It is not often in Texas that I find myself walking home in the pouring, torrential rains, clutching close my plastic wrapped camera, cold droplets falling from my eyelashes as I shiver and slosh through the exaggerated puddles growing on the street. But Texas downpours and wet feet are always worth braving for live music.
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| Shakey Graves |
The world was dry and warm earlier on Friday night at Lambert’s in downtown Austin as I was serenaded by Shakey Graves and Hello Caller. Alejandro Rose-Garcia is the man behind Shakey Graves, a name generating a great deal of buzz around Austin these days. From days held in his honor (it's coming up so mark your calendar!), secret shows and the announcement of official SXSW showcases, Alejandro is a man going places. Standing on stage with his guitar, a vintage suitcase (somehow and awesomely transformed into a kick drum), and a tambourine, Alejandro has every bit the hipster look of Joseph Gordon Levitt and musically, he reminds me of Johnny Cash in his ability to take his indie rock, retro, alt-country sound and kick it into high speed. He carefully dances out the steady rhythm, one foot on his ‘kick drum’, the other on his tambourine, and plays with his distinct voice to create an impressive sound considering he is a one man band.
At the end of his set to a riveted crowd and some enthusiastic dancers up front, one man turned to me and said, “Wait, he isn’t the headliner? He alone was more than worth the $5 I paid to get in!” Alejandro told me later in regards to his recent addition to the SXSW lineup, “There are a few milestones you want to hit and it might mean something and it might not.” I have a feeling it might mean a great deal for him and a name I look forward to hearing in the buzz chatter of the conference and beyond.
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| Hello Caller |
Hello Caller is the work of native Austinites and former Austin High classmates, who came together in the past year, bringing with each of them their past experiences in emo and esoteric, post-rock groups. What they have created is a mature sound that has hints of their ‘esoteric’ musical past, but without all of the angst. They are hard to place in a single genre. The recent addition of a cello brings out the richness of the bass, the trumpet gives it soul and an often jazzy feel, while the xylophone adds a touch of whimsy to this rock group. Combine this all with their well executed harmonies and charming smiles and they are a delight to hear.
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| Hello Caller |
Hearing Hello Caller live was everything I hoped it would be. Their only recordings are demos online and their energetic, live performance is evidence that with solid production, this group has what it takes to put together a solid album. I was pleased to hear that it is currently in the works with a projected release later this summer.
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| Hello Caller |
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| Hello Caller |
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| Hello Caller |
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