Next-door to Sounds of Spain, a 42 below sponsored New Zealand party was pumping along, and the one woman machine that is Bachelorette was enjoying the stage. Recently supporting Animal Collective on their Australian tour, I have had the opportunity to witness Annabel Alpers in action, and was wholly impressed in the encounter. As such, I didn’t need to be converted to her skills in Austin. Unfortunately, the rest of the crowd did, and from where I was standing, I didn’t feel she connected with the crowd (or vice versa). Perhaps it was just the wrong stage to be standing on, at the wrong time, with the wrong crowd?

Headliners Gin Wigmore and the Cardinals (above) followed and definitely connected. The vibe in the room was ripe, and the talent on stage was electrifying; the tent building up throughout her whole set. I definitely think Gin will be leaving her mark on Austin, with a little help from her friends.

As the sun was setting, it was time to move from day into night and hit up the evening showcases – and first on the list were The Besnard Lakes (above), playing Stubb’s (one of the hottest venues in town, where Muse would be headlining the next night). I arrived just as the Montreal four-piece, founded by the husband and wife team of Jace Lasek and Olga Goreas, were performing their first track, and was treated to a truly entertaining 40 minute set. They focused on their new LP, The Besnard Lakes are the Roaring Night , but they threw in a couple of old favourites as well. I can’t say they hit me as impressively as I expected them too – but I suppose that’s to be anticipated when expectations are so high. Nonetheless, Besnard proved themselves a tight sound, translating well live from the album.

Up-and-comers The Soft Pack (above) followed and impressed, but didn’t overwhelm – a feeling that followed over from their debut LP. This is a band who definitely have something, but I’m not sure what that is yet – and I think they’re still discovering that too. And I look forward to watching them grow, and singing along when we all work it out.