St. Patty’s Day marked my final day in Austin. Although I forgot to wear green, I still maintained a festive attitude as I headed “uptown” to the Victory Grill for an outside show hosted by Sol Collective, highlighting several multi-cultural artists, including Zuzuka Poderosa and Los Rakas. A very far walk to the Auditorium Shores, I arrived to see the final half of Shiny Toy Guys. Following the dance-pop troupe, Austin’s infamous funky dance-blues group,The Bright Light Social Hour, had the honor of supporting legendary act, The Cult, who are still churning out music that channels the energy of their classic sound. Heading back to the downtown chaos via pedicab, I caught Brooklyn’s rising success story, rowdy party rockers, Semi Precious Weapons (and Deli cover band back in 2008), who shook the venue with mostly new music from their upcoming third full length album, set for release on Epic Records. Finishing my evening and my SXSW, I squeezed into the Treasure Island Pirate Bar for Peelander-Z (pictured), a Japanese punk/metal band based in NY. Their highflying energy, Evil Knievel helmets/outfits, and humorous antics were the consummate elements to tie up 2012’s festival. –Meijin Bruttomesso
