Chalk
Belfast duo Chalk are one of the most thrilling acts operating in the space between post-punk, industrial and techno. Their music feels built equally for dark clubs and chaotic guitar venues, driven by pounding electronics and intense live energy. With their debut album Crystalpunk landing on 13 March, SXSW arrives at the perfect moment – just as the band look ready to take a major step forward.
Adult DVD
Leeds collective Adult DVD have been steadily winning new fans with their energetic live shows, lighting up small venues wherever they play. With their groove-driven sound translating perfectly to packed rooms, SXSW feels like the ideal stage for the band to make a bigger mark.
Basht.
Dublin’s Basht. are quickly becoming one of the most exciting new rock bands coming out of Ireland. Having carved out a sound that’s raw, honest, and full of emotion, the four-piece have built a big reputation for themselves and with a sold out UK & EU tour beginning at the end of the month, SXSW feels like the perfect stage for a band that already sound ready for much bigger rooms.
TTSSFU
Manchester artist TTSSFU crafts dreamy, distorted indie that floats between shoegaze haze and intimate bedroom pop. The project has quietly built a lot of momentum online. There’s a sense that something bigger is forming around TTSSFU – and SXSW could be the moment a lot more people start paying attention.
Sex Mask
Blending wiry punk with art-rock weirdness and an unpredictable live presence, the band feel tailor-made for the kind of sweaty, word-of-mouth moments SXSW is known for. Fresh from a support run with Radio Free Alice, who themselves made waves at SXSW last year – and Sex Mask arrive in Austin with serious momentum.
Words by Cian McGivern
