“Our Friend The Atom” has just the right amount of tune, riff-age and crunch, to make for a solid crossover rock track. Twin Terrace is the solo project of Gavin Redmond, from former indie rock band Vodkopter. TT will release its debut LP Plural this April.
Twin Terrace 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.23
“Spain” is the second tune to surface from Australian export, Jubilants. The Sydney based four-piece offer more of the feel good (but powerful) guitar jangle that we first heard with “Antics” along with A+ hooks that drill straight into the pocket. Dive club dance floors now have yet another something new to celebrate. Preview “Spain” below and grab a download at the group’s Bandcamp site while you can.
Jubilants 
(Bandcamp) (Twitter) (Facebook)
Rating: 8.1
By Trevor Meyer
Los Angeles’s own, Army Navy were the opening act during Saturday night’s festivities at the Bootleg Theater. The guys got the crowd into it right away with simple rhythms, well-placed refrains, and hooky melodies. As they made their way through their set, I kept wondering if they were going to lose momentum, but they never did. Song after song, like “Ode to Janice Melt” and “The Long Goodbye” featured contagious melodies and ignited an epidemic of happiness about the room. With so many people smiling and dancing, it would be impossible not to pay homage to Army Navy. Treat yourself and give this incredibly talented band the listening that they deserve.
Next up, Australian surf/punk/pop trio Bleeding Knees Club claimed the stage. Taking the night in a different direction, the three-piece quickly escalated the intensity. Utilizing three chord melodies and heavy snare, they were really able to get the crowd moving. The drummer of this band had some of the coolest facial expressions I have ever seen, it was like he was doing Bobby Knight’s “game face” all the while beating his snare drum to a pulp. Some of my favorite tunes from their set were “Have Fun” and “Truth or Dare.” Have yourself a Foster’s and spin a couple tracks from these guys.
The eclectically dressed Brits took the stage as the headlining act. Musically, Tribes were very tight, very together. They had a noticeable musical chemistry, but there was very little interaction with the crowd (which was the theme throughout the night) and even less interaction between band members. Tribes focused more on their EP We Were Children, dazzling the crowd with hits like, “Girlfriend,” “Coming of Age,” and “We Were Children,” but they forgot to play at least half of their album, Baby including personal favorite “Nightdriving”. They closed with the powerhouse hit, “When My Day Comes” and the popular anthem, “Himalaya.” Perhaps they were expecting a larger turnout, but with only a 30 minute set and a hasty exit, to say that Tribes left a lot to be desired would be an understatement. But, all in all, it was solid performance on the whole. The Bootleg Theater is always a nice place to see music and they did a great job mixing the wide range of music coming from these three surging bands.
Tribes 
(Facebook)
Bleeding Knees Club (Facebook)
Army Navy 
(Facebook)
Hey family. It’s that special time of the year again when the glitterati of the music industry descend on ATX to slap each other fives, layer their forearms in VIP wrist bands, and hopefully catch some cool bands. Planning for SXSW can be a daunting ask. The sheer number of bands, shows, parties, etc is ginormous. SXSW planning fatigue is real but b3sci is here to help! We’re setting you up with all our picks for can’t miss sets (our Top 5 for each nighttime hour of the festival) and showcases (our 3 faves for each night). Lego!
TUESDAY
Kendrick Lamar takes the 1100 Warehouse stage at 1 AM on Tuesday.
Showcases where you want to be:
1) Pitchfork @ Mohawk (& Patio): Schoolboy Q, Shlohmo, Star Slinger, Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire, Tycho
2) Warner Bros. @ La Zona Rosa: Flux Pavilion, Santigold, Theophilus London, Neon Hitch
3) Stone’s Throw @ Swan Dive: The Stepkids, MED, Strong Arm Steady
Can’t miss sets:
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Shlohmo @ Mohawk (Pitchfork) (8:30)
2) Neon Hitch @ La Zona Rosa (Warner)
3) Boy Friend @ Swan Dive (Yours Truly)
9:00-9:59 PM:
1) Star Slinger @ Mohawk Patio (Pitchfork)
2) Theophilus London @ La Zona Rosa (Warner) (9:30)
3) Capital Cities @ Buffalo Billiards
10:00-10:59 PM:
1) The Stepkids @ Elysium (Stone’s Throw) (10:30)
2) Santigold @ La Zona Rosa (Warner)
3) Mr. Muthafuckin’ eXquire (Pitchfork)
11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Electric Wire Hustle @ Swan Dive (Yours Truly)
2) Beach Fossils @ Club 606 (Root Music) (11:30)
3) Tycho @ Mohawk (Pitchfork) (11:30)
12:00-12:59 AM:
1) Schoolboy Q @ Mohawk Patio (Pitchfork)
2) Caveman @ Bat Bar (Campfire Trails)
3) Flux Pavilion @ La Zona Rosa (Warner)
1:00-1:59 AM:
1) Kendrick Lamar @ 1100 Warehouse (XXL Mag)
2) Saint Motel @ Treasure Island
3) Built to Spill @ The Belmont (Space Ducks)
WEDNESDAY
NPR’s Wednesday night showcase features a 9 PM performance from Sharon Van Etten.
Showcases where you want to be:
1) NPR @ Stubb’s: Sharon Van Etten, Fiona Apple, Alabama Shakes
2) Last Call w/ Carson Daly @ Red 7 Patio: Cults, Tennis, Lee Fields & The Expressions
3) Innovative Leisure @ 512: Hanni El Khatib, Nick Waterhouse, Allah-Las
Can’t miss sets:
7:00-7:59 PM:
1) Fiona Apple @ Stubb’s (NPR)
2) CFCF @ Barbarella (Dummy XO)
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Fidlar @ The Main (Vans)
2) Mux Mool @ Club de Ville (Ghostly)
3) Anoraak @ Mohawk Patio (The Agency)
9:00-9:59 PM:
1) Sharon Van Etten @ Stubb’s (NPR)
2) Big K.R.I.T. @ Antone’s (Pandora)
3) Tristen @ Central Presbyterian
4) Ed Sheeran @ La Zona Rosa (Warner) (9:30)
5) Mansions on the Moon @ Velveeta Room
10:00-10:59 PM
1) Miguel @ The Belmont (SOB)
2) Kimbra @ La Zona Rosa (Warner)
3) Tennis @ Red 7 Patio (Carson Daly)
4) The Wedding Present @ Swan Dive (Suicide Squeeze)
5) Mannie Fresh @ Hotel Vegas Patio (10:30)
11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Alabama Shakes @ Stubb’s (NPR)
2) Lee Fields & The Expressions @ Red 7 Patio (Carson Daly)
3) Juvenile @ Hotel Vegas Patio
4) xxxy @ Barcelona (Halo Cyan)
5) Bahamas @ St. David’s Bethell Hall (Brushfire) (11:30)
12:00-12:59 AM:
1) Miike Snow @ Hype Hotel (Hype Machine)
2) Gary Clark Jr. @ La Zona Rosa (Warner) (12:30)
3) 2 Chainz @ The Belmont (SOB)
4) Nick Waterhouse @ 512 (Innovative Leisure)
5) The Pierces @ The Studio (HGTV)
1:00-1:59 AM:
1) Kasabian @ 1100 Warehouse (101x)
2) Purity Ring @ Chevrolet Sound Garage
3) We Were Promised Jetpacks @ Easy Tiger Patio (Scottish)
4) The Drums @ Stage on Sixth (Frenchkiss)
5) Hanni El Khatib @ 512 (Innovative Leisure)
THURSDAY
The newly reunited Jesus and Mary Chain play The Belmont at midnight Thursday.
Showcases where you want to be:
1) Secretly Canadian/Jagjaguwar/Dead Oceans @ Mohawk (& Patio): Sharon Van Etten, The War on Drugs, Nite Jewel, Gardens & Villa, Bear in Heaven, Gauntlet Hair
2) Music Matters @ Stage on Sixth (& Patio): Nneka, Miguel, Marsha Ambrosius, Big Sean, Stalley, Kendrick Lamar, Machine Gun Kelly, Smoke DZA, Big K.R.I.T.
3) Pitchfork @ Central Presbyterian: Nicolas Jaar, Grimes, Purity Ring, Charli XCX, Fiona Apple
Can’t miss sets:
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Body Language @ The Madison (Bond)
2) Shigeto @ Barcelona (Surefire)
3) Stalley @ Stage on Sixth Patio (Music Matters) (8:30)
4) Family of the Year @ Maggie Mae’s Rooftop (Chop Shop)
5) The Chevin @ Latitude 30 (The Agency)
Prev. Mentioned: Electric Wire Hustle @ Driskll Victorian Room (StyleX), Fiona Apple @ Central Presbyterian (Pitchfork)
9:00-9:59 PM
1) Benjamin Francis Leftwich @ Latitude 30 (The Agency)
2) Gardens & Villa @ Mohawk Patio (Secretly Canadian) (9:30)
3) Charli XCX @ Central Presbyterian (Pitchfork) (9:30)
4) White Arrows @ Stubb’s (Spinner) (9:30)
5) Penguin Prison @ Lustre Pearl (Dickies)
Prev. Mentioned: Kendrick Lamar @ Stage on Sixth Patio (Music Matters)
10:00-10:59 PM:
1) Nneka @ Stage on Sixth (Music Matters)
2) Howler @ Bar 96 (Converse)
3) Girls @ Stubb’s (Spinner)
4) Robert Glasper @ Elephant Room
5) Curren$y @ La Zona Rosa (Warner)
Prev. Mentioned: Lee Fields @ ND (Windish), Purity Ring @ Central Presbyterian (Pitchfork) (10:30), Saint Motel @ Stubb’s (Spinner) (10:30)
11:00-11:59 PM:
1) The War on Drugs @ Mohawk Patio (Secretly Canadian) (11:30)
2) Meek Mill, Stalley & Wale @ La Zona Rosa (Warner)
3) Colleen Green @ Hotel Vegas (Hardly Art)
4) Class Actress @ 512 Rooftop (Carpark)
5) Grimes @ Central Presbyterian (Pitchfork) (11:30)
Prev. Mentioned: Big K.R.I.T. @ Stage on Sixth Patio (Music Matters), CFCF @ The Madison (Bond), Miguel @ Stage on Sixth (Music Matters), Mux Mool @ Barcelona (Surefire), Nick Waterhouse @ ND (Windish), Schoolboy Q @ Clive Bar (S.O. Terik), Tennis @ Club de Ville (Paradigm)
12:00-12:59 AM:
1) The Jesus and Mary Chain @ The Belmont
2) Nicolas Jaar @ Central Presbyterian (Pitchfork) (12:30)
3) The Temper Trap @ Stubb’s (Spinner)
4) Dev @ Chevrolet Sound Garage (12:30)
5) Seapony @ Hotel Vegas (Hardly Art)
Prev. Mentioned: Hanni El Khatib @ ND (Windish), Miike Snow @ Lustre Pearl (Dickies), Sharon Van Etten @ Mohawk Patio (Secretly Canadian) (12:30)
1:00-1:59 AM:
1) T.I. @ La Zona Rosa (Warner)
2) The Peach Kings @ Club 606 (The Roxy)
3) Oneohtrix Point Never @ Red 7 (Mexican Summer)
4) Niki & The Dove @ Driskill Victorian Room (StyleX)
5) Nite Jewel @ Mohawk (Secretly Canadian)
FRIDAY
Michael Kiwanuka will perform a set at St. David’s Sanctuary at Midnight on Friday night.
Showcases where you want to be:
1) KCRW @ The Parish: The Temper Trap, Crystal Fighters, Clock Opera, Alice Russell & Quantic
2) NME @ Latitude 30: Howler, Big Deal, Kindness, Chad Valley, Tashaki Miyaki
3) Biz 3 @ 1100 Warehouse: Skrillex, El-P, Hanni El Khatib, Nick Waterhouse
Can’t miss sets:
8:00-8:59 PM:
1) Alice Russell & Quantic @ The Parish (KCRW) (8:30)
2) 1,2,3 @ ND (Windish)
3) Tashaki Miyaki @ Latitude 30 (NME)
Prev. Mentioned: Ed Sheeran @ Stubb’s (Time Out), Nick Waterhouse @ 1100 Warehouse (Biz 3) (8:30), Tycho @ Clive Bar (S.O. Terik) (8:30)
9:00-9:59 PM:
1) AraabMUZIK @ Mohawk Patio (AM Only)
2) JMSN @ Club 606 (IAMSOUND)
3) Clock Opera @ The Parish (KCRW)
4) D/R/U/G/S @ The Madison
5) The Mynabirds @ Lamberts (Saddle Creek)
Prev. Mentioned: Hanni El Khatib @ 1100 Warehouse (Biz 3)
10:00-10:59 PM:
1) El-P @ 1100 Warehouse (Biz 3) (10:30)
2) Crystal Fighters @ The Parish (KCRW) (10:30)
3) Kindness @ Latitude 30 (NME)
4) The Big Pink @ Lustre Pearl (Dickies)
5) Karen Elson @ Stage on Sixth (Third Man)
Prev. Mentioned: Caveman @ Hype Hotel (IGIF), Nite Jewel @ Barbarella Patio (Wax Poetics), Star Slinger @ MACC (Pan Americana)
11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Thundercat @ Beauty Bar Backyard (Madison House)
2) St. Lucia @ Karma Lounge (Neon Gold)
3) Jack White @ Stage on Sixth (Third Man) (11:30)
4) Talib Kweli @ La Zona Rosa (Blacksmith) (11:30)
5) White Rabbits @ Hype Hotel (IGIF)
Prev Mentioned: Saint Motel @ Empire Automotive, Grimes @ Clive Bar (S.O. Terik)
12:00-12:59 AM:
1) Michael Kiwanuka @ St. David’s Sanctuary (Communion) (12:30)
2) Sepalcure @ The Madison
3) Cults @ ND (Windish)
4) YACHT @ Clive Bar (S.O. Terik) (12:30)
5) Daedelus @ Barbarella (Ninja Tune)
Prev Mentioned: Alabama Shakes @ Easy Tiger Patio (Girls Rock Camp), The Drums @ Stubb’s (Time Out), Howler @ Latitude 30 (NME), The Temper Trap @ The Parish (KCRW), The Pierces @ Stubb’s (Time Out)
1:00-1:59 AM:
1) Skrillex @ 1100 Warehouse (Biz 3)
2) Cloud Nothings @ ND (Windish)
3) PAPA @ Club 606 (IAMSOUND)
4) Girl in a Coma @ Easy Tiger Patio (Girls Rock Camp)
5) Laidback Luke @ Mohawk Patio (AM Only)
Prev. Mentioned: Alice Russell & Quantic @ Barbarella Patio (Wax Poetics), Dev @ Haven (Moodswing 360), xxxy @ Barcelona (Surefire)
SATURDAY
UK producer SBTRKT closes out the SBTURKS showcase at the Madison at 1 AM on Saturday night.
Showcases where you want to be:
1) Flowerbooking & FatCat @ Red 7 (& Patio): The Velvet Teen, Odonis Odonis, Ceremony, Breton, The Twilight Sad, We Were Promised Jetpacks, Star Slinger
2) Warp Records & Brainfeeder @ Empire Automotive & Club 606: Starkey, TOKiMONSTA, Daedelus, Hudson Mohawke & Lunice (TNGHT)
3) Huw Stephens @ Latitude 30: Toddla T, Slow Club, Maverick Sabre, Django Django, Clock Opera
Can’t miss sets:
8:00 PM – 8:59 PM:
1) Ceremony @ Red 7 Patio (FatCat)
2) Odonis Odonis @ Red 7 (FatCat) (8:30)
3) Savoir Adore @ Swan Dive (Red Ryder)
Prev Mentioned: Michael Kiwanuka @ Stubb’s
9:00-9:59 PM:
1) A$AP Rocky @ The Madison (SBTURKS)
2) The Velvet Teen @ Red 7 (FatCat) (9:30)
3) Blouse @ Frank (The Great Escape)
4) Charlene Soraia @ Frank (The Great Escape)
5) Madi Diaz @ St. David’s Bethell Hall (Hotel Cafe) (9:30)
Prev. Mentioned: Alice Russel & Quantic @ Stage on Sixth Patio (Nat Geo), Clock Opera @ Latitude 30 (Huw Stephens)
10:00-10:59 PM:
1) Breton @ Red 7 (FatCat)
2) Fanfarlo @ Hype Hotel (Hype Machine)
3) The Belle Brigade @ Clive Bar
4) Blackbird Blackbird @ Malverde (Bond)
5) Starkey @ Empire Automotive (Brainfeeder)
11:00-11:59 PM:
1) Maverick Sabre @ Latitude 30 (Huw Stephens)
2) TOKiMONSTA @ Empire Automotive (Brainfeeder)
3) Best Coast @ Hype Hotel (Hype Machine)
4) White Denim @ Jacked Stage (Doritos)
5) Gemini @ Beauty Bar (UKF) (11:30)
Prev. Mentioned: Nneka @ Stage on Sixth (Nat Geo)
12:00-12:59 AM:
1) The Heavy @ Stage on Sixth (Nat Geo) (12:30)
2) Dom Kennedy @ Scoot Inn (Thrasher) (12:30)
3) Jacques Greene @ Barcelona (XLR8R) (12:30)
4) Jimmy Cliff @ Stage on Sixth (Nat Geo) (12:30)
5) Hatcham Social @ 512 Rooftop
Prev. Mentioned: Anoraak @ Malverde (Bond), Daedelus @ Empire Automotive (Brainfeeder), We Were Promised Jetpacks @ Red 7 (FatCat)
1:00-1:59 AM:
1) SBTRKT @ The Madison (SBTURKS)
2) Slim Thug @ Barbarella Patio (Texas Showdown) (1:30)
3) Braid @ Dirty Dog
4) Hudson Mohawke & Lunice @ Empire Automotive (Brainfeeder)
5) XV @ Hype Hotel (Hype Machine)
Prev. Mentioned: Beach Fossils @ The Parish (Captured Tracks), Star Slinger @ Red 7 (FatCat)
We tipped you to Thomas Azier back in January with his excellent synthpop track “Metropolitan Tribe”. Well, Thomas Azier is back with a song equal on quality but a bit different stylistically, here TA turns up the cinema and gravitas with new tune “Red Eyes”. “Red Eyes” is a track of high caliber that demands your ears. Ears meet track.
Thomas Azier 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.1
By Chris Gedos
“Let Me Try”, a hot-off-the-presses dittie from Fast Years, is some perfectly saccharine surf-pop in anticipation for their SXSW premiere and debut EP later this spring. For a brand new band, they know their sound. It serves them very well that the two most well-known bands they’ve opened for, Howler and The Vaccines, are perfect compliments for their style of play (better than Metronomy or even Wu Lyf, for instance). Stay tuned for an interview from b3sci HQ with the contagious four piece.
Fast Years – Let Me TryFast Years 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.43
By Jon Herriot
Another track from Canadian hip-hopper Cadence Weapon. He is one of the most talented Canadian rappers but he is yet to get the attention he deserves. This one comes a few weeks after dropping a Grimes-produced tune that got him some hype. Dig the beat, and the verses are tight. Even some political jibes thrown in there which I always like. I have a feeling that big things are coming from this guy, and he is just giving us a taste.
Cadence Weapon 
(Facebook)
Rating7. 8
Three big names collide (love to the legendary Ray Charles) on this new official Jakwob mix for Chiddy Bang. Jakwob fits the Chiddy hit with aplomb mixing in a pounding snare, a great backbeat, and the requisite nu-step buzzes and blips. You can find Jakwob’s remix as part of the “Ray Charles” iTunes single.
Jakwob (Facebook)
Rating 8.2
The funk soul brother Sam Sparro readies a strong return with “Happiness”, the lead single from his upcoming Return to Paradise LP. An upbeat piano-driven tune, “Happiness” abily throws back to the slick funky dance pop of the early 90’s. Expect a full single release soon with remixes from Beni, The Magician and more. (HCM)
Sam Sparro (Facebook)
Rating 8.1
If you like a little soul and blues in your rock and roll (we do) then you’re gonna be into The Foreign Tides. With that said, there’s no “influence wanking” or distasteful superfluous type shit that often comes with the territory of the self consciously soul/blues influenced. “Smile” has great feel, great guitar tones (love those tinges of reverb) but it’s also a really solid tune. The Tides definitely have the melodic chops (in addition to the great musicianship, etc) to be a breakout band in not only this genre but beyond. Get in on the ground floor with this awesome young band.
The Foreign Tides (Facebook)
Rating 8.07
Guitarist for Blur and one of the world’s coolest people Graham Coxon drops new single “The Truth” from his upcoming A+E LP. “The Truth” is built on a heavy lower end (distorted bass and clattering drums) that supports Graham’s float-on-top-the-mix almost hypnotic driving melodies. Big tune.
Graham Coxon – The TruthGraham Coxon 
(Facebook)
Rating 8.5
By Jon Herriot
Here is a version of Lana Del Rey’s hit single “Video Games”, by Arkells out of Hamilton, Ontario. They keep it quiet, acoustic and simple, which is change-up from their typical rock sound. I have had the good fortune of seeing them play on two occasions, and their lead man has stage presence unlike anything I have seen. It makes for quite the live performance. Arkells are one of Canada’s hottest indie rock acts, and their latest album Michigan Left is one of my favorite from 2011, I highly recommend it. They are joining The Maine on their North American tour this spring.
The Arkells – Video Games (Lana Del Rey)The Arkells (Facebook)
Rating 8.0
