Planet Rock
Austin, Texas, SXSW 2005
By David Lynch, Fri., March 25, 2005
Sek Loso
The Drink, Saturday, March 19
Imagine an American rock guitarist selling more than 56 million albums and you'll understand how popular Sek LoSo is in his native Thailand. LoSo stands for "low society," and with his band's native superstar status achieved, Sek has set his sights on conquering the world, recently moving to the UK. SXSW 05 was Sek's American debut and plug for his new album, For God's Sake, although fate dealt him a bad card: days before his showcase, Sek's father died after a car crash. Opener "Love Is My Religion" had a restrained, almost spiritual feeling, but its follower "She's So Sexy" was loud and proud, with titillating videos projected above the stage. Sek is a natural talent on guitar, and like a seasoned martial artist, he made it look easy. Halfway into the set, Sek introduced "In the Air," a tribute to recent tsunami victims, and here, a fitting sonic elegy for his father. After a punk cast tune, this showcase's wide emotion closed with a driving hardcore number. At the end, Sek rammed his white Strat into his Marshall amp, nearly toppling over the drummer and emitting creamy feedback as Sek & Co. left the stage.
