SXSW 2007's High Wire Hootenanny: including Alpha Rev, The Black and White Years, Say Hi to Your Mom, The Boggs, Micah P. Hinson, Daniel Johnston
THIRD ANNUAL HIGH WIRE HOOTENANNY
Presented by Soundcheck Magazine Written by Charles Avelon
Would it sound contrived to give the magazine that you write for props for co-organizing and co-sponsoring such a killer event? Probably, but fuck it – The truth of the matter is that I witnessed firsthand the blood, sweat and tears that went into making this South by Southwest day party so sweet. And, at the risk of sounding obligatorily or unnecessarily cheesy, I must say that it makes me that much more proud to be a part of a publication that is doing so much for the music and the musicians that deserve it. Ok, now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, on to the event itself. The Third Annual Highwire Hootenanny, co-sponsored by Soundcheck Magazine, music.com and groupietunes and held at Habana Calle in Austin, was a fantastic way to usher in day two of SXSW. First off, the sun was out, and one of the two stages was outside (hooray). Second, there was daylong free beverage service provided by Sweet Leaf Tea, Tito’s Vodka and Shiner Bock (double/triple/quadruple hooray). Oh, and there was a little bit of music, too. A host of buzz-worthy bands from as close as, well, Austin to as far as Malaysia helped provide a distinctly mellifluous soundtrack to the mid-day shindig. Below is a brief account of the artists who made it all possible. (Note to reader – All reviews contains a “Key Track” from each band which can be found on the artist’s MySpace page.)
Pete Teo:
Malaysian singer/songwriter Pete Teo is a master craftsman of fine-spun acoustic rock. While his guitar prowess is unquestionable, Teo prefers to lean on basic chordings to support his tender tenor. One word of caution: If you are lucky enough to catch his set in an intimate setting, don’t make the mistake of talking during his performance. Not only will your speaking voice be louder than his melodies, you will miss the evocative musical detailing that sets Teo far apart from the average soloist.
Key Track: “Sunday Best Shoes”
Alpha Rev:
What can be said about Austin’s own Alpha Rev that hasn’t already been mentioned a hundred times over? Casey McPherson is a supremely gifted songwriter, and his crew of able-bodied minstrels help launch his tunes high into the stratosphere. Live, McPherson plays the part of the stoic rock n’ roll stud as co-vocalists/multi-instrumentalists Brian Batch and Candy Sanders simply explode with unrestrainable power.
Key Track: “Phoenix Burn”
The High Strung:
Bassist Chad Stocker of the Detroit, Michigan trio The High Strung may not be the tallest man in the room at any given point, but he sure knows how to pound his bass into submission. Seriously, the guy beats his bottom end like it owes him money. That alone is reason enough to check these guys out. Just don’t try to categorize them – Their MySpace profile has their genre listed as “Showtunes, Happy Hardcore and Crunk”… Your guess is as good as mine.
Key Track: “What A Meddler”
The Black and White Years:
Equipped with two guitars, one bass and a synthesized drum machine so funky you’d swear it was possessed by Rick James, this Austin-based band is guaranteed to get your head bobbin’ and hip shakin’. Vocalist Scott Butler’s blue steel-meets-Cujo facial expressions are so fantastically sinister that they would stop you dead in your tracks if you weren’t so busy dancing.
Key Track: “Power To Change”
Say Hi To Your Mom:
A million artists have probably toyed with the idea of calling themselves “Say Hi To Your Mom,” but give credit to this Seattle, Washington trio for actually taking the plunge. The humorous moniker does little to capture the Pavement-meets-Death Cab electro-pop the band creates, but the melodies will remain in your head long after the novelty of the group’s name wears out.
Key Track: “Angels and Darlas”
The Boggs:
This Brooklyn-by-way-of-Berlin trio play their experimental, indie rock with the exuberance of a pack of Irish soccer faithfuls watching a match on St. Patrick’s Day. The tunes never attempt to color within the lines, which is part of their charm. As they proved during their showcase, Boggs songs are best experienced live…And loud!
Key Track: “Remember The Orphans”
Simon Dawes:
Formed at a Malibu, California high school, the members of Simon Dawes may just barely be over the legal age of consent, but they also churn out surprisingly impressive classic rock that is well beyond their years. Blake Mills’ and Taylor Goldsmith’s dueling guitar lines at times recall Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back In Town”, and set the perfect backdrop for an afternoon, beer drinking affair. Just don’t expect the band to join you afterwards for a cold one.
Key Track: “All Her Crooked Ways”
Monsters Are Waiting:
Hailing from Echo Park, California, this indie quartet simply reeks with sensuality, thanks in large part to front woman Annalee Fery. Live, Fery’s sultry vocal stylings assumed the role of quiet commander as they slithered in and out of her band’s whirling, modern rock. Though aurally delicate, Fery was all energy onstage, whipping her keyboard with her long black locks as she helped usher her music towards a frenzied, theatrical climax.
Key Track: “Ha Ha”
The Little Ones:
Candy-coated, light, and fluffy, this Los Angeles quintet recalls a mixture of the Beach Boys (just before the Pet Sounds sessions) and the The Shins (at their least morose). On stage during their late afternoon set, the Reyes Brothers (Ed - guitar/vocals and Brian bass/vocals) were all smiles as they bounded and bobbed their way through a swirl of bubbly, psych-pop goodness.
Key Track: “Oh, MJ!”
Small Sins:
This Canadian quintet was one of the first few bands booked for the Hootenanny, but due to visa complications, they were forced to back out... Or so they thought. At the 11th hour, access into the States was achieved, and dynamite dance-rock ensued. Don’t let their indie label fool you – Small Sins is all about the beat. Throughout their set, they rarely allowed rhythmic momentum to wane, much to the delight of their frolicking fans.
Key Track: “She’s The Source”
Micah P. Hinson:
If you think that punk, country and folk would make improbable bedfellows, then you’ve yet to experience Mr. Hinson’s matchless, genre-bending material. His music is made from the most raw and jagged of emotions, beautifully tormented, honest and vulnerable. This central Texas skater boy must have battled an entire platoon of inner demons.
Key Track: “Jackeyed”
One Mississippi:
These Austin rockers were given the esteemed honor of being the backing band for Daniel Johnston. How’s that for being thrust into the spotlight? Before Johnston assumed his center stage post, the Texas quartet served Johnston’s throngs of hungry listeners with a hearty helping of straightforward rock that was all killer, no filler.
Key Track: “Not Stick Together”
Daniel Johnston:
Thanks to acclaim from famous friends such as David Bowie, Beck and Kurt Cobain, Daniel Johnston has become nothing short of an icon throughout the music world. It’s no wonder, then, that his headlining set drew a standing-room-only crowd, with a line of attendee hopefuls weaving around the block. Camera phones shot out with whack-a-mole frequency as Johnston slowly made his way to the stage, music stand and bottled water in tow. Whether or not you “get” his music, seeing Johnston perform is an inescapably compelling journey. At times, his performance can be both a work of simplistic genius and an unsettling display of restricted emotion. But it is the pretentious-free blend of Johnston’s unique artistic expressiveness that continues to draw new fans into his fold, and it was wonderful to witness his art being so well received and appreciated.
