Simon Hanes

Several years ago at SXSW, i caught New York band Tredici Bacci, a wild and eclectic band that played psych and pop to craft a kind of avant garde faux soundtrack to a series of '60 Italian films that never existed.  It was truly unique stuff.  Well, now front man Simon Hanes is set to release his new solo effort "Gargantua" next week, and it sounds like nothing else as well, like an experimental opera made for art school devils and demonic theater kids.  Check out "Hekla 1970" below and pre-order the album here from Pyroclastic Records.

Tredici Bacci

New York band Tredici Bacci's particular brand of Morricone soundtrack-inspired Italian pop music was far and away one of the most entertaining things i saw at SXSW a couple of years ago when the group performed one of the day parties i attended.  And now, with a new record headed our way in March, i can only hope that means that a return to Austin is in store for us as well.  Listen to the JG Thirlwell assisted "Emmanuelle" below and pre-order the "La Fine Del Futuro" LP here from NNA Tapes.

Tredici Bacci

Three days into SXSW, and despite a day cut short due to a sick child, i think i may have found my favorite act of the festival.  Boston's Tredici Bacci make wonderful homages to 1960's Italian film scores, a kind of mix of chamber pop, baroque orchestral movements, and a bit of tongue-in-cheek humor.  The 10-piece band's live act also threw in some No Wave type chaos and some irreverent stage banter into the mix as well.  I loved every second of it.  Listen to "Drowned" featuring the lovely Jennifer Charles on guest vocals and score the "Amore Per Tutti" LP from NNA Records.