6 AUSTIN SXSW BANDS TO CHECK OUT

 

Boan

No stranger to Austin audiences, Boan is the most promising of locally-based Holodeck Record’s offering during SXSW 2016.  A super-duo born out of the dark wave bands //Tense// and Ssleeperhold, Jose Cota and Mariana Saldance are proficient in pleasing audiences with their infectious synth lines and aggressive analog beats.  Morbid and menacing, the hardware based synth-pop can be minimalistic but memorable.  A mixture of Spanish and English lyrics, leave this group dangerously seductive.

“Babylon” – Boan

 

Los Coast

A confluence of different influences, Los Coast implements the eclectic talents of Trey Privott, John Courtney, and Megan Hartman.  The local trio has consistently impressed crowds during their residency at Strange Brew, and the electricity and magnetism they exude makes it evident that this band’s potential runs deep. Los Coast plays psych-tinged rock & roll that coalesces into an intrinsically pleasing experience and their momentum should carry them into a big 2016.

 

Mr. Kitty

Electro-clash that pulsates across gothic landscapes, Mr. Kitty is keeping witch-house and gothtronica alive and well in Austin.  Haunting synths and 8-bit chirps keep Mr. Kitty straddling wistful and dark romantic lyrics and skull-rattling syncopated beats. This married electro duo have proven to have more staying power than most of their other darky synth counterparts and their large international following means they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

“After Dark”  – Mr. Kitty

 

Sweet Spirit

Recently signed to Merge Records, these melodic garage-rockers are teetering on entering the national consciousness.  Having established themselves as part of the local music scene royalty, Sweet Spirit continues to push the boundaries of their sound, embracing cabaret-rock, pep rally mantras, and dissonant punk. Lead singer, Sabrina Ellis is a tour-de-force who doesn’t allow you to be a bystander. While there is currently no dearth of Sweet Spirit shows in Austin, that may soon change as the band has continuously begun to impress elsewhere, and SXSW 2016 may be the final coronation before we lose them to a larger audience.

“Baby When I Close My Eyes”  – Sweet Spirit

 

Mirror Travel

An echo-drenched trio of shoegazed Texans that are as psych-driven as they are pleasantly unhurried, Mirror Travel has continued to impress as they get ready to play SXSW 2016. Coming into their second full release, Cruise Deals, these local veterans are playing to larger audiences and the hype around them is unavoidable.

 

Tele Novella

Natalie Gordon’s are piercing and invigorating as Tele Novella continues to pick up momentum as they plan to release their first EP ‘Cosmic Dial Tone.’  Confectioned melodies synthesize with layered psych-influences, creating a pure 60’s vibe that radiates with an almost creepy innocence.   Writing songs that are as piqued, poppy, and tight as a Belle & Sebastian track, Tele Novella is a refreshing change from the ubiquitous self-serious Indie rock of today.  The dreamy and evocative songwriting should permeate through the calloused judgements of 2016 SXSW goers.