Rank and Revue - VOL. 4, ISSUE 4

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SXSW Austin Showcasing Bands

Unlike years past, it seems that there are quite a few Austin bands actually playing 2011’s SXSW festival so I thought I’d give a heads up on a few to check out. These bands are all confirmed showcasing acts.

Balmorhea – Although the name sounds metal, they most definitely are not. An experimental classical mix, this band features electric guitar and bass, drums, piano, and marimbas. Extremely trippy and definitely unique, their most recent release Candor / Clamor is limited to only 500 copies so get one if they aren’t all sold out!

Brownout – Consisting of members of the ATX Grammy nominated band, Grupo Fantasma this 8 piece Latin funk ensemble serves up their latest creation, Aguilas & Cobras, on Six Degrees Records, and have even backed the likes of the man himself, Prince.

Experimental Aircraft - After a 4 year hiatus, this psychedelic “space rock” quartet from Austin resurfaces with a critically acclaimed third album, aptly titled Third Transmission.

God-des and She – Though born in the Midwest this now Austin-based poppy hip-hop meets soul duo is really getting some push. Their latest album, Three, was produced by Brian Hardgroove (Public Enemy, Wu Tang Clan) and their hit Love You Better, was featured on MTV LOGO.

Grupo Fantasma – This funky Latin orchestral band from ATX will be following up their Grammy nominated album from 2008 with E! Existential, slated for release on May 11^th on Nat Geo Music. Known for their live stage show, this 10 piece should not be missed!

Suzanna Choffel – This soulful Texas songwriter is backed by a band of all-star members featuring (at various times) the likes of Johnny Vogelsang on bass (Bob Schneider / Soulhat), accordion and synthesizer player Laura Scarborough (Lila’s Medicine, Ohn) and Brad Houser (New Bohemians) on sax and clarinet. Voted AMA’s Indie Artist of the Year 2009, Suzanne Choffel could definitely be worth catching.

Dax Riggs (http://myspace.com/daxriggs) – Fronted by former Acid Bath member Dax Riggs, this Austin-based bluesy rock quartet can most often be found haunting the Continental Club. Don’t miss this soulful cat.

Iron Age – This hardcore thrash outfit from Austin has steadily been gaining steam for the last couple of years. Check out them and their new album, Blood for Master!

Sounds Under Radio – Self-described as “an Americanized version of Brit rock”, SOR found early success when the track, Portrait of a Summer Thief, from their debut album was used on the Spiderman 3 soundtrack. Additionally, SOR tunes can be heard on the hit series The Vampire Diaries. After a stint with Sony / Epic Records, SOR’s latest offering is Where My Communist Heart Meets My Capitalist Mind.

The Strange Boys – This six-piece rhythm and blues band from ATX features the Sambo brothers (on bass and guitar), three vocalists and a sax player. They have been touring Europe extensively and the new album, Be Brave, is on Rough Trade records.

These bands represent just a smattering of the Austin bands playing the 2011 fest, and all listings are subject to change. Additionally, there are a ton of Austin bands that will be playing that week at non-sanctioned SXSW events. We will try to keep you posted and are gearing up to rock!

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