The great thing about SXSW is trying to find out about any and all secret shows. We Listen For You brought in a new element by not even telling us who was on their lineup. Full of intrigue, a friend and I trekked our way to the mystery show bright and early to be welcomed by a relaxing morning of acoustic sets. Short but sweet sets by Bro Stephens, Radical Dads, Conveyor, ARMS and Henry Clay People made me want to check these bands out further.

Lucky for me since this is SXSW, I will hopefully be able to catch up with at least one again in the coming days. Conveyor is looking mighty fine to check out again after seeing  only the briefest of sets. Needless to say, they made a great impression.

Radical Dads, a Brooklyn-based punk band, sounded radically different live, with acoustic guitars as opposed to what they sound like normally. I’m partial to the more listener friendly acoustic style, but that is just based off comparing it to what they have streaming online. I’ll reserve my final decisions when I see them live again.

I finished the morning off by stopping Noise Pops day party to check out The Black Ryder. Getting wind they were going to play in a small bar was the best news I had heard so far.  This duo are often accompanied by talented musician friends to form a complete sound and boy did they do that today. What I consider to be rock with a psychedelic undertone similar to and influenced by Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, was just what was needed to shake up my otherwise mellow morning.  Often times certain bands are more suited for evening shows in dark places, these guys would fit into that category. However, the Red Eyed Fly was a bar dark enough on the interior and still had the feel of last nights party lingering that The Black Ryder rocked it and I’m very happy they did.