Mohawk: Austin, TX (03.18.2007)

There were a few disappointments in attending SXSW.  I got kicked out of Stubbs for having a fancy camera and no press pass, even though I had a fairly exclusive badge.  No Buzzcocks or Mew for me.  On Saturday morning after 4 days of consistent standing, I had to crawl to the shower, draw a hot bath and soak my feet for a good 30 minutes before I could stand.  There was the hangover on day two that passed quickly with a disgusting and overpriced buffet.  Yet there were countless high points, many of which you have likely already read, and others of which you will soon read.  There was the intimate broadcast of Peter Bjorn & John after the aforementioned breakfast.  There was the mesmerizing performance at Emos by The Octopus Project.  There were Dengue Fever, Voxtrot, BOAT, The Zebras, Headlights and The Last Town Chorus.  And, of course, who could forget The Lovely Sparrows!?

When I first decided to attend SXSW, The Lovely Sparrows were the first band I looked up—even before Voxtrot.  I found a show, placed it on my list, and knew I’d be there.  As they took the stage, it was obvious there was something powerful taking place.  The tiny room was as packed as the tiny stage.  At approximately 12 by 12, the stage contained 6 individuals as well as their instruments. They performed the majority of songs off last year’s EP, Pulling Up Floors, Pouring On (New) Paint.  “Chemicals Change” is and always has been a personal favorite, with a cymbal heavy percussion and flute.  “The War Has Seen The Last Of Me” is a catchy tune opening with melodica, though it lacked the finger snaps on the album version (but that was more than okay). "Your Flowers Will Bloom" has taken over my playlist since SXSW.

There were new songs and old songs and I won’t go into all the details, but I took more pictures and had more fun at this show that pretty much any show of the week.  Speaking with Shawn after the performance, he seemed a bit stunned at how well everything was going—he and another member are heading out on a short tour that takes in Daytrotter for one of their infamous recording sessions before returning to their Austin hometown to release their debut full-length on Abandoned Love Records.  Better yet; Shawn, Jon from ALR and I got to play with a giant stuffed bear after the show!

In the coming months, The Lovely Sparrows will hit the road again, this time taking in the west coast.  And when they hit Seattle, you can be assured that I'll be there in the front row with my camera, enjoying every minute.

The Lovely Sparrows (Homepage)

The Lovely Sparrows (MySpace)

The Lovely Sparrows: Feature Band

The Lovely Sparrows: Pulling Up Floors, Pouring On (New) Paint