SLACKERLEE SXSW 2016 ‘Top 10 Performances’

Deftones @ Lady Bird Lake – Stepping up after Ray LaMontagne had to cancel, this may have been the best example of SXSW magic, as hundreds of Deftone’s fans poured in to see the free show with only around a day of notice.  Chino Moreno doesn’t hesitate to mix it up with the crowd, and their set proved they are still at the top of their careers.

Iggy Pop @ ACL Live –  The Godfather of Punk burst on the stage with a 17 year-olds energy and a 68 year-olds music catalogue.  Josh Homme and the backing band absolutely destroyed old Iggy songs while playing tracks from the newest album, Post Pop Depression.

HEALTH @ Hype Hotel –  After Bob Moses barely registered a pulse with the crowd, HEALTH came out with their scythe to reap in the masses with their goth-electro noise and apocalyptic light show.  Blasting through a set of old and new songs, the primal drums and dissonant strings constantly sent adrenaline coursing through veins throughout the crowd.

Slothrust @ Cheer Up Charlies – Leah Wellbaum is a grunge-queen who’s caustic yet vulnerable lyrics coalesce perfectly with a technically proficient band.  The songs are flattening in their emotional strength yet infectiously catchy with with brilliant choruses. Slothrust was well worth the three shows I invested my time to see them during SXSW.

Elephant Stone @ Spider House Cafe – Mind blowing psych-rock interwoven with sitars and Eastern influence,  Elephant Stone was a more than welcome surprise.  A mixture of the Black Angels, Tame Impala, and the Kinks these Canadians blew my unsuspecting self away with their set.

Dilly Dally @ Spotify House –  Katie Monks has a unique affectation in her guttural growl that doesn’t have any reference of comparison.  These Toronto grungers have crafted some of the most epic sludge-filled songs that ring with angst and attitude that has been missing since the early 90’s.

Stonefield @ Maggie Maes – An all-sister band that is heavy heavy heavy, man.  As heavy as Zeppelin it seems, but coming from these little Australian sisters it is mind-blowing.  One of the best surprises of SXSW, Stonefield is everything pure that we hope and crave from rock music.  An absolute gem that popped out of the massive SXSW field.

The Kills @ Bangers – Coming back from a hiatus, the power-duo of cool did not disappoint while headlining one of the most stacked bills during SXSW at Bangers.  Allison Mosshart was a rock goddess as expected, and by playing a mix of old and new Kills tracks, the band invigorated loyal fans while winning new ones.

PWR BTTM @ Barracuda – A cross-dressing duo from NYC that is equal parts punk musicians and comediance, PWR Bottom was the full package of tricks.  Smeared makeup, ratty dresses,  chest hair,  and snarky quips were proper acoutrements to their brazen style of stylized punk.  Great songwriting and musicianship was the secret sauce to all of these

Honduras @ Barracuda – A band that exudes youth, hunger, and relentlessness, Honduras stood out.  SXSW can be a meat market, and while some bands just try to survive it, other bands, like Honduras, nearly kill themselves with their effort at each show.  Ambitious Brooklynites that have the wanton feel of 70’s British punk, their passion is undeniable.