Julia Mason (aka The Decibel Decoder) moves her review from Manhattan to Austin, Texas as she brings us her four hot takes from South By South West (SXSW)
Following last week's report from New Colossus Festival in Manhattan, Julia headed South to Austin, Texas and the legendary South By South West festival. Here she brings us her four non Ireland/UK highlights.
Credit all images Julia Mason
Her New Knife (USA)
The Smartpunk Records Showcase at Empire Control Room and Garage had been a highlight of my 2024 visit to SXSW. The day I attended this year was all US bands. A little hit and miss during the evening but the absolute highlight was Her New Knife, a band I'd already earmarked to see at SXSW and when an American friend also had them in their recommendations it was a must see.
Their performance was breathtaking in the gloomiest of light and with little movement and chat the music spoke for itself, as it should. Lead singer and guitarist Edgar Atencio was charismatic in the most minimalist way, completely living the music with his performance.
Already hooked when I listened to Her New Knife, this has only been reinforced by their live performance. There is an element of gothic shoegaze here; this is dark and brooding but with segments of guitar which seem to spark into life.
Native Sun (USA)
Brooklyn's Native Sun tore into their set at Lazarus Brewing for Music for Listeners, and it was exhilarating! They took the foot off the gas and never let up for their 30mins set which felt like 30secs to be honest.
Beautifully ironed white shirts and tees were offset by ripped jeans and cool shades. This band had such a swagger. They delivered throughout a set which just blasted any mid-afternoon slump away, re-energising everyone who was watching. Towards the end of the set lead singer Danny Gomez jumped on a front table to the delight of the Austin crowd.
The breathless performance was over in a flash and very cool of the band to shout out the independent radio station, Music for Listeners of San Antonio, who host their day parties at Lazarus Brewing during SXSW.
Delivery (Australia)
Delivery finished their current 5 week tour in Austin in support of their second album Force Majeure (Heavenly Recordings). The 5 piece bring party vibes with their quirky offbeat energy. Beloved wherever they play, this is music which lifts the spirits. Delivery are one of those bands who just look like they are having the best time, simply because they ARE having the best time.
Radio Free Alice (Australia)
Radio Free Alice arrived in Austin having supported The Killers on their Australian dates towards the end of 2024. Quite an accomplishment by a band who have yet to release their debut album. Singles Paris Is Gone, Johnny and 2010 have cemented Radio Free Alice as Ones To Watch in 2025. I saw them play twice in one day, what a privilege. Two venues just 10 minutes apart. They seem borne out of the late 70's early 80's art punk scene, but this is 2025 and Radio Free Alice are of course their own thing. The music comes first with lead singer and songwriter Noah Learmonth admitting he is prone to leaving his lyricism until the last minute. Whatever the creative process is, it's working.
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter and never miss out on gig info and our latest deals
Comments