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Friday
Bloodshot Records BBQ
On Friday the weather was nice until about 10:30am. After that, a
steamy 95 degrees! This kind of weather begged for a BBQ and so we
obliged. Down at the Yard Dog were two tents set up, both equally
important. The first had hamburgers on the grill and free beer. The
second had some of Bloodshot's beloved acts. The stage was filled
with bands like: The Waco Brothers, Bobby Bare Jr.,
and Missouri natives Ha Ha Tonka. Good wholesome music is really
the best way to describe Bloodshot's bands. No frills, just incredible
talent. And what goes best with wholesome music? Well, good wholesome
food and good wholesome beer.
 Thirsty
Nickel:
By about 3pm we had had enough of the heat and sun, so decided to
take refuge in a bar. And if you're at a bar during SXSW, there's
bound to be a band playing. We'll this bar stop was planned. We wanted
to catch the set of the band Eastern Conference Champs. These
guys are definitely not lacking on the rock genes, with their music
it almost feels like a mix between Radiohead and Modest
Mouse. The little stage and poor acoustics just didn't do this
band justice. But, you put that together with free Jameson whiskey
and this was a crowd pleasing venue. Another band that I wish I could've
seen a longer performance by, but I'll just have to wait for another
time. Until then I put them on my "New Bands To Check Out From
SXSW" list.
Latitude 30:
From my experience last year I knew if there was a larger band that
I was dying to see, I would need to get there early. In some cases
almost 2 hours early (with R.E.M. it shoulda been 3 hours). Well for
a favorite band of mine, People In Planes, after hearing their
latest single "Pretty Buildings," I knew it would be worth
it to go as early as I needed to secure a premium spot. Therefore,
I headed to Latitude 30 just about when they were opening the venue
up for the night performances. I thought to myself "Eh, I'll
just wait through whoever this first band is for People In Planes."
To my surprise the first band was another one from the UK called Furthest
Drive Home. I had heard their name before, but never had a chance
to really hear any of their music. And with this being their first
ever performance in America, I think it was safe to say that I wasn't
the only one hearing them for the first time. They have graced the
cover of Kerrang! several times and that magazine is pretty good at
picking 'em. Their music is infectious; very energetic, but not to
the point of pop. Between the harmonizing and added keyboard effects,
they put on an entertaining performance. They made it on my "New
Bands" list, easily.
 By
the time FDH finished, the tiny little venue was at capacity, and
rightfully so. I've seen PIP before, in an outdoor venue with thousands
of people. But this was going to be different. Their music is so unique.
It's entrancing, mesmerizing, crisp, engaging, and out of this world.
The song "Pretty Buildings" is so much more than "pretty."
It starts out with a beautiful piano and Gareth's voice, which
laces in almost seamlessly. A little bit of strings and drums keep
your attention for the next few seconds while the guitars get set,
and before you can think, it comes at you head on. The incredible
music is the perfect match to the amazing emotion behind the lead
vocals. In not only this song, but all of theirs. This is the kind
of song and the kind of band that keeps you counting down the days
until their new album (summer 2008).
La Zona Rosa:
With my blood pumping fast after that performance, it made my 9 block
walk seem to go by in a flash. Which was good because 9 blocks away
was the venue La Zona Rosa. And in roughly 30 min Chiodos was
going to be playing. Chiodos is a band that I guess you could say
appeals to the "young people." Well then, I'm a young person,
because I absolutely love this band. Ever since their publicist sent
me their newest album Bone Palace Ballet it has yet to leave
my car. Yes, their music may be a tad on the harder side (Craig
- lead vocals - definitely knows how to scream), however their music
is insane. They've found away to set themselves apart from the rest
of the scene and grab the attention of a lot of people. This was one
of the shows that I knew I could not miss. Yes, I have seen them before,
but this is a band that I will never pass up a chance at a show.
I parted ways with the Rosa, the "young people" and the
Rock Band set up in the other room, to make an attempt at N.E.R.D.
Well, with the Chiodos performance I was unable to follow my cardinal
rule and thus the N.E.R.D. show was full. This time however, I was
rocking a migraine. So perhaps it was a sign: Go To Bed Rachel. And
I did.
-Rachel Fredrickson
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