These United States were the first band I grabbed to play Hot Freaks! I’m a big fan of both the band’s work and the musicians as people. They’re a delight and always lead to a good time. However that means jack to you, the reader, if the music isn’t good. I mean, I have friends who are the nicest people, but you wouldn’t ever want to hear them pick up a guitar. Luckily for you, me and especially These United States, these are not those kind of friends.

MP3: These United States – Honor Amongst Thieves

Due to the short nature of SXSW sets, These United States picked the best songs from their two full-lengths and added one new song off their new album, out later this year. Even though I’ve heard all those songs done half a dozen times in concert, I always love to hear it one more time. And though the room had only about twenty people in it when they started, it slowly filled with people who apparently felt the exact same way.