‘Unknown Aussies’ Emerge As SXSW Favourites

Adelaide's Atlas Genius have emerged as an early favourite of Austin at this year's SXSW, although Australian audiences would be excused for not knowing who they are.

Our team on the ground at the massive Texas music conference and showcase have reported back that they couldn't even get into the band's showcase last night. The band are on the verge of a massive break out following TV appearances and chart success in the states.

In Andrew Mast's first blog from the event he writes, “This band are so big in the US that the I Heart Radio party at The Main has them billed between performances by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis and Tegan & Sara. Back home they'd be lucky to score fifth on the bill to a Bardot reunion. But these guys obviously don't need 'back home' approval.”

Other highlights from the first night, which this year was busier than ever, was the re-birth of The Polyphonic Spree.

“The new songs… push the band's sound even closer to a musical meltdown then ever before. New, re-invigorated Spree finds a strangely alluring balance between anthemic religious mania and out-of-control orchestral arrangements and leave us realising that we desperately need them back in our lives.”

Read the full report here!