IDLES played the PNE Forum two nights in a row, closing out their Vancouver stay to a sold out room. Joe Talbot’s sincerity rang loudly throughout the set, melting into the audience where you could see hugs being shared, helping hands lifting people back on their feet from moshing and dancing, and unity during shouts of “Free Palestine”. IDLES is a shining example of pushing a revolution via the stage and the power of solidarity through music.

As we inch closer to the conclusion of this year’s SXSW, the start of the weekend was busier than ever with a range of ripping showcases. With most of the unofficial showcases having stacked bills due to numerous bands dropping out of the official lineup, we were bound to hear music that was sweet for our ears no matter where we ventured. Here are a few of the best things we saw on Friday at SXSW.

Easing into day three, we went from rock show to dance party back to experimental/industrial hip hop. The multidisciplinary nature of SXSW keeps things interesting and it’s been exciting to hear a vast array of acts who are all uniquely changing the genre boundaries. Whether it’s larger-than-life saxophone group O. or new up-and-coming acts like FCUKERS, we are excited to put a few on your radar. Read on to hear a few of REVERIE’s favourites.