Some SXSW coverage via Erik Adams in Venus Zine (thanks to Adam Schragin for the link):

Disappointed in my inability to see R.E.M., I wandered through the slowly growing downtown insanity until I spotted the words “Elf Power” by the door of Spiro’s. I ducked in and heard the sweet sounds of something decidedly Neutral Milk Hotel-esque. The band was Nana Grizol, and I managed to catch the finale of their set, which as far as I could tell was as gloriously rickety as a flying Victrola powered by youthful, punk energy. Thanks for being my first great SXSW find, Nana Grizol!

After the thrill of discovery, Elf Power was a bit of a let down. I don’t know what it is, but I just can’t get into their super-peppy power (ha ha!) pop. Mostly, I was transfixed by the astounding melodic bass skills of Derek Almstead, who might have some of the lightest fingers in town this week.

OK, so he didn’t like Elf Power, but Adam did – here’s his write-up in the Austinist:

One of this writer’s SXSW highlights was the Orange Twin records showcase on Wednesday night at Spiros. The band Nana Grizol impressed the small but enthusiastic crowd with bountiful energy and bouncy song structures, while also featuring the skills of horn player Laura Carter (Elf Power) and Madeline Adams on bass, who had played a solo set earlier in the evening. Elf Power ripped it up next, previewing songs from their new In a Cave record while also trotting out some old favorites like “We Dream In Sound” and closed their set with the raucous guitar duel of “Skeleton.” As loud and in our face that performance was, it was nothing compared to the set to follow. Prior to Dark Meat’s arrival on stage, a rumor had begun to circulate that the band were all dropping acid, and their set erased whatever doubt may have lingered. Ostensibly playing The Stooges’ Fun House in its entirety, the pure noise (four guitars!), drawn-out songs, and lead singer Jim McHughes’ unhinged anger made a fantastic if frightening impression.

Incidentally, the Nana Grizol album is due out May 13 on Orange Twin.