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Mohair
Artist: Mohair
Hometown: Watford, UK
Venue: La Zona Rosa, 8 p.m. Saturday
Pre-show buzz: Didn’t make it to my ears.
High point: Their song, “Keep It Together,” was a creative rock gem with a nod to ’60s musical sensibilities, which Mohair singer Tom Billington said was the No. 1 something or other in Bosnia. “I (expletive) you not,” he attested.
Bonus points: awarded for drummer Pete Baker’s fantastic trumpet solo during the bridge of “Keep It Together.” That Brit pop coolio put down his sticks, picked up the trumpet and played a spot-on solo, then picked up the sticks and went right back into the song. The audience rewarded his skill with applause. Additionally, keyboardist Alex Richards’ elegant harpsichord sound and his classically influenced playing was a nice respite from the typical four-on-the-floor rock ‘n’ roll that inevitably surrounds you at SXSW.
Oddest stage attire mix-match: Bassist Tim Slade wearing a navy polo shirt while singer/guitarist Billington donned something akin to the infamous “Seinfeld” white puffy shirt.
Post-show buzz: The thunderous applause felt sincere. Most folks appeared to be hearing them for the first time, but the consensus was that these guys were not too shabby.
Afterthoughts: I’d check out Mohair again if they were playing for free. But that said, they come across as one of those bands that have the potential to make great singles because they were all such polished, tasteful musicians. They’ve got potential for greatness, but their music isn’t going to change you life just yet.
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