photos by Colin Kerrigan
At SXSW, there are often second—and third and fourth and ninth—chances to catch artists you might have missed earlier in the week. On Thursday, I wrote about skipping out on Damon Albarn's set at the Wednesday night NPR Showcase because I was shaken up about the accident that had just happened across the street. But last night I got another opportunity, and I'm glad I waited: Albarn's headlining set at FADER Fort was an energetic performance full of first-time collaborations and star-studded cameos.
For the first half of the show, Albarn and his lively band mostly performed tracks from his forthcoming solo record Everyday Robots, opening with the forlorn, my-smartphone-is-making-me-sad anthem, "Lonely Press Play". Some of Albarn's new material is more upbeat than the first two singles would have you believe: Last night we heard the gorgeous "Heavy Seas of Love" (which, on the record, is a duet with Brian Eno) and the buoyant, Gorillaz-esque "Mr. Tembo". Thematically, there's a streak of technology fatigue running through these songs, and though it's more deeply felt and less didactic than Jay-Z's recent anti-iPhone screed, it's still a little surprising, coming from a guy who used to front a band with virtual members.
What a triumph for the physical world, then, to finally invite out the men behind the curtain. "This is the first time this song is being performed in its pure state," Albarn announced before inviting out Dan the Automator, Del the Funky Homosapien, and Snoop Dogg for a floor-shaking, to-the-rafters version of "Clint Eastwood". There were other Gorillaz favorites scattered throughout Albarn's set; De La Soul had joined him for an equally amazing version of "Feel Good Inc.", and their on-stage chemistry was so genuine that I only wish they'd stayed out longer. The fact that Albarn could bring out so many different guests and still retain a sense of cohesion to the set reminded you of how diverse this guy's career has been, and how deftly he can pivot between different sounds and contexts.
Other things!
Most Creative Chant of the Day: Taylor Gang member Problem's introduction to his single "D.R.U.G.S." "When I say drugs, you say drugs. DRUGS. DRUGS! DRUGS. DRUGS!"
Person Who Was Not the Special Guest, Despite My Elaborate Conspiracy Theory: "Don't you find it SUSPICIOUS," I annoyed everyone I met on Friday by asking, "that Miley Cyrus's Bangerz tour has the day off today?" FADER Fort "special guest" rumors run rampant every year, and this was my hopeful contribution. Miley did not show, but I guess she was too busy recording with the Flaming Lips.
Set I Wish Was About Three Times Longer: Atlanta rapper Young Thug came out a little late, so he only got to play three songs—including his current single "Stoner" and the recent Nicki-Minaj-endorsed "Danny Glover." His on-stage presence is electric and compellingly weird; I could have watched him all day. Still, his set had the kind of star-making quality that made me think we don't have to worry—he'll be getting longer sets soon.