Heeb

[See SXSW Recap, Part I here]

Friday:

Maybe you guys have heard of this metal band named Metallica? Well, they came to Austin, Texas this year for their big break, and after having seen them play Stubb’s, I am confident that they’ll be huge. And impressively, the lead singer doesn’t have an alcohol problem. Rare for a metal band!

But considering how long Metallica played—a nearly hour-and-a-half set—there wasn’t much time to see other bands that night. Maybe Grizzly Bear? Um, maybe not. They play in Brooklyn almost as often as the Yankees.

But I did however make it a priority to see Still Flyin’, a joyous 15-member pop/ touring house party somewhat influenced by raggae. Bizarre? Somewhat. Enjoyable? Hells yeah. 

[ Bonus video: the infectious Halloween-inspired "Good Thing It’s A Ghost Town".]

Saturday:

This was the final night of the festival so I had to be dilligent and driven in seeing as many bands as possible. And so there was the occasional misfire of sheer utter ridiculousness (apologies to the entourage for subjecting them to this Hot Mess…er, Leg) but I caught three of the best showcases on this night.

The first, being a total pleasant surprise, was the UK’s sensationally dramatic Wild Beasts. The band led by hard-working Hayden Thorpe sounded like Antony fronting Suede. Their newest album Limbo, Panto is a true gem.

We Have Band took the stage next to a surprisingly half-capacity venue. The dance-punk trio had garnered enough praise and attention leading up to the festival that I was expecting a packed room. But then again, they’d played so many times over the last four days…

All three band members sing and play various instruments. Darren Bancroft impressively belted vocals out while playing a keyboard with one hand and playing a drum with the other. Standing up. Their dance-heavy set included a cover of the Pet Shop Boys "West End Girls" and the minor UK hit "Oh!"

They’re not even signed nor do they have a debut album recorded yet. I’m sure that’s since changed after their Saturday night set. It smells like bidding war ‘round here.

And finally, what’s a Saturday night without a surprise performance by Kanye West? A still somewhat satisfactory one!

Initially, I got a lot of resistance for bringing everyone to the Perez Hilton after-party but I wanted to see Little Boots again, and Ida Maria who had cancelled all of her previous festival performances due to visa issues. 

The moment we walked in, Perez walks out on stage and announces Mr. Big Ego Head Yeezy himself. The crowd went ballistic—I mean, he is one of the most famous entertainers in the world. West, the consummate crowd pleaser, whipped through six or seven hits including the annoyingly irresistible "Heartbreak" and the pysch-up anthem "Stronger." Say what you will about the guy, he can work the stage.

Needless to say, Ida Maria could not compete with that. Blame it on the visa.