SXSW - Day 4; Couldn't Escape If I Wanted To

SHOOTING PAINS UP THE BACK

DON'T MESS WITH CRYSTAL ANTLERS

THE SOFT PACK

FINAL GLANCE AT SXSW

In the last day of SxSW musical activities it’s the final chance to catch any acts that have continually fallen off your ‘must catch’ schedule in the preceding week due to time table clashes, missed buses, sore feet, getting lost, getting too drunk, etc. It’s all about quality not quantity in these closing moments. First up it’s an in-store at Waterloo Records where NY’s The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart are earning their festival buzz reputation with an impressive set of indie-flecked nu gaze (still allowed to use that term?). Then, at the Mess With Texas massive open-to-the-public, all-ages, free party in Waterloo Park, the week’s most impressive line-up is underway. After The Bronx finish scaring the native fauna (and stirring up a swarm of wasps that has descended upon the area) two more of the fest’s buzziest bands impress. On stage, Cali lads Crystal Antlers appear far less intense than their prog-heavy recordings would lead you to expect, live their compositions breathe with soulful percussion, psych guitar and garage rock keys – appropriately, an aroma of dope drifts through the crowd on the spring breeze. And following one of the quickest change-overs ever, The Soft Pack appear. Now, this is the way to end the week. The post-mod quartet from San Diego give a nod to Husker Du and rip through a smart set of the week’s catchiest tunes, ending with what many would say could be the festival’s theme – 'Parasites'. Time to go home.