SXSW Day 2 roundup: Warpaint, No, Nothing More and More

Filed Under: Live Shows, SXSW — By: Oliver Bouchard

We got a late start into day 2 after a good night’s rest. The plan was to check into the convention center for some sessions and interviews, but a tweet sent us to Swan Dive around the corner to check out UK band Thumpers, who brought us in the mood for more music. Outside Pure Bathing Culture were playing, who mix up drum machine beats with warm guitars and vocals.

Next we went across the street for some metal: San Antonio band Nothing More is on Elke’s short list and to catch them live in day light allowed some great shots. They use custom built steel apparatuses on stage to pull of a amazing show. Fortunately, we had earplugs ready. After attending a panel at the conference center, we went for happy hour at the West Tent, where New Zealand sponsored music and excellent wine. There we chatted with No from Los Angeles, who seemed oddly familiar, but neither Elke and us could sort them in that moment.

First on the list for the evening were The Darcys at Holy Mountain, who we met at CMJ last year – unfortunately we caught them only for half a song. Instead we got to see Little Hurricane from San Diego, who reminded us on the White Stripes, with a more prominent drummer and less cocky singer. I liked them.

Back at Swan Dive, Lowell from Canada was on outside and then surprisingly No inside, who we stayed for the entire set. Now we remembered: they were included in various SX playlists and reminded us of The National and The Editors.

Lowell at Swan Dive

As fan of NPRs music podcasts, I didn’t want to miss their showcase at Stubb’s – we were right in time for St. Vincent, albeit from the very distance. She is one of those artists, who I admire, but fail to fully connect to her music. In any case, she put on a great show.

After a few songs we decided to go to Maggie Mae’s early for the Warpaint 1 am show. That way we secured top spots in the first row and saw the full set of Until the Ribbon Breaks, who do R&B-inspired electronic grooves: for some reason they reminded me on the Fun Loving Criminals, without guitar.

It was 1:30 am when Warpaint started, so the show was cut short to three and a half songs until Austin’s iron 2 am curfew hit. Still, I always feel good after having seen them, and there will be some other opportunities during this SX.

Sadly, the day was overshadowed by a fatal accident when a mad driver ran his car through the crowd trying to evade the police. Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragedy.