The final day of any music festival is always a sad experience, but given the amazing line-up, SXSW day 4 was still there to be enjoyed.
Proving their fame has moved worldwide, Delta Spirit Delta Spirit were the only non-UK band on Q Magazine’s Saturday party. With lead singer Matt Vasquez’s mum in the crowd, the five-piece played a brisk but fantastic set, playing a track written that very morning, and can expect a lot of press back in England.
Fanfarlo were next, and similar to the Spinto Band who were headlining later that evening, boast an infectious folk-pop sound and are more than worth a look, both live and on record.
After what seemed like our 50th stop at Hoboken Pie pizza parlour we caught the ending of Chairlift‘s set at the Red Eyed Fly, and live more than ever, the three-piece sounded like a spitting image of Goldfrapp’s early slower material.
Taking a break from the music showcases, the SXSW film organisers were kind enough to let music badge holders into a screening of (500) Days Of Summer, and with the director and cast in attendance, including Zooey Deschanel, couldn’t have enjoyed the film any more. Think Garden State, but better, there’ll be a full review closer to release.
Staying for the Q&A after the film, we literally raced over to Vice to catch the end of Iglu & Hartley‘s showcase. Finding them expededly stripped, the LA synth rappers are always a great watch, this time inviting loads of girls from the crowd up on stage.
Almost closing the day, The Shys played a late show at Prague. This time filling out a full set they debuted a great new song, darker than their recent album, and much closer to new Strokes. Expect a great EP from them in the summer.
After a great weekend The Spinto Band closed out our SXSW. The small Room 710 venue was packed and pleasing fans with ‘Oh Mandy’ and their other hits, you could tell the crowd was weary, but everyone had fun.
All in all, a wonderful weekend of music. Wavves were undoubtedly our breakthrough act, while Kap Bambino were hugely impressive and The Von Bondies proved they are more than back with a vengeance. Show of the festival goes to Delta Spirit at Mohawk. We’ll be back next year, that’s for sure.