The first day of SXSW used to be a kind of easy breather before the rock and beer storm, but now it seems you’ve got to run from the airport as quick as you can since the Wednesday parties and showcases are already in full swing when you touch down in Austin.

We sadly missed the mysterious performance artist known as Planningtorock who played the SESAC day stage, but made a mental note to find her next show. She surely didn’t come all the way from Berlin to just play a sterile convention center in mid-afternoon.

(The Young Lords)

The Young Lords, who we’d run into on the sidewalks of the Lower East Side in the wee hours just a couple of weeks back, were up next, rocking the staid 3:30 crowd into a proper frenzy. No smoke or mirrors were needed to make the grey room seem a smoky, speakeasy dive. These long-haired, flare-lovin’ boys have an unadulterated Stones spirit that takes you out of yourself and into their retro realm.

The hot and bright afternoon put one in the mood for the Fader/Levi’s party with its beachy patio vibe and best hand-picked bands. Unfortunately, we only got to hear The Kills’ set while we waited in line for wristbands, entering the catacomb of VIP lounge rooms just in time to see guitarist Jamie Hince plop down in a soft couch to chill out with a beer while singer Alison Mosshart roamed around the place as if in search of a friend.

(Jesca Hoop)

The proper showcase part of the night began with a failed attempt to get into Antones to see Domino Records’ event with Simian Mobile Disco, These New Puritans, Lightspeed Champion and more. The line, well around the block, sent us running for the main strip to the KCRW showcase at Buffalo Billiards. Jesca Hoop, with a voice like Emiliana Torrini and a band of “players” (as she calls them) which includes a guy on MDC started the night off gently. Next we made our way to Emo’s and caught a glimpse of NYC’s own Longwave (sounding good boys!).

(Longwave) 

We saw Jeffrey Lewis in the crowd before he made his way to Club de Ville, then prepared for the fury that is Delta Spirit. If you haven’t caught this San Diego act yet, their passionate, down home Americana is there for the taking. Impressive stuff.

(Delta Spirit)

Speaking of American fury, Nashville’s Be Your Own Pet came on like the tasmanian devil, all Lolita-bangs flying, with punk anthems to knock you out cold. (Hot might be more like it). You’ll need an icy shower after seeing this biting band.

(Be Your Own Pet)

Autolux was our main squeeze tonight and there’s no band that compares to their gripping thrust of hallucinogenic, dissonant beauty, singer/bassist Eugene’s icy gaze and a tiny pixie-like drummer who plays like Keith Moon. Though their set was cut short and they didn’t play more than five songs, hearing “Turnstile Blues” again nearly brought us to our knees. We’ll see them again this week without a doubt.

(Autolux)

Topping off Wednesday with a fiery set by The Duke Spirit back at Buffalo Billiards proved the perfect nightcap. Singer Leila Moss looked like every part the golden banshee child with her Nefertiti gold collar and slinky black style. It was a thrill to see the band make the crowd plead for more.–MVW/photos by Eileen Murphy