Name: Crooks
Featured track: "Heart Achin' Town"
Country/City of origin: Austin, Texas
Genre: Alt Country
In one sentence: Hard-hitting country tunes that are stripped clean of polish and packed with grungy rock undertones.
Why we chose them: A Crooks show will speak just as clearly to country purists as it will rockabillies and folk fans. You'll find a common honky-tonk thread — drums reminiscent of classic Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard-influenced guitar licks (think “Big City”) — but you’ll also discover well-developed horns sections and skilled fills. Crooks boldly represents Austin's diverse music underbelly, a place where long hair, tattoos and cowboy hats pair just fine (just like location of the band's SXSW showcase, as a matter of fact).
SXSW official show: Tuesday, March 12 at The White Horse
