We have to be briefer and more foolish than usual. Forgive us. We are killing ourselves to live; going into "peregruzka" mode, and trying to make sure everything is not complete chaos down in Austin. Nothing really happens until we show up, I thought you knew? -By SR AND DL

Skeletonwitch | Kylesa | Blacktusk | My Son My Exectutioner (Club Dada)
Thrashy, heavy show, which would be a pretty big event on any other Wednesday, especially with Kylesa on the bill. This being the week that it is either results in shows being packed or criminally underattended, since there are so many big shows every day. Hopefully that isn't the case, especially for locals My Son My Executioner.

Frustrations | The Weakends | Bass Drum Of Death | Outer Spacist (Bunker Hill)
The Weakends have received a lot of praise for their garage rock, which is much more infused with traditional blues than most bands playing that particular genre, and how did I just know that Bass Drum Of Death was a one-man-band before I even checked? I was glad to discover that The Box Elders were not, according to the band, named after the single that launched Pavement's career.

Devo (The Palladium)
What would you do if David Bowie and Iggy Pop helped you get your first record contract, or if Brian Eno insisted on producing your debut album? It's hard to imagine how that must have felt for Devo, but maybe the reason it happened to them in the first place is because they seem like the kind of guys who really wouldn't give a shit. Do contemporary Devo shows take on the kind of "Old Guys playing old songs" vibe that many older bands give off? I'm not really sure, but I'd be willing to take the chance.

Prince William | Roy G. And The Biv | Schwa | Darktown Strutters (The Lounge)
Very solid show that we played a small role in helping put together, although Vigilante music group is the main force involved in making this happen. We've told you quite a bit about Roy G and the Biv over the past few months, and they are aiming to make a pretty big push at SXSW this year, playing several shows both inside and outside the official festival. Providing a nice contrast to the glossy synth pop of Roy G will be Darktown Strutters' brand of mutant disco meets Cramps and Nico sludge, as well as tasteful and eclectic DJ sets from Schwa and Prince William.

Restavrant | The Great Tyrant | Spindrift | The Gunslingers (Chat Room)

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Japanther | Prizzy Prizzy Please | Drug Mountain | The Pharmacy | Rocket For Ethiopia (1919 Hemphill)

Early Man | Red Fang | Silver Tongue Devil (Rubber Gloves)