Taiwanese musician Remi Huang (黃宏駿), 29, who traveled with KbN as a soundman, said the group was ideal for the role.
"Most of the bands in Taiwan really want to say something, but most of the time the things they want to say aren't very interesting. Or they care too much about a particular style of music" he said. "KbN focuses on their music. And they look good, too."
That was certainly the case on Saturday night, when Chen and Hsieh looked comfortable on stage as they layered synthesizer noise and an electric guitar through a keyboard over spare drum 'n' bass-influenced beats. The result sounded unique and avant-garde, but had enough hooks to keep the audience bopping and swaying. At the end of their set, they were joined by Davis on drums, bass player Joe Moody, keyboardist Jimmy Brettell and guitarist Brandon Cobb, for a fuller, funkier sound.
"They didn't seem typical - that's the best way of putting it," said Lee Fraser, who was at the Elysium on Saturday and heard KbN's performance.
Sitting on the club's terrace after the show, as fans approached him to compliment him on his performance, Chen said he was surprised by the enthusiasm and large size of the audience.
Hsieh said he will encourage other underground Taiwanese bands to do their best to participate in SXSW next year.
"We should all come together," he said. "If we have a Taiwan night it would be really fun."
For your information:
To listen to KbN's music and find out more about the band, visit www.myspace.com/funkbnice or funkbnice.podomatic.com.
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