Home > Austin Music Source > Archives > 2008 > March > 16 > Entry
SXSW review: Jacob Golden
Although the capacity crowd (which wasn’t very many people) for Jacob Golden’s 8 p.m. set at St. David’s Episcopal church was mostly there to see later performances by M. Ward and My Morning Jacket lead singer Jim James, Golden proved to those in attendance that he was not just another disposable opening act. Among those in attendance tonight was Conor Oberst, aka Bright Eyes, who has collaborated with both Ward and James in the past.
While Golden definitely falls into the category of those who make a habit out of finding beauty in the pain of everyday life, he separates himself from the pack with exceptionally strong songwriting. Drawing heavily from his experience as a struggling musician as a metaphor for relationships gone wrong, Golden’s singing ranges from moving falsetto laments to more upbeat and humorous songs rooted in the blues.
Highlights of the set included one song where he described dealing with record executives as hellhounds snapping at his heels, as well as his recent single, “Out Come the Wolves,” which reminded this reviewer of the not-too-recently heard from band Holopaw. Judging from the positive response of the audience, I have a feeling that Golden won’t be unknown for too long.
Follow Austin Music Source on Facebook and Twitter.
Permalink | |
