Possible Self-Destruction at Emo's Friday

I may have to leave my zip code for tomorrow night's show at Emo's outside stage. It's a collection of bands I've been planning to see perform live but I still haven't. I did get the latest Lymbic Systym CD at End of an Ear awhile back and I enjoy it, but I want to hear these songs interpreted live. They feel very alive on the album so I'm excited to see if and how they morph. This Will Destroy You is headlining and I've heard good things but haven't listened to their music yet. I can tell you that I really like their name, even though it is, somewhat, difficult to Google. Bands with names like Woods weren't really thinking about bloggers when they came up with their band name. Give me a GD name I can effing Google and I will be a happy Bloggy.


This Will Destroy You - Threads video via YouTube


I don't know about you, but I really liked that song by This Will Destroy You I may be off to End of an Ear after I'm finished writing this. Like I said Lymbyc Systym will play the set before TWDY and they are recommended if you like what you just heard and/or Transmography. Think anthemic, melodic, instrumental music in the same family as Explosions in the Sky but not quite as epic (no offense). Also, note how Systym is spelled oddly THAT is how you make your band more Google-able. Looking at you San Francisco band, Girls!


Lymbyc Systym - Ghost Clock video via YouTube

Friday night's outside stage at Emo's will also feature Sleep Whale, who is on my favorite local label, Western Vinyl. I think we can expect big things from Sleep Whale in 2010 so we should catch them while they're still playing second out of four bands. Me thinks that SXSW 2010 is going to be kind to ole' Sleep Whale but we'll let March decide that. By the way, some of you may have been more familiar with Sleep Whale when they were called, Mom. Try Googleing the band, Mom. The name change was a wise choice Sleep Whale, a very wise choice.


Sleep Whale - Icicles video via YouTube

Free Sleep Whale Mp3's courtesy of Western Vinyl, thanks.

Free Mp3 ---> Sleep Whale - Cotton Curls

Free Mp3 ---> Sleep Whale - Josh Likes Me


As if those three bands weren't enough for you, you greedy bastards can also see Loxsly assuming you're at the show around 9ish. Don't forget though, this is at Emo's outside stage and it's supposed to rain and be loud so dress appropriately and bring some earplugs. Seriously, no one is too cool to get hearing damage, not even you and you're pretty effing cool.


Loxsly - Lamprey Eels video via YouTube

Riverboat Gamblers, Ume + More

Did y'all know that the Riverboat Gamblers are going to be playing the Van's Warped Tour this summer? Well, they are but you can catch them this weekend at Austin's own Red 7. In related news, looks like, the Gamblers will be making yet ANOTHER line-up change, with their current drummer parting ways with the band after their San Diego gig. This is not official news, but I happen to know the Gamblers drummer and I know that he is bowing out. Don't worry though, technically there is only one original member left in the band anyway, so I'm sure a line-up change won't have any adverse effects. However, this weekend will be your last chance to catch the band, in Austin, in its current formation. Tickets for Saturday night's show at Red 7 will set you back a cool $10.


Riverboat Gamblers - Victory Lap video via YouTube


I'm almost reluctant to post about Ume again, but I just love them so much and I want you to love them too. I had planned to film them performing last week during one, of their two, free-week gigs but alas I did not. So, that means not only am I writing about Ume again, but I'm posting a video I've posted before. If you're not impressed with them from hearing their songs or seeing these videos don't be put-off it's in their live performance where they really shine.


Ume - Pendulum (Demo) video via YouTube

If these two bad-ass, Austin bands leave you wanting more Austin music fear not for you can also catch Shapes Have Fangs at Red 7. They'll be going on before Ume but after the Altars, whom I know nothing about really.


Shapes Have Fangs - Rattle and Confuse Me video via YouTube

I Missed Free Week

I'm bummed y'all, I went out ONE night of Free Week (last week) and ended up getting strep throat, putting me out of work, out of money and generally out of commission. I tried to keep up with what shows were getting what sorts of reactions from friends and Twitter but it's just not the same y'all. I did get to test out my new Flipcam on the night I did go downtown and it got me pretty excited. It has its limitations, for instance the lighting inside Red 7 was severely lacking, so my video of When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth is pretty much a shadow video. I was highly impressed that it captured the sound though. The Lil' Dinos aurally assault you with waves of feedback, distortion, reverb and whatever else they can think of. So, I'm pleased that you can hear the song even if you can't see it. The vids of Harlem at Emo's are easy to see and hear and everything. However, the biggest problem I see is finding a good spot to stand where people won't be annoyed that I'm taping and/or all up in my business bumping into me and shhh.

Here's a new song from Harlem, shot with my Flipcam:


Harlem - Scare You video via YouTube


In no particular order, bands I am really bummed to have missed, last week, include but are not limited to:

Brazos

Brazos - Tell video via YouTube

Transmography

Transmography - Heal Thy Fish video via YouTube

Ume

Ume - East of Hercules video via YouTube

L.A.X.

L.A.X. - Dancin' video via YouTube

Quiet Company

Quiet Company - On Modern Men video via YouTube

La Snacks

La Snacks - Roman Yell video via YouTube

Auto Body

Auto Body - Beauty Bar Snippet video via YouTube

Corto Maltese

Corto Maltese - Providence video via YouTube

Big Mess

Big Mess - Gates of Steel video via YouTube


Like, I said, I'm pretty bummed I missed free week. This list is only a fraction of what was going on downtown as I faded in and out of awareness of time and space. What were some of your favorites?

P.S.
Did you hear about Sony's new Bloggie Cam?!?! You spelled it wrong Sony, it's Bloggy and I'll take a free one, thank you very much.