Austin: Day III Afternoon

The only label showcase that I saw in its entirety this year was Moshi Moshi's. Moshi is one of the few labels that I trust to continually deliver the goods (they did put out all these early Hot Chip singles), so I figured that seeing their acts at a joint showcase with my homies Sup Magazine was as good a way as any to spend my afternoon.

First up was the lovely synth-pop trio Au Revoir Simone (who I first saw about two springs ago on the recommendation of a Moshi Moshi staffer) As they swayed their way through many of the songs on their self-released (and highly recommended) new LP The Bird Of Music, a caught a nice breeze from the open window and sorta had a moment a few times. I'd been in need of some pretty music in my life and this did the trick just perfect.

Next up were Hot Club De Paris, who I had already seen the day before but still managed to get me re-jazzed on their music. A friend said Hot Club were like the Futureheads, only more likeable and with better one liners. I think that comparison holds up. Great energy and charming on-stage banter. What's not to like?

Next up was the Donovan-styled UK troubadour Findlay Brown. I discovered Findlay via an Erol-Alkan related remix of one of his tunes, so seeing him perform his souce material in an intimate setting was certainly a treat. Sharp dressed, sincere and decidely NOT wimpy, I was feeling Findlay's softly strummed meditations on love, loss and cross-Atlantic travel. After knocking a few tunes solo, he was joined by a three piece backing band and offered up some more uptempo folk ditties. He also mentioned that was sorry for "being a twat" and wearing sunglasses indoors. The music more than made up for it.

Some kid was rocking the Don't Look Back Ray Bans, so he and Fin decided to take a photo together. Donovan and Dylan, init?

Bonus: You can check the Beyond The Wizard's Sleeve remix of "Losing The Will To Survive" here.

Following Fin, the super mathed-out dance/funk Foals hit the stage. Their keyed up, 100 notes per minute spazzy rock isn't for everyone, but I was super into it. Usually I'm not too into bands with high slung guitars who are super technical, but the sound they got out of their instruments was just choatic enough to keep things real and edgey. I know you are sick of dance rock, but these guys are truly, really good. They've got chops for days.

Last up were the band that had waiting around all day to see, Metronomy. On record, Metronomy is the work of a London-based producer/performer named Joseph. Their first album, Pip Paine Pay Me 5000 You Owe Me was one of my favorite record last year—a dizzing marriage of spazzy electro, Hot Chippy electro-soul and delicately layered synths. For what it's worth, Diplo says this cat is his favorite producer right now. I highly recommend getting Pip Paine if you can find it (for the digital headz, it's on iTunes)

Metronomy's set was a total rush. Choreographed dance moves, chest-mounted lights, lots of meaty bass lines, rawwwk guitars and snaking synths—rad!

Bonus: Cop Metronmy's "You Could Easily Have Me" here