Being Dead, the most recently crowned Band of the Year at the Chronicle's Austin Music Awards, only took to the stage once during South By Southwest for an afternoon show at Radio East on Thursday.
It's no mystery why the trio won the award--they truly do represent the best of the Austin music scene. Comprised of Falcon Bitch, Shmoofy and Ricky Motto (who wasn't in attendance for this show), the band creates sonic folklore more interesting than the names they have given themselves. Their first album, 2023's When Horses Would Run, combines futurism and off-the-cuff, witty lyrics with experimental surf rock instrumentals. Their most recent album, last year's Eels, refines this style in a beautiful way. However, you still can never quite know what to expect from the band.
Their set represented everything that Austin music should feel like. The band members are constantly making jokes with each other and the crowd, ringing in a few laughs before blowing your mind with their instrumental genius. Falcon Bitch and Shmoofy even switch spots halfway through, giving up the guitar for the drums and vice versa.
Their music, while fun and whimsical, takes a lot of skill to play. Nearly every song, especially those like "Last Living Buffalo" and "Daydream," consist of many beat switches and swift vocals that require precise timing, and the band executed every single one perfectly while making it seem like a breeze. Their set was perfect for the hot Texas afternoon. Most of their songs feel like they're meant for the sunshine, with catchy, light guitar melodies and vocals that rotate between chanted phrases and high-energy droning.
Despite the heat, the crowd turned up and out for the band's sole show of the week. They are taking the show on the road next month for their U.S. tour.
Poster by Cat Barrera Art.