With an amazing CMJ Buzzsession in our archives and a highly anticipated performance on our SXSW Outdoor Stage looming on the horizon, I simply had to catch The Jezabels (@thejezabels) in Brooklyn right before they jet down south for the Texas festivities.

PopGun and The FADER sandwiched our fave Aussies in between Copehagen’s Giana Factory and Still Corners of London, two awesome bands that were actually making their live US debut right then and there! But it was The Jezabels who projected triumphantly to the far corners of the art-bedecked walls of Glasslands Gallery with as much raw talent and confidence as there were people packed to the gills to see them.

The strong, march-like rhythms of drummer Nik Kaloper were the initial strike that summoned the deep intensity of The Jezabels’ indie pop/rock. With that tone set, it was the unbelievably powerful vocals of singer Hayley Mary that sent the songs soaring, belting out high notes and emotional lyrics with a set of pipes that I am admittedly jealous of! The tightly spaced sea of fans swayed and sang along, matching Hayley’s passionate performance. The crowd not only listened to the music but could actually feel it, connecting with the hopeful, anthemic empowerment that lives inside each dramatic tune.

These four are definitely going to blow the sky off of Austin at our outdoor SXSW show at Empire Auto Garage on Wednesday 3/16!