It wouldn’t be appropriate to talk about this record without honoring the tragic passing of Steve Albini, esteemed producer, musician, and frontman of the band Shellac, to whom this review is dedicated. Since the release of 2014’s Dude Incredible, the band has been silently working on this album, while occasionally still doing live performances. Because of Steve Albini’s passing from a heart attack, the band has decided to put out the record as is, preserving the final recording they have as a trio.

IDLES played the PNE Forum two nights in a row, closing out their Vancouver stay to a sold out room. Joe Talbot’s sincerity rang loudly throughout the set, melting into the audience where you could see hugs being shared, helping hands lifting people back on their feet from moshing and dancing, and unity during shouts of “Free Palestine”. IDLES is a shining example of pushing a revolution via the stage and the power of solidarity through music.

In 2010 the 4 piece alternative indie pop rock band “Chastity Belt” was formed in Walla Walla, Washington consisting of Julia Shapiro, Lydia Lund, Annie Truscott, and Gretchen Grimm. The band’s witty, thought provoking, feminist approach to music confronts and challenges feminine stereotypes and patriarchal tradition in a semi-satirical manner that exposes and points out the idiocy/stupidity of society's rigid, out-dated gender roles, standards and expectations. Over a decade deep into the band’s existence it has become apparent that they have found a way to successfully maneuver and operate in the modern music industry doing it their own way without having to compromise their artistic vision or take themselves too seriously. Chastity Belt’s new album “Live, Laugh, Love” is a testament to the idea that music can be fun and enjoyable while still exhibiting intelligent self-awareness as well as the ability to honestly express ideas and emotions that resonate and move the listener making them both think and feel. 

As we inch closer to the conclusion of this year’s SXSW, the start of the weekend was busier than ever with a range of ripping showcases. With most of the unofficial showcases having stacked bills due to numerous bands dropping out of the official lineup, we were bound to hear music that was sweet for our ears no matter where we ventured. Here are a few of the best things we saw on Friday at SXSW.