It’s March already – has the madness begun to sink in yet? We’re not talking basketball, we’re talking pre-SXSW jitters. We already wrote an exciting article about how to do SXSW like a pro for free, but if you still can’t foot the bill (or stomach the atmosphere) there are tons of bands performing in Bushwick before they head down to Bush Country in Austin, TX. Thursday, Friday and Saturday are the best nights to catch these noteworthy crews before they pack their bags for the year’s biggest indie party. Here’s our guide to your SXSW via Brooklyn weekend.
#10 Daria, BELLS, Pilot to Gunner, Image Society @ The Acheron (Thursday, 8pm $10)
Daria crosses the waters from Angers, France to bring us aggressive yet soothing rock sounds. Expect no tricks or hidden agendas, just an overflow of intense execution. Also on the bill is Pilot to Gunner, another band with crazy energy who refuses to fall into gimmicks. This sets the stage for an explosive music weekend. These bands simply came with the intent to play, rock and get their point across as loud as possible.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpcSsit4s0E?rel=0&w=460&h=259]
#9 The Thermals @ Ace Hotel (Monday, 8pm Free)
The Thermals have a new album set to be released April 16th titled Desperate Ground via Saddle Creek. Back in mid-February they dropped their first song, “Born to Kill,” giving us a taste of what’s to come. This event at Ace Hotel is free, so why not get there early and indulge yourself in an exclusive preview of their upcoming album? An easy evening if the SXSW crowd annoys your integrity.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/77323617″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
#8 NAPOLEON, HAYBABY, HIPPY, LUNCHBOX, SHARKMUFFIN @Matchless
(Friday, 8pm $7)
Gigawatts and The Swank Palace pre-games for SXSW by providing us with 5 bands who are sure to make some unpretentious waves in Austin. With a name like Sharkmuffin how could you not be intrigued? Every band performing at Matchless will be amped, psyched and ready to show you a good time. Send them off in style!
P.S. Grab some wings while you’re at it!
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/73140277″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
#7 Ski Lodge, Literature, The Hairs, The Teen Age – @ Muchmore’s (Friday 8:30pm $5)
If the winter blues have you in hibernation mode, then this will be a good night to leave the cave. Upbeat sounds with a summer edge built on clean guitars and poppy vocals will fill the air. Ski Lodge and Literature are sure to raise your melatonin levels. No sunblock required, unless you really are heading down to SXSW.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9IvJ_0w54Q?rel=0&w=460&h=345]
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/58209331″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
#6 The Archive, Butter The Children, Wild International, Shana Falana @ Big Snow (Saturday, 8pm $7pm)
We’re looking forward to hearing Shana Falana whose recent EP, In The Light, was mixed by Gareth Jones (Interpol, Grizzly Bear). Her explorative tones backed by visuals transcend into a post-psychedelic dream, which may have you questioning the state of this modern age. Extending the vibe is Wild International, who feel like the guys living down the road riding the same spectrum.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjOn6t8iJeI?rel=0&w=460&h=259]
#5 PAWS, Lame Drivers, Lost Boy?, Lazyeyes @ Shea Stadium (Saturday $8)
PAWS is a trio of guys from Scotland who deliver a sweet love punch of punk rock. Their most recent album comes from the label Fat Cat Records, which has even caught the attention of BBC Scotland. They were also nominated for the Best Live Act by the Scottish Alternative Music Awards. Keep an ear pressed on this breakout band. We know SXSW will!
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IVq7OfxRmw?rel=0&w=460&h=259]
#4 Darlings, Permanent Collection, Field Mouse, Honey Drums @ Shea Stadium (Friday, 8pm $8)
A good night for guitars, lovers and wired nostalgia. Permanent Collection and Field Mouse complement each other respectively. It seems everyone is yearning for warmer temperatures and endless nights.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnTJ3U_hdeo?rel=0&w=460&h=259]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dkHuQDucniI?rel=0&w=460&h=259]
#3 Chrome Sparks, Dauwd, Braille @ Glasslands (Thursday, 9pm $10)
Rarely in the states, Dauwd is a unique treat for a Glasslands night. With a foundation in house/techno you wouldn’t expect an organic non-mechanic flow of transitions through synths, vocals and samples. He has a new EP titled Heat Division that’s set to be released March 11th via Ghostly International and Pictures Music. Chrome Sparks, better know as Jeremy Malvin (drummer from Stepdad), will keep the mood elevated. If your favorite pastime lies in the fields of herbal remedies then be sure to arrive early, order a Negroni and stay as late as possible for the after effects.
Dauwd
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/76131501″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Chrome Sparks
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/81601993″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
#2 Small Black, Heavenly Beat, Imperial Topaz, Beach Fossils (DJ) @ 285 Kent (Friday, 8pm $10)
Beaches, Beats, Beauts and Beers! 285 Kent has us ready for summer and over this whole winter thing. “Suday” by Heavenly Beat feels like a trip over to the beach. While Imperial Topaz on “Nightface” feels like the after party on a rooftop when the dawn approaches and your crush is still by your side. The night ends with a DJ set by Beach Fossils. Definitely worth the 10 seashells and longing for the sun.
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/25473404″ params=”” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3onVoB6i4L4?rel=0&w=460&h=345]
#1 Brooklyn Wildlife presents: BK to SXSW Party @ Paper Box (Saturday, 8pm $10)
Expect a pretty trill night with 3 DJ sets dedicated to Biggie on the day of his passing. With the likes of Tyquan Sounds, Keith Edward, Henry C, Tyeze and many more, BK will be sure to honor Big Poppa in a Notorious way. The heavy rotation will include art, film, visuals & live music from all acts. Do you really need a reason to hear Biggie in Brooklyn on a Saturday night? If so, peep below and remember why.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JZom_gVfuw?rel=0&w=460&h=345]
Peace and Ron Swanson offers you a dance move.
