SXSW 2009: Tori Amos entrances at La Zona Rosa; Ebony Bones channel Tina Turner and M.I.A.

March 19, 2009, in Austin

By Melissa Bobbitt
Published: March 20th, 2009 | 5:08pm

“It’s our first SXSW and we just met Tricky! Holy shit!” exclaimed Harlem Shakes frontman Lexy Benaim. Things like this are a common occurrence in Austin this week. It’s more than likely that the scrawny bearded fellow next to you is actually the Moog player from some hot band out of Minneapolis; or the dazed naïf in a hippie dress is actually a C-list Hollywood actress trying to retain her indie cred.

But nobody’s star shone brighter Thursday than Tori Amos’. The reining queen of piano pop played to a packed house at La Zona Rosa, with, of all people, Perez Hilton in tow to introduce her. Haunting and poised, the artist jerked from her grand instrument to a tinier keyboard — an effortless one-woman band. Timeless tracks like “Crucify” bled into spellbinding songs from her upcoming Abnormally Attracted to Sin album. One thing’s for certain: Amos’ fans are abnormally attracted to her. Prior to her taking the stage, enthusiasts called out to the roadies as if they were old chums and heckled the photographers because they weren’t hardcore in their appreciation for the “Cornflake Girl” singer.

A mad dash across town to see Glacier Hiking at Maggie Mae’s turned out fruitless; the bill had been changed and Tommy Walter and his mates were nowhere to be seen. So it was on to Emo’s, where New Zealand buzz band Cut Off Your Hands was booked at 11 p.m. These Kiwis kick ass. Think the Fratellis meet the Hives, with some good-old, American-flavored rocknroll. Their high energy and model-esque looks drove the sweaty crowd insane. Vocalist Nick Johnston was a revelation as he leaped into the audience and high-fived fans.

The next band on the bill at Emo’s was unbearable, but I had to maintain my fortitude in order to see Peter Bjorn and John’s much touted performance. I’ll admit: Passion Pit did have a lot of passion and these weirdo popsters seemed to love making their music. But, egad, Michael Angelakos has a falsetto that would make Geddy Lee or the brothers Gibb cringe.

Afterward, the Swedes of PB and J invaded with their soft revolution. The band was pleasant enough as the guys played musical chairs among instruments and singing duties, but they failed to captivate the deflated audience. Outside of Peter Moren’s caffeinated duck walk, the evening’s fresher openers overshadowed the established trio.

Across town, a shanty called the Scoot Inn was serving up free tequila and some amazing undiscovered bands at the Gigantic Music Day Party. I had intended on seeing Dri (formerly of the Anniversary) there, but time was working against me. I strolled in as Harlem Shakes were shaking things up with their straight-outta-Brooklyn sound. They all clutched drumsticks, banging without abandon on whatever was around.

Not to be outdone, London’s enrapturing artsy collective Ebony Bones used Jagermeister bottles as percussion and the power of dance to arouse soused partygoers. Frontwoman Ebony Thomas is effervescence incarnate. She has the command of Tina Turner and the eccentricity of M.I.A. Coupled with her backing band of DayGlo misfits, Bones is a sure bet for a good time.

The event winded down with the sonic hush of Asobi Seksu, a perfect sendoff to Lady Bird Lake, where Cold War Kids and M. Ward treated the town to a free outdoor show. Both are masters of their respective genres (agit-indie and contemporary folk), but the myopia of both artists’ material made for a gig better suited for the gaggle of young families that attended than actual SXSW attendees. Nevertheless, it allowed an opportunity to watch a gorgeous Austin sunset by the river.

And what’s more, with all the walking one must endure while here, at least I’m getting my exercise. See? The rock lifestyle isn’t that detrimental to one’s health!

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For more photos from day two of SXSW 2009, visit Venus Zine's Flickr page

Want more SXSW coverage? Check out our other articles here:

SXSW 2009, Day 1, March 18, 2009: Fans go to church for St. Vincent; the Decemberists create Hazards on stage

SXSW 2009, Day 3, March 20, 2009: Margaret Cho brings the laughs; Melissa Auf der Maur brings the rock

SXSW 2009, Day 4, March 21, 2009: Down by the river with Beach House; Shiny Toy Guns brighten the night