BAEBLE CONCERTS: The Films at Red 7 - SXSW

When first laying eyes on the Films, you may rightfully mistake them for a clone of "garage-pop" band Jet, or a group who similarly apes the recent craze for 70's rock throwbacks. This assumption will gradually melt away though, as the Films' set progresses. They are not in fact a generic imitation of an era long since passed, but instead an amalgamation of several sounds and styles spanning rock's rich history. The first song, "Strange Hands", produces a curiously in-tune racket with glam rock over tones and a signature Rascals keyboard style, making this band out to be a New York Dolls update that can actually play their instruments. The Films' sound is derived from the heart of the mid-60s American garage movement (albeit then being molested by the mid-70s roar of New York CBGB's-era punk), and yet their stage presence evokes flashbacks to British Invasion acts such as the Dave Clark Five or the Kinks. This band rocks with a reckless abandon and oozing confidence which gives the impression that their amps are plugged into the vitality of the Stones during their prime. The chemistry between lead vocalist/guitarist Michael Trent and guitarist Kenneth Harris is akin to the antics of a young Mick and Keith, while the aloof Brian Jones of the band, bassist Jake Sinclair, nods away and looks strangely similar to late '90s MTV VJ Jesse Camp (yes…remember him?). And at the center of the madness, the steady drumming of percussionist Adam Blake supplies the crucial heartbeat that pumps the band's eclectic and engaging riffs. All in all, a band to watch out for. - Justin Thomas