SXSW Wrap Up 2012 from Kevin Ponthier

Band of Skulls by Marc D'Amour

From KCRW Blog Contributor Kevin Ponthier:

No surprise that Band Of Skulls hovers near the top of my list. UK Southampton natives Russell, Emma and Matt hit it hard beginning with a full set at Antone’s on Tuesday, KCRW’s showcase at Haven on Weds and an encore performance at the Filter Mag/KCRW Cedar Street Showdown on Thurs. Solid X 3! Don’t miss them when they chug through your hood.

Biggest surprise…hands down…Pond! Comprised of members of Western Australia’s Tame Impala last Friday nights showcase at Buffalo Billiards left me sleepless. Freakish love children of Led Zeppelin, The Who, some Sex Pistols & Yes…perhaps? Forget the descriptions…just expect a workout if you can hang in the pit!

San Francisco bred/LA based Peach Kings continue to build momentum. Multiple sets around town including a Thursday night showcase at Club 606. Fronted by Paige Wood (vocals, guitar) and Steven Trezevant (guitar, vocals)….solid drumming from Marc Carzola too. Perfect soundtrack for a steamy Austin morning.

The rest of the list is a wondrous blur…Of Monsters & Men, Oberhofer!, War On Drugs, Imagine Dragons, Reptar, Milo Greene………

Last, but definitely not least was a blowout set to close out the Filter/KCRW Cedar St. party from Built To Spill! Pure blinding volume & emotion from Boise, Idaho’s native sons. Thanks for playing my request Doug:)

Heart (stomach) felt thanks toFrank Restaurant for keeping me full & pain free;)

Peace!

Kevin Ponthier