Each Spring Break, the self-proclaimed "Live Music Capitol of the World" (a.k.a.-Austin, Texas) comes alive with the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film, Interactive, and Music Festival. Hordes of hipsters descend upon my beloved city to soak up the local color, scope out the latest technologies, and attend screenings of independent films. Most importantly, though, they come to dance the night away at hundreds of music showcases in the 6th street entertainment district.
Yes, every year SXSW comes to town.
And every stinkin' year I miss it! (exasperated sigh)
This year was different, though, because I arrived back from my yearly Mexico mission trip just in time to make it to one glorious show on the last night of the festival. And what a show it was!
The lineup at The Coppertank Brewery boasted not one, not two, but four great bands-Model Engine, Soul-Junk, The Halo Friendlies, and the incomparable Havalina Rail Company.
Unfortunately, we were late, but we did get there just in time to hear the last song from Model Engine. Truly a bummer to miss their show, because the audience seemed to really be digging the reappearance of this band and their characteristic guitar-driven rock.
After a brief intermission and some conversations with old friends, I was ready for Soul-Junk's arrival on stage. Very quickly, the band won over the diverse crowd with their bizarre music. Soul-Junk blended funk, rock, jazz, and electronica into a strange but delightful mix. Their live show was punctuated by strange dance moves from the band members (especially by lead singer, Glen Galloway, who really gets into his music). But quickly the quirky actions of the band were mirrored by all of the audience (thanks in large part to all the crazy people from my church who were dancing in the crowd).
All too soon, Soul-Junk had left the stage. After another intermission and a couple of orange juice breaks for me, the Halo Friendlies made their way to the stage. These girls might look cute on the outside, but musically they rock out with their hard-edged, angst-y girl punk. Their performance was very good, but I think it would have made more sense to have them play before Soul-Junk, as Soul-Junk is a hard act to follow.
During the next intermission, my friend Colleen and I made our way outside to chat with Glen of Soul-Junk about their performance. Colleen and I both shared how we loved to hear the straight-up Biblical lyrics of Soul-Junk performed in a secular club, and he related how it was a joy to play in these kinds of environments. He also shared with us how before their performance, the Lord brought to his mind the scripture that talks about "where two or more are gathered in my name." In that sense, he sees it as worthwhile to play in secular venues like The Coppertank, even if only a few folks get what the band is doing.
We had to cut our conversation short, though, because Havalina Rail Company had started their show. Surprisingly enough, there was a kind of mass exodus after the Halo Friendlies set, and the crowd thinned considerably right before Havalina. Obviously, the departees must not have been familiar with the band, as everyone who's seen them before knows that Havalina is not a show to be missed.
And those who stayed were well rewarded. Havalina treated the crowd to a nice mix of new songs and old favorites, with a set that featured tunes from America, Russian Lullabies, and Diamond in the Fish. The performance was classic Havalina, crackling with the energy and excitement of a band that simply loves to play music.
Most memorable, of course, was Orlando Greenhill on bass. He really shows the world what the upright bass is supposed to sound like. (I also totally dig the way that he is out in the crowd dancing when the opening bands are performing. This guy is cool!)
However, I can't neglect Matt Wignall's guitar and distinctive, crooning voice, Mark and Erick on drums (I really, really like the extra percussion instruments), and David Maust on the organ. There was also a girl singing backup vocals and chipping in with the occasional guitar part, but she was not the same girl who performed with the band at Cornerstone. Whoever she was, though, she had a heavenly voice that I could listen to all day (especially on "Flower of the Desert").
Sadly, all good things must come to an end, and at 2 AM, the Coppertank owners put a halt to the night's musical madness. But as any crowd member can testify, Havalina and companions certainly gave the audience a memorable ride, creating a most fitting end to SXSW.
-- James M. Branum
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