First of all, I left the Devotchka show on Thursday because I’m too friggin short, and I couldn’t see the theatrical antics of the band. Second, Gypsies are not to be trusted — everyone knows this.
We started Friday off at the Hot Freaks III party. Those snarky bloggers know how to stock a party with some kick ass bands. The first band we paid attention to (don’t blame us- there was important boozin’ to do) was Cadence Weapon. Those silly Cannucks can spin a rhyme. DJ Weez-l was dancin’ jigs as Cadence was spitting hot fire. Slightly daunted, but ultimately unfazed by our Texas heat, the Canadians kicked the ever-loving shit out of their set…
Next up was White Denim. These Austinites (for me) were the surprise of the week! They play locally all the time, and frankly, I’m a little pissed that I waited until now to discover them. Everyone learn from my mistake… Go and see these guys IMMEDIATELY.
Blitzen Trapper and British Sea Power rounded out the party. Blitzen Trapper basically sleepwalked through their set, and I basically sleepwalked through the British Sea Power set. Don’t get me wrong, I like me some BSP, but they played just a little too long.
After a delicious dinner at Casino el Camino, we poked our head into Elysium to check out a little of Japan Night. We ended up watching the entire set of Sodopp - a great female power-trio of Japanese rock! After getting a little creeped out by lecherous dudes pining for Asian chicks, we left and went over to the Beauty Bar. Nouveau Riche was fantastic! They have a beautiful singer that sounds like Karen Oh from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and a rapper that looked a little like a fat Jay-Z. You should check them out.
Public Service Announcement: DO NOT COUGH WHILE TAKING SHOTS OF TEQUILLA. It’ll get in your eyes and BURN! I think I saw the end of the Castledoor set at Buffalo Billiards, but with so much burning pain, who’s to say for sure. I will politely decline to review these guys because watching a set through razor blades can tend to skew one’s view of a performance.
After washing out my eyes, we stumbled over to Club de Ville to see the White Rabbits, who played outstanding. We were even lucky enough to get there early and discover a band called Langhorne Slim. If you like upbeat blues/folk/country hybrids, these guys will not disappoint!
