Quentin and the Past Lives - “Friends”
SXSW 2022 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 1
Pairs Well With…David Bowie, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Black Pumas
In one of those moments when a mightily ambitious local band seemingly comes out of nowhere, Quentin and the Past Lives shared a couple singles through KUTX Austin’s website last month that sound like deep tracks from a 70s psych-rock concept album. The first track shared was “Friends”, a Queen-like anthem that builds to a beyond-epic conclusion. Big guitar solos, tripped-out keyboards, and a powerful croon highlight the revelatory single, a multi-part number that could close a big-festival stage. Harmonies, wails, and moon-shooting melodies make “Friends” such a hallmark track among the many introductory SXSW offerings. Second single “I Am The Gun” is a more soulful song, throwback R&B riffs and melodies anchoring the otherwise booming rock track. Again, “I Am The Gun” is full and far-reaching - it’s refreshing hearing a band that could just be groove-oriented go for such a swing-for-the-fences approach in their songwriting. They sound notably ‘live’ on record, so expect their SXSW set to rip the roof off The Venue ATX on Wednesday night, a local showcase sponsored by EQ Austin. (Kevin McStravick)