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SXSW review: The Krayolas at Little Steven’s Underground Garage Party
(1 p.m. Friday, Antone’s)
If garages didn’t exist, the Krayolas would have had to invent them. The ’70s-era ensemble from San Antonio who minted a string of regional hits got a fresh wind under their collective tail with the release last year of a new album, “La Conquistadora.” Now, with a new album (“Long Leaf Pine (No Smack Gum)”) and a new generation of fans, the Krayolas are a force to contend with once more.
Appropriate then, that the group should have been chosen to kick off Little Steven Van Zandt’s Underground Garage Party on Friday afternoon at Antone’s. Joined by San Antonio compadres the West Side Horns, accordionist Michael Guerra and Sir Douglas Quintet keyboardist Augie Meyers, the band showed just how timeless and infectiously fun unbridled, old-school three-minute-single music can be.
Like the SDQ a decade earlier, the Krayolas mix classic garage band rock with the Tejano influences that surrounded them in South Texas. Thus, “11th Sunday In Ordinary Time” incorporates the horn line from “La Cucaracha,” and “Chola Song” immortalizes a barrio princess who plucks her eyebrows and cruises the ‘hood.
It’s not all fun and games, though. In a chilling shift, “12 Heads In a Bag” used the traditional corrido form of border balladry to decry the horrifying drug-related violence in Mexico.
But for the most part, it was an upbeat set, with the West Side Horns punching through “A-Frame” like fighters working a speed bag, and Augie Meyers lending his roller-rink keyboard to a punkish take on the Kinks’ “Who’ll Be the Next In Line.”
“We’re legends in our own minds,” said frontman Hector Saldaña. “That’s the best place to be.”
Well said, brother.
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By Hector Saldana
March 23, 2009 10:20 AM | Link to this
What I will always remember from this show is talking to the Cocktail Slippers backstage after their set and getting them to autograph a poster from the event and then all of a sudden having them strip butt-naked right in front of like a scene out of “Animal House.”
By Chad McNamara
April 5, 2009 10:29 PM | Link to this
I caught The Krayolas playing at the Underground Garage Party. They really rocked the house. We got to see all the bands warm up and each took atleast 10 minutes. The Krayolas had about 1 minute and went on first. No crying, no *****. They went out and played their ***** off. I hope they can make it back to Austin soon. Also, I would love to see the hotties in The Cocktail Slippers naked!!!!
By Craig C
April 6, 2009 8:19 AM | Link to this
I completely agree with the last comment. The Krayolas stole the entire showcase. Those horns do something to your soul, man. It set the tone for my entire SX-experience. Hurry back to A-town fellas and I’ll promise to make it down SA-way to catch you on the West side.
By John Terry
April 8, 2009 4:59 PM | Link to this
Give me enchiladas or give me death! The Krayolas always put on a great show, and the lead-singing Saldana proves you don’t have to live with your folks to rock the garage. Their “Best Riffs Only” CD a couple of years ago is now worn out. Bring some more of the S.A. flavor to Austin, and I’ll make sure I make it out.