News for the ‘killola’ Category

Sinister Picks for SXSW ‘09

CANNIBAL CHEERLEADER SXSW PICKS

Late last week the latest round of South By Southwest lineup announcements inspired a lot of talk across the blogosphere. From world-renowned rockers like Primal Scream, to indie superstars like Ra Ra Riot, to little-known but still-fantastic bands like Fight Bite, the lineup is pretty stellar, albeit overwhelming. How is a SXSW attendee supposed to take in the 1000+ bands that will be descending on Austin in Mid-March? And how can we as a small Austin-based music blog hope to capture the fire and the fury that is this one week when our awesome little town becomes the center of the entire globe’s media frenzy? Some of the bigger music blogs will undoubtedly be sending droves of correspondents in order to cover every aspect of the proceedings, but we here at Cannibal Cheerleader have neither the desire nor the workforce to attempt such an undertaking. Instead, we feel its our responsibility as a small blog to talk about the acts that no one else will be talking about. That’s why we’ve chosen our top five, ‘must-see’, underground, and sinister acts for SXSW ‘09. We’ll add more as the big event approaches, but right now we feel that these are the bands not too many blogs will be talking about (but should be!) and that absolutely need to be seen. Without further ado…

1. ROLO TOMASSI
Ripping and snarling out of the UK with a hybrid shriek-meets-prog sound, Rolo Tomassi make their American debut this March in Austin when the quintet crash down in an explosion of Mars Volta-inspired riffs and Eva Spence’s signature howl. The band’s debut LP Hysterics deliver on the promise of some excellent LPs and their live show is much touted by UK rags like NME. If there’s one act we have to see at SXSW ‘09, it’s Rolo Tomassi, no question. Check out the video for their single “I Love Turbulence” below.
Rolo Tomassi – “I Love Turbulence”
Rolo Tomassi – “Fofteen”
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2. THE GRATES
The closest thing the rest of the world has to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Australia’s the Grates pour on the same art-rock glaze as the New York spaz-masters with a little bit of their own unique pop flair to create a punky confection that’s as wild to watch as it is to listen to. With the release of their sophomore LP Teeth Lost, Hearts Won the Grates have ramped up their audio assault with an arsenal of rock-ready barn burners that swing between ultra-cutesy to fiery bloodshed, and with their much touted live show garnering praise worldwide, one can only imagine what they’re going to bring to the table for SXSW ‘09. Definitely a necessity to check this trio out.
The Grates – “Aw Yeah”
The Grates – “Burn Bridges”
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3. TAT
After the quiet release of their debut album Soho Lights last year, which delivered on the promise of innumerable EPs, singles, and relentless touring, Tat have kept the volume knob firmly placed on ‘12′, continuing their takeover of the auditory sense with a slew of excellent tracks and a live show that’s as electric as it is engaging. Tat reel you in with Distillers comparisons and keep you interested with impressive hooks and stellar pop-punk leanings. Definitely one of the most underrated touring groups today, check out Tat if for nothing more than their excellent single “I Don’t Want To Love You” at SXSW ‘09.

Tat – “I Don’t Want To Love You”

Tat – “I Don’t Want To Love You”
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4. KILLOLA
We had our Killola cherry popped (more like ripped to shreds) when we saw these guys open for the Action Design back in September. Since then we’ve been racking our brains thinking of the right time to ‘New Band Cheer’ this excellent foursome, but now that they’ve been announced as a SXSW ‘09 showcase band, we can’t help but champion this fantastic act. With alt-rock licks and the most rabid frontwoman to ever rip off all her clothes onstage, Killola bring the goods live, pounding through dancey barn-burners and clearing the floor with dazzling pop heroics. Sounding like a cross between Paramore and Be Your Own Pet, Killola deserve to be filling stadiums so get a close look while you still can at SXSW.
Killola – “I Don’t Know Who”
Killola – “Cracks in the Armor”
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5. THESE ARMS ARE SNAKES
Hardcore heavyweights from way back when, These Arms are Snakes have been touring relentlessly since before your average screamo kid was born, and they show no sign of slowing down now, as the release of their newest LP Tail, Swallower, and Dove revealed they have a few more tricks up their sleeve. With a live show that features maddening most pits and acrobatic stage-diving, a sound that pulls from equal parts rudimentary punk and mathcore metal, and a lead singer whose distinctive wail puts him at the top of the scene’s crooner list, TAAS have proven time and time again to be a live band worth reckoning with, and they definitely should be added to your SXSW ‘09 itinerary. 
These Arms are Snakes – “Horse Girl”
These Arms are Snakes – “Red Line Season”
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BONUS: HEARTSCHALLENGER
While not an official SXSW ‘09 showcased artist (or at least not announced as such!) Heartsrevolution will be bringing their Heartschallenger ice cream truck down to Austin anyway, delivering fresh electro-clash beats and tasty treats/funky toys to all the sweaty downtown Austinites all week. Be on the lookout for a pink truck racing up and down sixth street, because our friends Ben and Lo will undoubtedly be driving this bad boy all around the city. Be on the lookout friends!
Heartsrevolution – “C.Y.O.A.”

Comments? Any fellow bloggers need a place to stay during the festival? My house isn’t too comfortable, but hey, it’s free!