6 Highlights From Last Week’s Action In Austin

Sam Smith Strips Down (Kind Of)

This fellow from across the pond was one of our acts to look out for at this year’s festival, and he did not disappoint! Sam Smith is planning on stepping out of the shadows of Disclosure with a debut album In The Lonely Hour set for a May release and a gig on SNL. But he couldn’t show up to Austin without singing the tune that put him on the map — “Latch.” It was stripped from its catchy house aesthetics and transformed into a lovely acoustic ballad, which placed Smith’s full-bodied vocals at the forefront. The setting at Saint David’s Church venue made the performance all the more beautiful.

BANKS Rattles Our “Brain”

Alt-pop singer BANKS is also readying a debut LP, and her performance at the festival had us incredibly anxious for its summer release. “Brain,” her first tune of 2014, came to life at Hype Hotel’s Gorilla v. Bear showcase last week. The already-explosive track became even more of a monster, thanks to the singer’s tortured vocals, distorted synths and stomping drums. Stars are meant to be born at Austin’s music fest — and BANKS is definitely leading the pack.