Paired with a screening of the Residents documentary Theory of Obscurity for SXSW Film, Friday’s show gave the band’s diehards and the curious among South By Southwest attendees more than their fill of the mask-wearing, art-damaged rock legacy.
It was a notable night for many reasons. Prime among them the announcement that percussionist/computer manipulator Chuck was leaving the North California act after more than 30 years. Since one of the conceits of the group remains their anonymity, there’s no way to verify who’s behind the mask. If Chuck isn’t on stage, who’s to know?
The trio, filled out by singer Randy and guitarist Bob, performed latest CD Shadowland. The former prefaced it as the third in a trilogy, beginning with 2010’s Talking Light and The Wonder of Weird three years later. Its life cycle – birth, rebirth, death, and near death – gave the music ominous overtones. Electro-beats and Bob’s snaking guitar soundtracked nightmares jabbered and screamed by Randy.
At times, the music found itself overshadowed by the sheer spectacle of stage lights on a huge pop-art background and the large white globe behind the band projecting patterns. At times humorous, spoken word interludes were made by a non-band member representing characters “The Garbage Man” and “The Diver.”
The Residents will continue without Chuck, but their swan song with him at SXSW stands as one to remember.
Complete SXSW Music coverage at austinchronicle.com/sxsw/music
This article appears in March 20 • 2015.