mass culture

Fujiya & Miyagi

Yesterday I was lucky enough to see two of the best acts at SXSW. KEXP hosted an all-day broadcast concert series, and I made sure I showed up at Fujya & Miyagi and Peter Bjorn & John. Both were quite excellent, playing tracks from their latest records.

Fujiya & Miyagi

Fujiya and Miyagi played a great set of material from “Transparent Things,” and easily earned the best crowd response at the studio, with quite a few hipsters dancing in-sync to songs like “Sucker Punch” and the show’s highlight, “Collarbone.” The performance was so engaging and infectious, so much in fact that the announcer lost track and forgot she had to speak on the air. It’s pretty clear that, along with Peter Bjorn & John, Beirut, and Menomena, Fujiya & Miyagi are the new “it” band of SXSW.

Peter Bjorn & John

PB&J were lucky enough to have their bass stolen the previous night, and on top of that, their acoustic guitars didn’t make it in time for the scheduled acoustic performance. So, the boys cranked it up with electric instruments, performing tracks from “Writers Block” and definitely changing them around. “Amsterdam,” a track with thumping drums and big bass, was instead performed with gentle fingerpicking and Bjorn almost whispering, his accent shining through. The highlight, though, was “Objects Of My Affection,” which was easily played at 200%, with a faster tempo and more yelps and shouts, PB&J pouring all their energy into it.

Peter Bjorn & John

I also caught some great sets from Beach House and 120 Days, both at Urban Outfitters. Beach House deserves way more cred than they get. Their creepy pop captured the hearts and ears of all within hearing distance. 120 Days are just insane, with their intense electronic jams.

I’m currently on my way to Emo’s for the Pitchfork Party to see Menomena and Girl Talk (among many others, including Fujiya & Miyagi again). Also on the agenda: Beirut at ACL Studios, and PB&J at Waterloo.

See you all soon.