Ten discoveries from SXSW 2012 by Broken Biscuit Records – with links to official free listening

Alabama Shakes 

After this blinding rock, country, blues and roll set, we are now excited about the prospect of seeing Alabama Shakes again, No doubt that'll be in a much bigger venue or on a huge festival stage, so  a real treat to see them as the buzz around them built at SXSW. Review Myspace alabamashakes.com

Band of Skulls 

Their thundering blues rock provided a much needed wake-up to our jet-lagged bodies. They were part of a set of   trong female-fronted acts at SXSW this year, across a great variety of musical genres – go girls! They played a quality and loud rock set without the pomposity, silliness or machismo that often comes with hard rock shows. Though they were new to us, we probably didn't need to travel 5,000 miles to see them in Austin when they live 50 miles away. Review Soundcloud

Clap Your Hands Say Yeah 

SXSW isn't all about rock and roll and it was about time to get some dancing in when we saw Clap Your Hands Say Yeah's.lively, up-tempo, Hot-Chip-ish pop, punk and roll. They had everyone up and dancing like ravers. The band were new to us, an over sight we well now rectify. Review Soundcloud

Crooked Fingers 

A great opportunity to put some sort of persceptive on a band we knew bits and pieces by. They stood out in a strong line-up at Frank's and Sleep All Summer was a stunning highlight Review Soundcloud

Kimya Dawson 

What a treat! The Daniel Johnston night was truly special and was a highlight. We were already fond of Kimya's songs and she is an engaging live performer. Her songs are witty, clever , honest, and unprententious. She ended the set with 'Same Shit/Complivated' which really captivated the audience in its long, winding stream of thought. Review  Soundcloud kimyadawson.com

The Dunwells 

A really enjoyable set - well-constructed and well-rounded, particularly for a new band (and for one of the British bands, who don't always have as polished sets as their US peers). Everyone in Latitude pricked their ears up and was won round by the band's on-stage charm - one to keep an eye on. Review Myspace  Soundcloud1 Soundcloud2

Howler 

The secret of many great bands is that they make you want to be part of thier gang. The infectious spirit of Howler's tunes was exciting and energetic, rather like seeing the View for the first time. Review Myspace Soundcloud

Michael Kiwanuka 

Michael had a tricky task playing to an audience mostly waiting to see the Alabama Shakes. He held the packed room to rapt attention with his beautiful soulful singing and easy charm. All around, people were asking who he was as the set unrolled. He definitely won a room of new fans that afternoon. Review
Soundcloud Myspace

Lost Lander

Our expectations, largely driven by the band's SXSW biography, were blown from the moment Lost Lander walked onto the stage. Whatever we were expecting, we got some beautiful and serene electro-pop. Review Soundcloud

 

We Were Promised Jetpacks 

They were so good that the girl in front of us fainted at the climax of their set. The band gave us their all - The singer and guitarist were bright red in the face by the end from all the exertion. It was well worth their efforts, though, as this was a cracking set. Review Soundcloud Myspace