VAMPIRE WEEKEND

Who are they? Buoyed by bloggers, "SNL" and Spin magazine ("best new band of the year"), the ska-lite indie-rock quartet from Columbia University has seen almost as much hype as Barack Obama.

How were they at SXSW? Given the mega-buzz, they fell relatively flat at Spin's afternoon party, coming off as one-note and repetitive. "A-Punk" had the crowd singing, but for such a dance-oriented band, there was little movement. Or maybe it was just the stiff SXSW crowd.

When's their local gig? 9 p.m. Thu., Triple Rock, sold out weeks ago.

TEENAGE BOTTLEROCKET

Who are they? Young, classic-styled, T-shirt-wearing punk quartet from Cheney territory (Wyoming).

How were they at SXSW? Their straight-ahead, earnest, blue-collar punk was a refreshing break from all the hipster buzz bands. They took the Ramones' rapid 1-2-3-4 approach so seriously, they may have been the first SXSW act ever to finish the standard 45-minute set early.

When's their gig? 5 and 9 p.m. today, Triple Rock. $8.

YEASAYER

Who are they? Experimental, David Byrne-copping worldbeat-gone-digi-punk band from Brooklyn's trend-setting scene. They opened for MGMT on its first tour this winter.

How were they at SXSW? The quintet's whirring instrumentation and jumbled rhythms sounded like a lot of noise for noise's sake, and the songs' hooks never showed themselves (even Byrne's most tribal stuff still had hooks).

When's their gig? April 18, Varsity Theater, with Man Man. $14.

WHITE DENIM

Who are they? The semi-bluesy, hard-stomping trio is Austin's own buzz band of the moment.

How were they at SXSW? One of the best of the fest -- like Jon Spencer Blues Explosion minus the cutesiness, plus some Canned Heat-like boogie soul.

When's their gig: April 10, First Avenue, with Tapes 'N Tapes. $12.

CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER