Tennis, Surfer Blood, The Joy Formidable and More Close Out Rolling Stone’s SXSW Showcases
Rolling Stone‘s SXSW 2011 day parties went out with a bang on March 19th, with five acts entertaining the free-BBQ-munching crowds at Austin’s La Zona Rosa.
The day began at noon with a reprise of Beast Make Bomb’s performance at RS’ show on the night of the 16th. The Brooklyn band’s punk tunes were just as unabashedly fun in daylight. At 1 p.m., Tennis — the garage-pop band led by adorable married couple Alaina Moore and Patrick Riley — shared some of the love songs from their 2010 album Cape Dory, as well as sharing a new one called “Robin.”
Watch Tennis perform live at the Rolling Stone offices
Florida rockers Surfer Blood also previewed a handful of unreleased songs at their 2 p.m. set, showing off trickier riffs and catchy melodies, along with older songs like “Swim.” North Wales-based indie crew the Joy Formidable followed at 3 p.m., blasting through the epic crashing waves of guitar noise from their aptly titled debut LP, The Big Roar. “I’m feeling fucking wonderful,” exclaimed lead singer Ritzy Bryan in her distinctive Welsh accent. “I love [Austin]. Time for me to move to warmer climes!”
Rolling Stone Band to Watch: The Joy Formidable
English pop breakout Ellie Goulding closed the day her 4 p.m. set of head-nodding synth-pop. The crowd rushed up to the stage to show their appreciation for her sunny tunes. And with that, Rolling Stone‘s SXSW showcases came to an end — for now. Here’s to next year’s festival!