BRR started out SXSW by going over to the Creekside Lounge to catch Goes Cube with their day show. Unfortunately, we got there too late to have New York's loudest trio punish our eardrums, but we did catch up with them and their impressive tour beards. They're off to play shows in Laredo and Corpus Christi before coming back to Austin for their official showcase on Saturday at Maggie Mae's. (Goes Cube arrives back in NYC with a show at Union Pool on Mar. 28)

We did manage to catch The Midgetmen's brand of fast, catchy punk rock, centered around an awesome clear bass guitar.

Then, I walked through downtown Austin a bit to get bearings and lunch. This is my first time here and I'm amazed at the extent to which SXSW takes over downtown.

Stopped by Mog's day party to see the Raveonettes. Ended up seeing this band first. From Phoenix, they are dudes with beards making music for dudes with beards.

Then, Austin's Black Angels came on and brought their reverb-drenched noisy rock to the stage. They were the BRR find of the day. Of course, I didn't manage to take a photo, but they're playing again today at the Red Eyed Fly at 5:30 with A Place to Bury Strangers.

The Raveonettes came on and were surprisingly loud with some heavy and nasty (in a good way) pre-recorded loops. This was when forgetting my earplugs in my bag became a poor choice.

BBQ anyone?

Later, stopped in on Walter Meego and their dancey synth-rock, highlighted by some nice unison dual-guitar work.

On to day 2....