photos by Jacob Blickenstaff

Hot Legs @ the SPIN party @ Stubb's in Austin - March 20, 2009

AUSTRALIA's THE AGE's SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST BREAKDOWN

Bizarre supergroup: Tinted Windows features members of Hanson, Cheap Trick, Smashing Pumpkins and Fountains of Wayne playing catchy guitar-pop.

The pin-up: Sienna-lookalike Little Boots combines pre-recorded beats with synth and live drummer.

Commercial breakthrough: Cutesy New Yorkers Chairlift are already featured on an iPod ad.

Novelty act: Hot Leg is the new 1980s hair-metal project for Darkness frontman Justin Hawkins.

Critical darlings: UK act Mumford and Sons and their four-part harmonies.

Stadium potential: London goths White Lies attempt to merge U2 and the Killers. Playing Splendour in the Grass.

Crowd favourite: Boston act Passion Pit -- big on hand claps and synths.

Best new band name: Airborne Toxic Event have just signed to Universal and combine Bruce Springsteen and the Hold Steady.

The novelty act played two shows (that I know of) at SXSW this past week. There was the Friday afternoon SPIN party (pictured above), and the 11pm set at Emo's Annex the next night. I caught the latter which satisfied my need to see the leader of the Darkness's new band at least once. I doubt i would go see them again, or even really listen to more than maybe a single, but they were fun, and they shred on guitar.

More pictures Jacob took on Friday, below...

Continue reading "SXSW 2009 - Day 3 in photos by Jacob"