Shout Out Louds and Jens Lekman kicked of Thursday afternoon (March 13) at South by Southwest, each bringing their own unique brand of Swedish pop to Austin.
Shout Out Louds kicked off the NPR party at the Parish with an upbeat, lively set, saying, “Don’t miss Jens Lekman,” as they left the stage.
A fresh-faced Lekman soon emerged backed by a female trio on violin, cello and bongos. Although slightly stripped down, the whimsical songs from his recent album ‘Night Falls Over Kortedala’ sounded strong.
Vampire Weekend frontman Ezra Koenig, who has been enjoying SXSW festivities, watched from the wings, preparing himself for his band’s set later in the afternoon. “Last night we saw Yeasayer and Lightspeed Champion play, and they were really good,” he told NME.COM.
Shortly afterward at the Under The Radar/Team Clermont party down the street, Seattle buzz band Fleet Foxes delivered a strong, competent set reminiscent of Band Of Horses and My Morning Jacket.
The quintet offered up three-part vocal harmonies paired with introspective storytelling lyrics to a rapt audience.
“I think it went well but I had my eyes closed the whole time,” frontman Robin Peckhold told NME.COM after their set. “We got in this morning from Alabama around 4am so it’s been pretty crazy. It’s our first time at South by Southwest and it’s good.”
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