Buxton is one of Houston’s most respected bands, and one that in 2011 will undoubtedly see its fan base expanding far outside Texas. It’s music is both down-home and modern–I’ve likened the band to Wilco in the past–and the group’s recent signing to New West Records can only help to spread the word about the [...]

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After a handful of solo albums, North Carolina musician Caitlin Cary is back with a band: The Small Ponds, and EP (Caitlin Cary & Matt Douglas Are The Small Ponds). On its way to Austin for SXSW next week, The Small Ponds makes a stop in Houston at Big Star Bar in the Heights for [...]

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Aussie bands are always a highlight of South By Southwest. Brisbane band Drawn from Bees is currently touring the US and Canada, including a stop at SXSW and a Houston date on Sunday, 3.20.11, at Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar and a free in-store show at Cactus Music next Tuesday, 3.15.11. Drawn From Bees’ Raven Jones [...]

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I was first introduced to Chicago musician Scott Lucas‘ music when a friend brought over a CD in 1995 by rock band Local H. He had been obsessing over the single “Bound For The Floor” and wanted me to hear it. While scanning the liner notes, I noticed that the band thanked another Chicago band, [...]

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Canada’s The High Dials has taken its love for 60s psychedelia and power pop and created a sound that, while similar to many of its influences, still possesses both an energy and modern feel that makes it unique. The band released Anthems For Doomed Youth–an excellent listen–in 2010 and heads to Austin this month for [...]

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Local experimental rapper B L A C K I E plays an official showcase at this year’s South By Southwest. I previewed him for Houston Calling‘s 2009 SXSW preview, which you can read here. B L A C K I E plays his official showcase in Austin during SXSW at Barcelona on Wednesday, 3.16.11.

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The Orbans, an alt-country-ish band from Fort Worth, has made a name for itself over the past year or so, playing around the state and releasing an impressive album, When We Were Wild (which you can buy from the band here). The band has played Houston a number of times, increasing its fan base steadily [...]

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I recently heard the song “22:22″ by English foursome Ice Black Birds, and was instantly intrigued by the band’s sound. Part throwback, part modern garage rockers, the band–vocalist/rhythm guitarist Sam Denniston, guitarist George Grinling, bassist/vocalist Danny McGurn, and drummer/vocalist Ollie Liddiard–is heavily influenced by classic rock of the 60s and 70s, but also by blues [...]

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I first heard of Arizona band Kinch when they opened for Local H on last year’s tour. The band quickly won over the crowd with its nods to British and Southern rock, and I have been keeping an eye on the band since. I recently noted that Kinch will play in Austin during this year’s [...]

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San Marcos instrumental rock band This Will Destroy You makes ear-splitting instrumental rock that has won the band fans worldwide since it got its start in 2005. It albums are thrilling listens, but the band–like most “post-rock” groups–thrives in a live setting. In 2010, the band switched directions a bit on its “Communal Blood” single, [...]

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