Austin Sound Check

Bands Watched : 10 (final total : 35)
Celebrity Sightings : 0 (final total : 3)
Beers Consumed : 2
Tragically Bad Bands Seen : 0
SXSW Saturday was a day marked by long lines and schedule changes. Frustrating as it was, I still got to see some outstanding music.
The day kicked off at The Belmont with Gringo Star and Manchester Orchestra. Gringo Star was competant, but nothing special or original. The most interesting thing that happened during their set was the random musician walking around eating a block of dry ramen noodles. YUM! I’d actually gone to The Belmont to see Manchester Orchestra …read more

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SXSW has released their latest list of bands playing official showcases at the 2009 festival. This includes several bands previously released and looks to be missing at least one (Girl in a Coma?).
It’s important to note that this list is far from complete, as SXSW is still in the process of reviewing applications. The list below represents those artists chosen to date, with more on the way in the coming weeks.
I’ve highlight the bands I’m most excited to see on the list. Who are you looking forward to?
8Ball & MJG (Memphis, TN)
Akron/Family (Williamsport, PA)
Al Kapone (Memphis, TN)
Alina Simone (Brooklyn, NY)
Amanda …read more

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Instrumental rock has long been the red-headed stepchild of the music industry.  Instrumental anything is often relegated to background music, but Explosions in the Sky, The Calm Blue Sea and their local brethren have elevated the visability of the genre and are exploring new boundaries to bring mainstream attention to music that was once an afterthought in the minds of music fans.
The Calm Blue Sea’s self-titled debut album is only six songs, but clocks in at 46.5 mins. Both of these things are completely standard and expected in the instrumental genre. What’s fresh and unique to The Calm Blue Sea …read more

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Austinites Explosions in the Sky are getting some press this morning.
Live Music Blog has a great live review up from the band’s 3/29 performance at The Pageant in St. Louis.
Fans of the movie Friday Night Lights should already be familiar with Explosions In the Sky, who wrote most of the film’s soundtrack.

The Sword’s new album Gods of the Earth was released yesterday on Kemado Records. You can stream the entire album on their MySpace page.
The Sword will be heading out west in support of Gods of the Earth. Be sure and check the tour dates to see if they’ll …read more

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