With hundreds of bands to choose from, some people have a hard time picking the best place to spend the day. Jumping around is an option and can lead to new discoveries, but so can committing to just a couple parties and showcases that happen to showcase music you love. The latter was the case for this writer on the second official day of SXSW.
Alabama record label Single Lock – founded by Ben Tanner of the Alabama Shakes, the John Paul White of the Civil Wars, and Will Trapp – has been cranking out albums from not just the best local acts in their hometown of Florence, but some of the best bands around, period. Their day party on Austin’s East Side featured a stacked lineup, each more exciting than the next.
Under the warming embrace of the Texas sun, Paul Cauthen and his band of Texas Gentlemen brightened the day’s entertainment, quite fittingly, with his timeless Texan baritone croonings, bringing to mind the likes of greats like Waylon Jennings, George Jones, and some would even say Elvis himself. Backed by an impeccable band which included both an organist and keyboardist to give each song a spiritual gospel undertone, the young songwriter demonstrated a vocal maturity and presence seemingly well beyond his years before taking off in a beautiful black Cadillac with a platinum blonde sitting shotgun.
Jonathan Tyler would follow with a set of searing Southern blues rock. Though his set was brief, the guitarist made a big impression leading his band through exploratory songs. By the end of the shred-heavy set, the crowd was wanting more from this monster talent. Alabama’s Belle Adair would drift away from the Southern roots rock theme of the party with a set of tunes more reminiscent of Luna and the Feelies than bands often associated with their hometown of Florence. The group’s power pop stylings felt mellow and breezy, the ideal complement to a gorgeous spring day.
Decked out in a blazing red suit, the man known simply as The Kernal took to the stage with a “sick” guitar that could barely be heard. Luckily his sideman was a pro on the ax and a sick guitar couldn’t stop this rambling troubadour from playing a damn fine set. The Kernal stuck to songs off his debut album Light Country – an early contender for one of the year’s finest – dwelling into late 70’s-style country soul and boogie that made you wonder what we can expect this mysterious character as he keeps growing.
Tommy Stinson knows a thing or two about writing catchy songs, and his recently reunited Replacements side project captures the band’s sound perfectly. Bash & Pop’s set at Hotel Vegas was tight and heavy on that good ol’ rock and roll. With the addition of The Hold Steady’s Steve Selvidge on guitar, the group’s sound was elevated from bar-punk to something more equipped for large venues. Old fans and young fans alike were pumping fists and bobbing along to Bash & Pop’s catchy three-part harmonies. Stinson and co. succeeded in harnessing the poppiest elements of the Replacements, and by the time they plowed through “Zero to Stupid” – a sad country tune sang by an old punk – the audience would’ve easily rocked through another hour of tunes.
After missing the previous night’s gig at Coopers BBQ due to an NYC snowstorm, SXSW staples Daddy Long Legs rolled into town chomping at the bit, ready to reclaim their rightful throne at Hotel Vegas. Driven by the combination of drummer Josh Styles’ raw, stripped-down rhythms and the mean right hand of guitarist Murat Akturk, the hellbent blues trio managed to do just that. Daddy kicked off his half hour set with a trio of new numbers, staying true to the group’s unmistakably wild and raucous gut-bucket blues sound, before returning to a couple Daddy Long Leg “classics” with the ever welcomed “Blood From a Stone” and “Evil Eye”. Closing in signature fashion, the trio relinquished their stage with beer mist hanging in the air and a full assembly of long-time believers and the newly converted. Praise Daddy!
Additional reporting by Tim O’Neill.
All photos in gallery shot by Arthur VanRooy.
Neil Ferguson will be hitting the pavement all week at SXSW. For live updates, drunk tweets, and snarky commentary of the madness, make sure you follow him on Twitter: @musicjournzo
Read our coverage of SXSW Day 1!
Check out Neil’s 10 Tips For Doing SXSW Like a Local!
Stay tuned to Glide Magazine for more coverage of SXSW 2017!
