SXSW: She & Him, Vampire Weekend, the Duke Spirit

The weather and music here at SXSW have got something in common – they’re HOT! Temperatures peaked at an uncomfortable 95 degrees today. But, yours truly braved the heat (and most likely got a mean farmer’s tan) during day sets by She & Him, the Duke Spirit and Vampire Weekend. We even caught a little bit of Oakland, CA indie rockers Rogue Wave at the Noise Pop showcase. Inside the Red Eyed Fly bar members of Sons And Daughters watched Rogue Wave from the audience. The Duke Spirit’s set was held outside at the Current radio station day party. A sexy Liela Moss in a bright blue dress charismatically sang with outstretched arms to the backdrop of the band’s neo-Pixie sound. Following was the much anticipated She & Him set. The band, Elf actress Zooey Deschanel and singer-songwriter M.Ward, were accompanied by a drummer and acoustic guitarist for their bummer-of-a-short-4 song set. A petit Deschanel answered some questions before the set. The actress turned singer admitted that at first she was a bit shy about pursuing a music career. According to Deschanel, M. Ward helped rid her of her shyness and made it fun. Although it was a short set the songs moved slowly, despite sweet lyrics about bicycle rides and raindrops. The band opened with their Volume One track “This Is Not A Test.” Deschanel steals the show, her singing voice sounding much like her speaking voice. Then it was off to the SPIN at Stubb’s party, where we caught the Whigs, Ravenoettes (again) and Vampire Weekend -- yes, the much hyped Vampire Weekend, with their mug on the SPIN cover, guest appearances on Saturday Night Live and big GQ write-ups. The prep rockers have this uncanny ability to make the crowd bounce, not dance, but bounce and tap. During the set, while attendees sipped on free cans of “The Champagne of Beer,” the band delivered short and punchy songs that sometime steered tropicali. People searched for shade it was so hot, but Vampire Weekend, despite huge press, did not impress. The band don’t have a new innovative sound, in comparison to other bands out there like My Morning Jacket or even MGMT. They almost reminded me of the Little Ones (who played earlier at the Noise Pop showcase) but more melodramatic.