Fionn - “Goldfish”

SXSW 2023 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 6

Pairs Well With…Magdalena Bay, HAIM, Tegan & Sara

There’s some sweet charm that comes off Fionn’s music, a bouncy form of electro-pop that doesn’t shy from earworm melodies. The Canadian duo range from bedroom folk to dance-vibed pop across their catalog, a relatively deep one that consists of two records amid single and EP releases. It’s rare for a band to do both quiet and sweaty so well, openly letting their personalities flow through both unique lanes. One consistent element of their multi-faceted songwriting is a sense of warmth, welcoming and inclusive in terms of both melody and lyric. They’ve already shared four singles from their upcoming 3rd album due sometime this Spring and they’re both sharpening and broadening their sound here (“Picnic on the Moon” going pastoral folk, indie rock stylings on “All Good”, bright pop in “Goldfish”), so lookout for more surprises before and after Fionn’s SXSW swing. They showcase Tuesday night at Swan Dive on an excellent bill that includes Peach Luffe, Bella White, and Housewife. (Kevin McStravick)