Tag Archives: W.O.W.

I’ll let my wrist do all the talking. Confusion is a virtue in Tejas.

For another exhaustive dispatch from the trenches go to World of Wumme.

FM3 is China’s hottest rock band. Christian Virant and Zhang Jian have pioneered the country’s electronic scene (what little scene there is) since 1999. According to their bio the duo is:

“Known for dedicating prime space for “live” aspects within their work, FM3 produces mysterious, meditative and minimalist soundscapes, while subtly adding elements of Chinese folk tradition into a universe abundant in micro-sounds and synthetic glitches.”

All I know is they invented the Buddha Machine, and mine has become a constant companion for two years running. I’m not quite sure of their appearances in the states so far, but their show at SXSW is the first time I’ve ever heard of them playing within two thousand miles of my home.

More about the Buddha Machine on World of Wumme.

At my first SXSW, ’round the turn of the century, before iphones, bit torrents, and blogs, my posse seemed stalked by Matt Suggs of Butterglory. Every year since there’s always one band that tends to follow me through my Austin adventure, at every day party, getting pizza at Hoek’s, in the hotel lobby at 3 AM. Last year it was Deerhunter, and while I’m still a big fan of the music, seeing their live shtick a handful of times, over four days, it got old. Looking over the schedule this year, I’m tempted to predict Bon Iver will become a constant. Difference is I’m welcoming Justin Vernon’s intimate crystal creeper folk. There’s rarely a moment on the majestic-as-fuck For Emma, Forever Ago that would ever elicit a yawn. Even if you eliminate his coveted slot at the Jagjaguwar/Secretly Canadian/Dead Oceans showcase Thursday night, you’re unlikely to miss him, since appears to be playing in every time slot — you can almost control the environment in which you get to see this. I’m hoping for dusk, outdoors.

Read a full review of For Emma, Forever Ago on World of Wumme.