South by Southwest days one and two included some of the best and brightest in the music industry. With many amazing prospects, some long-time stars and some currently rising to the icon status gave shows that proved music truly never dies.
With electrifying performances, both the All-American Rejects and Don Toliver lit up Austin’s night life with extraordinary performances in preparation for both upcoming tours and new album releases.
Here are some of the highlights, critiques and Easter eggs from these amazing performances.
Day One: The All-American Rejects are still as vivacious as they were in the 2000s
Headlining the SXSW Music Opening Party, the All-American Rejects showed how alive their fanbase and music truly are. The showcase itself highlighted four other music acts, including FEET, Grandma House and La Texana. The musical celebration took place at Stubb’s BBQ in downtown Austin, Texas, which holds numerous concerts throughout the year in its backyard concert pavilion.
Opening with “Dirty Little Secret,” the All-American Rejects started the concert with an energetic bang that electrified the crowd. The crowd sang along loudly as lead singer, bassist and co-founder, Tyson Ritter, showed that the band, which started in 1999, has a fanbase as strong as ever. Ritter put on an amazing show, and acted out the lyrics and vibe of the show in true rockstar fashion.
Although Ritter might be the main vocalist, he was not the only member of the band to shine during the showcase. All of the members put on quite the show. Nick Wheeler, the band’s backup vocalist, lead guitarist and co-founder, showed off his energetic and powerful cords, showing the years he’s spent honing his craft. Wheeler put on a spectacular show bouncing off of Ritter and fellow members Mike Kennerty and Chris Gaylor.
Kennerty is the rhythm guitarist and backup vocalist who joined the band in 2002 and served as a constant force. He added a coherent, subtle element that helped maintain the rock band’s unique sound throughout each performance. Adding to the band's rock nature, Kennerty’s gentle dominance of the stage didn’t compete with his members but provided captivating support to their stage presence.
Gaylor, on the other hand, is a welcome spice to the mixed berry pie that makes up the All-American Rejects. Gaylor’s surgical-like precision on the drums led the band’s energy throughout the entire performance. The power and dynamism of Gaylor’s musical abilities shined with every song, and made the audience feel like a kickstand was in their own chests.
Despite some technical difficulties, the concert was truly a master class on rock.
The All-American Rejects start touring April 2, with their show at the Firekeepers Casino in Battle Creek, Michigan.
At the start of their performance, the Ritter also announced the band wrapped their fifth studio album just two days before coming to SXSW.
All-American Rejects fans can expect new music very soon.
RATING: 4.5/5
Day Two: Don Toliver gave SXSW a preview for his Octane tour; it is epic
Headlining Billboard’s THE STAGE at SXSW, presented by Intuit Turbo Tax, Don Toliver gave an hour and a half performance that showed fans what to expect on his upcoming OCTANE tour. The showcase also included multiple artists, including YAKIYN, sosocamo, Chase B and sets by DJ Cee Watts. Houston rapper Toliver returned to his home state to show fans the brilliance of his Trap-R&B, also referred to as “Trap&B,” meets the matrix music style.
Toliver started the show with “85E” from his most recent album, and ignited the blacked out stage of the Moody Amphitheater with his Webcore aesthetic visuals and blaring lights. This show definitely was not for anyone with a sensitivity to lights, as shifting colors and pyrotechnics of the show increased with every song’s beat drop.
As he transitioned from “85E,” Toliver graced fans with “BODY.” The stage turned into a neon blue beacon only contrasted by the top of the Texas State capital building as it appeared over the top of the showcase stage. The contrast of the flames and cannons, with the neon blue lights during the song’s beat drops, made a visual spectacle for audience members. Partnered with Toliver’s animated dancing, and true rap-rockstar nature, The transition into “OPPOSITE” with the beat drop right before Toliver yelled the lyrics “Shawty keep droppin’ it, shawty keep poppin’ it, Southside choppin’ that (yee),” caused the crowd to go wild. Sparklers on stage shot high in the air, and geometric zigzag patterns and flickering lights flashed visuals. Toliver’s figure was projected on the screen in multiple warm colors, most noticeably red, as the song enters its chorus.
Also a part of the set list were flashbacks to his 2020 album “Heaven or Hell,” and he performed the song “Cardigan.” The stage background took a different, more industrial look. Toliver was placed in front of industrial fans and vent openings. He transitioned from his more mellow material, to another new release from the Octane album, “Gemstone.” “Gemstone” marked the half way mark of the concert, and kicked the performance back into gear, with a minor guitar led interlude that transitioned into “BANDIT,” which kept the concert’s high momentum.
The show displayed Toliver’s unique sound, and the range within the genre he created. While the show was highly visually entertaining, the pyrotechnics almost felt distracting at moments. The four men on stage, Toliver, his DJ, guitarist and electric pianist, left no gap in aura on the stage.
Toliver’s music is so theatrical it could easily pair with more theatrical elements like dancers, holograms or other visual elements that aren’t necessarily as blaring as constant lights and pyrotechnics.
Toliver’s OCTANE tour officially starts Fri. May 8, at Rolling Loud in Orlando, Florida.
RATING: 4/5
