SXSW 2014: Buzz Bands LA’s ‘Dear Austin, Love L.A.’ day party proves long on talent, short on time
Kevin Bronson on
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Buzz Bands LA’s annual “Dear Austin, Love L.A.” day party brought an eight-pack of southern California music muscle to the Chuggin’ Monkey on 6th Street on Wednesday afternoon, and our only lament was that the afternoon was too short. Folk, soul, rock and electro – the eight-band lineup had it all, on a cozy stage that strained to contain (and often didn’t) the day’s talent.
To recap, chronologically:
Fairbanks – keys, lap steel, mandolin and harmonies in tow – spilled off the stage for a set of beautiful Americana. Victory followed with a set of punchy, retro-flavored guitar-pop, catchy as always and in the small confines of this venue, particularly affecting. Caught a Ghost’s sax-laden, swinging soul was next, Jesse Nolan and Tessa Thompson teaming up for sweet harmonies on the songs from their full-length debut “Human Nature,” out in two weeks.
A dose of James Supercave’s smart art-pop followed before LA Font arrived for a short blast of dyed-in-the-wool indie rock, including some tasty new songs. Soul singer Jessica Childress, backed by an ace band, then inspired a bout of afternoon dancing with a big ol’ dollop of vintage Sharon Jones-styled soul. Fever the Ghost’s (too-short) ensuing set of almost-post-rock psych-rock demonstrated why they’ve become the talk of the town in a few short months, and Incan Abraham closed out the afternoon with a blast of synth- and guitar-pop from their forthcoming full-length “Tolerance.”
Hearty thanks to the bands who played, and everybody who attended. Love L.A., indeed.
[…] was a busy day for the BBLA crew. We were very happy to see our friends – and new friends – at our "Dear Austin: Love, LA" day party and we even managed to see a few more bands in the evening before we shut our eyes to recharge. […]