SO.CO Team
SXSW 2024 - The Best Of British
Amid the protests and the sponsorship controversy that surrounded SXSW 2024, there was still a damned good festival to be had, and the British, as ever, did not disappoint. From household names to brand new upstarts, the Brits led the way in showing the world how it’s done. Here’s our favourites from across a busy week in Austin
Ash @ SXSW 2024
Ash
With a new album out on Fierce Panda, and that label celebrating 30 years in the business, it was little surprise when Ash were added to the bill. What might have come as a surprise, however, was just how good they still are. Tim Wheeler’s voice sounds better than ever, and Mark Hamilton still whirls around the stage like a man possessed. Their midnight punked up set at Mohawk rewarded the night-owls and kept Red River Street awake into the early hours.
Coach Party @ SXSW 2024
Coach Party
Watching Coach Party is like being lucky enough to see Wolf Alice at the start of their career, if Wolf Alice were already fully formed at that point. They’ve got the songs, the swagger, the fight and the fury, and it’s impossible not to get swept along for the ride. Their debut album is a stormer as well. You’d be silly not to check them out before you can’t get a ticket.
Frank Turner @ SXSW 2024
Frank Turner
There’s been something missing from SXSW for the last few years, and that might just have been Frank Turner. He’s a regular round these parts, and whenever he plays, the festival is all the better for it. This year he has a new album to showcase, but rather than pepper his all too short sets with unreleased material, he delivered the singalong set of your dreams, each and every show he played (and there was a few!) That’s how it’s done.
The Lottery Winners @ SXSW 2024
The Lottery Winners
The hardest working band at SXSW? Most probably. Our 2023 Must-See Live Act showed just why they won that award with a series of shows that just seemed to get better and better each time. The band literally never stopped, jumping in to fill gaps in the schedule, as well as their own already crazy number of shows. They built their legend on 6th Street, and they can only get bigger.
Pauli The PSM @ SXSW 2024
Pauli The PSM
On the back of a 40 night stretch as house DJ / MC for U2 at The Sphere in Las Vegas, and having worked with Gorillaz, Harry Styles, FKA Twigs and many more, it’s no surprise that Pauli the PSM was bloody brilliant. I ran into him psyching himself up backstage at the British Music Embassy, and there was no chance he wasn’t going to turn in a show of epic proportions. No-one in attendance was disappointed.
Bleach Lab @ SXSW 2024
Bleach Lab
Bleach Lab’s somewhat edgy take on dream-pop is a delight. They’re delicate, hazy and ethereal, but with a bite which will surprise you every now and again. Think jangly guitars, shoegaze sensibilities and a maturity which belies their young age. One of the very best acts I saw all week.
Crae Wolf @ SXSW 2024
Crae Wolf
Picture the scene. It’s late at night, the Texas wind is starting to bite, and most of us are starting to think about our beds. Then Crae Wolf turns up, and wakes every one of us the f*** up. It’s the nu-metal / hip-hop crossover that none of us knew we needed, and it’s immense. Loud guitars, tight beats and even tighter songwriting. One to watch, without doubt.
The Manatees @ SXSW 2024
The Manatees
Fierce Panda’s bright new hopes, The Manatees, showed just why the label are pinning their hopes on them, with a multitude of superb shows to packed houses across the festival. If these lads don’t go on to be massive, then I’ll be stunned. Glorious indie-pop with a smartly subversive edge. I can’t wait to see where they go.
Vulva Voce @ SXSW 2024
Vulva Voce
How do you bring classical music to a predominantly indie and hip-hop festival? By rocking the shit out of it, obviously. Manchester’s Vulva Voce are a four piece string quartet like none other you’ve heard. Their opening night collaboration with Japanese electronica artist Masa was a revelation, as was their guest spot with Ash to bring new life to Shining Light. If you think you don’t like classical music, prepare to have your eyes opened.
Noah and the Loners @ SXSW 2024
Noah and the Loners
There will always be a place in my heart for teenage punks who wear their hearts on their black denim sleeves, and Noah and the Loners are just that kind of band. They’re not yet old enough to drink in this town, but they took it by storm. The passion and energy in this band has to be seen to be believed. Punk is most certainly not dead… in fact it’s in rude health if NATL are anything to go by.
Words and phots: Thomas Jackson