SXSW - Day Three

So much happens in a single day at SXSW that when you think back to the day before it can seem like last week. The first port of call for us today is the Northern Ireland Music Showcase at Latitude 30. It's an early start (well, early when you've been at gigs till 2am the night before) but there is a good, strong contingent out in force. Get chatting to Colin from In Case Of Fire, who reveals that a record deal could be on the cards soon, but won't say any more than that. Keep an ear out for future news. Driving By Night are the first to take to the stage, followed by Oppenheimer, In Case Of Fire and then The Answer. It's a broad sweep of musical styles on the bill and a testament to the depth of talent than NI has to offer.

Hooking up again with Andrew 'The Animal' Ferris, we head off to see The Cribs at the Village Voice showcase in La Rosa. It's a fair walk across town, and bearing in mind that the temperature here is hotter than the hottest day on record for Ireland, a drink of water is top of our list when we hit the venue.

It's a pretty spacious place and a nice set up. The Cribs play a storming set that feels loose and tight at the same time. Their punk rock sensibilities come across a lot more live than on record and at times it feels like watching a more talented Sex Pistols. With three solid albums to choose from the quality is kept at top level the whole time. The crowd get into it too, with a wave of excited recognition greeting single 'I'm A Realist', which is great considering we're thousands of miles from their native Wakefield. It's not clear whether or not the audience can understand Ryan's ultra--thick accent, but they laugh at his between song banter regardless.

I find out that ...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead are playing the same venue in a few hours, but it's too long a wait and there are other things happening across town so we decide to make an exit. They've just signed a new record deal though, so let's hope they get some UK and Irish dates on their future touring schedule.

Next up Andrew takes me along to the Photo Finish Records showcase. This is the label that will be putting out the Fighting With Wire album in the States later this year. We get to meet a bunch of people from the label and everybody is really stoked about 'Man Vs Monster'. I get dead excited about the future prospect of FWW playing US shows, as they will surely tear the place a new one. We get to see one of their new labelmates Paper Rival - they're pretty good, soaring and intricate rock. I question whether any band really needs three guitars, but I'm sure they do. We briefly nip out to the outdoor venue behind the one we're in and get confronted by some angry punk type ranting about marijuana, and how he is all for it. Luckily he's doing it from the stage, so we can clear out with having to keep listening to him.

It's been a busy day, so after a quick Mexican meal (with guacamole freshly prepared table-side while you watch - result) it's time to head back to the apartment for a quick shower and a spot of blogging. Saw a segue-tour passing on the way back to the apartment. How cool would it be zipping round the city on one of those things? Must get it sorted for next year...