UIS
Bands to Watch at SXSW and in the Lou We here at Playback St. Louis have scoured the South By Southwest music festival and St. Louis/ Columbia concert listings so you don’t have to. Here are some bands that’ll be passing through both cities, as well as our recommendations.
Blue October
20
SXSW: La Zona Rosa, March 20, 10 p.m. STL: The Pageant, March 19 Fingers crossed: it appears Blue October’s time has—finally!—arrived. The San Marcos, Texas, quintet released its third album, History for Sale (Brando/Universal), last summer; what began as an indie release following their drop from Universal (Consent to Treatment, 2000) turned into a happy reunion, as Blue October was re-signed to Universal. The band will be prominently featured at this year’s Austin festival: with a 10 p.m. Saturday night slot, Blue October follows Liz Phair and precedes both Cracker and Camper van Beethoven. Singer/ songwriter Justin Furstenfeld writes heart-wrenchingly personal lyrics; his delivery ranges from a soothing murmur to an anguished howl. But the BLUE OCTOBER remaining bandmates are no slouches, lending intricate orchestrations (including the occasional aching violin) to complete the experience. You can catch their blend of beauty, noise, and angst when they hit the Pageant stage March 19 in support of Better Than Ezra. (LH)
British Sea Power SXSW: Rockstars, March 19, 10 p.m. STL: Mojo’s (Columbia), March 4 Pick up the debut LP (The Decline of British Sea Power) from this Brighton, England, quartet and listen to the first two songs. Both are fast, spastic, and nasty. Hit pause, and wait five minutes; come back, hit play, and listen. What the hell happened? What happened is the band that may not get the hype of Interpol, but whose British retro act has more sincerity than those hair stylists could ever muster. More Bowie and Bunnymen than Joy Division, BSP is swinging through Columbia on their way to SXSW before heading back across the pond. Therefore, get off your hinder and break it down to Tiger Country. I know you’ve got plenty of sick days left. (DL)
+/SXSW: Friends, March 18, 11 p.m. STL: Mississippi Nights, March 27 Originally conceived as a side project, +/- has now released two albums and is touring in sup-
port of the latter. You Are Here (Teenbeat) is a beautiful, angst-filled CD, replete with catchy musical hooks, interesting sounds, timing shifts, and insinuating vocals. Formed by ex-Versus members James Baluyut and Patrick Ramos (each vocals/guitar/keyboard), +/- also includes Austin drummer Chris Deaner. There are elements of the Faint, New Order, and Death Cab for Cutie in You Are Here, yet +/- remains very much their own band. Expect the live show to deliver harder and louder interpretations of songs from the often-gentle record; in other words, bring your earplugs, and prepare to be amazed. (LH)
The Walkmen SXSW: Exodus, March 18, 12:00 a.m. STL: Mojo’s (Columbia), March 13 Rising from the ashes of the celebrated Jonathan Fire Eater in 2000, The Walkmen modify that fierce garage sound and deliver an eerily unique and diverse musical style. Three members remain from the original group, who gained acclaim and a Dreamworks contract through ferocious live performances. Former Recoys’ bassist Peter Bauer and singer Hamilton Leithauser joined the group and helped to craft their surprising rhythms, which effectively match his haunting vocal delivery. The Walkmen are currently touring behind their sophomore album, Bows and Arrows, released in February to very positive reviews. (DH)
The Wrens SXSW: Friends, March 18, 1 a.m. STL: Music Café (Columbia), March 15 In the mid-’90s, The Wrens were an underground sensation on the cusp of success. Collectively, brothers Kevin and Greg Whelan (bass/piano and guitar, respectively), Jerry Macdonald (drums), and Charles Bissell (guitar) released their second full-length, Secaucus, in 1996 to critical acclaim on Grass Records. Halfway into their first tour in support of the disc, they were pressured to sign a high-dollar contact and make music that is more radio-friendly; they declined, parting ways with the label. Legal complications ensued, and The Wrens nearly fell prey to the complications. Fast-forward to fall 2003, when the band re-emerged with The Meadowlands (Absolutely Kosher). Now, finally, the waiting world can hear the intelligent indie rock that is The Wrens. (LH)
Deathray Davies SXSW: Club de Ville, March 17, 11 p.m. STL: Gargoyle, March 18 Electrelane SXSW: Buffalo Billiards, March 18, 1 a.m. STL: Rocket Bar, March 22 The End SXSW: Emo’s Annex, March 18, 9 p.m. STL: Creepy Crawl, March 3 The Forty-Fives SXSW: Continental Club, March 18, 12 a.m. STL: Way Out Club, March 6 Michael Fracasso SXSW: Lounge, March 18, 1 a.m. STL: Off Broadway, March 31 Kill Hannah SXSW: Hard Rock Café, March 19, 9 p.m. STL: Mississippi Nights, March 2 The Killers SXSW: The Caucus, March 18, 8 p.m. STL: Gargoyle, April 17 Lawrence Arms SXSW: Elmo’s, March 19, 9 p.m. STL: Hi-Pointe, March 15 Ted Leo & the Pharmacists SXSW: The Blender Bar, March 18, 1 a.m. STL: Rocket Bar, March 22 Milton Mapes SXSW: Cedar St. Courtyard, March 19, 12 a.m. STL: Off Broadway, March 26 Ian Moore SXSW: 18th Floor, March 18, 10 p.m. STL: Off Broadway, March 26 Paris TX SXSW: Rockstars, March 18, 8 p.m. STL: Rocket Bar, March 22 Liz Phair SXSW: La Zona Rosa, March 20, 9 p.m. STL: The Pageant, March 16 Pretty Girls Make Graves SXSW: La Zona Rosa, March 18, 11 p.m. STL: Mojo’s (Columbia), April 5 stellastarr* SXSW: Red Eyed Fly, March 18, 9 p.m. STL: Gargoyle, April 17 Wheat SXSW: La Zona Rosa, March 20, 8 p.m. STL: The Pageant, March 16
