”

A picture says a thousand words, so check out Day 2’s photos on Rocker Stalker’s Facebook Page.   Here are a couple videos for your viewing soundtrack!