IF Austin’s South by Southwest music festival were the Olympics, the Brits would steal all the gold medals based on the buzz alone – from old-timers such as Morrissey to young guns such as the Editors.
A record number of music industry insiders and fans turned out in the Texas town last week, looking for the next Arctic Monkeys – which meant many were shut out of the most anticipated performances.
But even if you were left out, with more than 1,400 bands in town, there was always another bell-ringer down the street, or the next day – at one of the the nearly 300 daytime parties.
Here are five memorable acts.
* The Subways – at Guerrero Produce Warehouse
This British punk pop trio – with guitarist/singer Billy Lunn, his brother Josh Morgan on drums and fiancée Charlotte Cooper on bass and vocals – really delivered the guitar goods.
Like many of these over-hyped bands, the Subways don’t break any new ground musically, but their debut disc (“Young for Eternity”) is full of super-catchy rock songs.
Live, they were an energetic thrill to behold – particularly Cooper, the band’s own rock ‘n’ roll queen.
Download: “Oh Yeah”
Play dates: March 31, April 1 at Webster Hall (opening for Flaming Lips)
* Art Brut – at the Beauty Bar Jelly Bash
You can’t help but be thunderstruck by vocalist Eddie Argos, so reminiscent of John Cleese you almost expect him to break into a silly walk.
The frontman of these South London art punks commands attention with his rants, which harken back to late ’70s Mekons.
With songs such as “My Little Brother” (Who’s Just Discovered Rock ‘n’ Roll),” Art Brut delivers old-school punk riffed with Stones guitars.
Download: “Formed a Band” (myspace.com/Artbrut)
Play dates: April 4, 5 at Bowery Ballroom
* Dirty Pretty Things – at the Fader Party
Frontman Carl Barat is the other guy in the Libertines – the one who didn’t get arrested or date Kate Moss. Instead, he formed a band and recorded “Waterloo to Anywhere,” due this fall.
The black-leather-jacketed group sounds a lot like the Libertines (no surprise there). Live, there’s no wondering (as there often is at SXSW), “Do I like this band?” Their punk pop is convincing from the get-go.
Download: “Bang Bang You’re Dead” (video stream at dirtyprettythingsband.com
Playdates: Wait till fall
* Alejandro Escovedo – at Las Manitas
At this moving twilight show, Escovedo, looking dapper, tan and healthy, unveiled songs from his upcoming album, “The Boxing Mirror” – his first since dropping out three years ago, suffering from cirrhosis of the liver.
“I wasn’t sure I’d make another record,” said Escovedo, 55. Accompanied by guitars, keyboards, drums and a string section, Escovedo found a striking way to mix punk and acoustic styles.
Download: “Everybody Loves Me”
Play dates: March 31 at Joe’s Pub; April 1 at Maxwell’s in Hoboken
* Hot Chip – at the Parish
This London synth-soul indie-dance act mixes cowbells, guitars and several keyboards, along with the vocals of Joe Goddard and Alexis Taylor.
The drummer was sick, but that – and a drum machine – didn’t detract from pleasure principle.
Your mind may reel from the grab bag of references: Kraftwerk and New Order underpinnings, vocals shifting from the Devo robotics, to Prince soul with the warmth of Belle & Sebastian (a fine contrast to the synth-drenched sound).
Download: “No Fit State” (myspace.com/hotchip)
Play dates: Summer
More SXSW highlights:
Andre Williams: A bit of the “Bacon Fat” at the Continental
Morning After Girls: Psych-pop shoegazing at Blendar Bar at the Ritz
Novaks: Underground garage rock at the Karma Lounge
Saviours: High-altitude metal at Longbranch Inn
Rogue Wave: Retro Byrds pop at the Parish
Roky Erickson: Clear-eyed “I Walk With a Zombie” comeback appearance at “Vice Kills Texas”
