1 Most Serene Republic's Adrian Jewett
photo by Erik Adams
SXSW08: Arts & Crafts showcase draws kids of all ages
March 15, part 2, in Austin
By Erik Adams
Published: March 17th, 2008 | 9:25am
Yes, the doors are locked. No, I don't know when they're opening. Tift Merritt goes on at 8 p.m. Yeah, you might have heard 7 p.m., but all the official SXSW literature says 8 p.m. Yes, the doors are locked, No I don't know when they're opening.
And so it went for about an hour as I sat camped out in front of The Parish, awaiting the Arts & Crafts label showcase, featuring opening support from baby-boomer-baiting country star Tift Merritt. Not that I'm disparaging the older folks who came out only to leave after Merritt's set — on the contrary, her presence on the bill made for the only show I saw during SXSW 2008 that didn't seem to cater to any specific age demographic. Watching the shifting makeup of the crowd became another part of the show: Merritt, Constantines, and Jason Collett attracted older fans, The Most Serene Republic brought the youngsters, and Los Campesinos! split the difference, enticing anyone with an ear for fresh buzz (I didn't stay for The Stills, as I see no reason for them to be headlining a showcase in this half of the decade).
Merritt's set was enjoyable in a polished, middle-of-the-road kind of way. Her longing, soulful vocals mostly made me want to listen to Neko Case when I got home, while her band showed their commitment to the music via facial expression. Guitarist Scott McCall appeared to be repeatedly encountering awful odors, whereas drummer Zeke Hutchins sported a look that said "Count my upper teeth!"
There's a pretty good post-rock band buried in the emotive avalanche that is The Most Serene Republic. If the band were to rely solely on its dense web of sound, however, there'd be fewer occasions for frontman-trombonist Adrian Jewett's bizarre dance stylings, and that'd be a shame. After one song, Jewett explained the key to his moves: no movement in the pelvic area. "I'm rigid like the 21st Century," he joked.
Proof that Constantines work and rock too hard for the modicum of success and praise they've received: Steve Lambke's effortless shifting between guitar and keys despite what appeared to be a broken left arm. Those they have won over make for a significant cult, much of which gamely joined vocalist-guitarist Bryan Webb in shouting the final refrain of a ripping "Nighttime Anytime (It's Alright)." A great, great set of great, great rock.
Jason Collett was the only Broken Social Scenester to perform, further proving that you don't have to be a member of Broken Social Scene to put out a record on Arts & Crafts (but it helps). Collett's solo sound is far removed from that of BSS, hewing closer to the Californian end of ’70s AM radio. Its ragged country edges made for a nice complement to Merritt's set.
Los Campesinos! exploded out of the gate all handclaps and jittery dances, but the energy that fueled "Don't Tell Me to Do the Math(s)" started to sag near the middle of the set. Given that Los Campesinos! is pretty much the most self-aware band ever, it wasn't surprising to hear Gareth Campesinos! complain about an abbreviated set short on the "hits" and then tell the Parish crowd that they should have been across town seeing Why? What Gareth isn't aware of is that the opportunity to hear "You! Me! Dancing!" should never be passed up.
And that, everyone, was SXSW 2008. Check back for a little wrap-up of the whole event, but otherwise, thanks for coming with me. I hope you had as much fun as I did, and I also hope your feet don't hurt as much as mine do.
Issue #35
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