Yesterday we posted a preview of over 180 bands that we feel are worth checking out at South by Southwest. Today we focus on 25 artists that are among the best of the 2000+ participating bands at SXSW. The futures of these bands are bright, and we certainly recommend seeing them play at least once during the festival in Austin this weekend.

Allo, Darlin’ (Myspace)

Hometown: London, England
Label: WeePop, Fortuna Pop
Allo, Darlin’ – Dear Stephen Hawking
Allo, Darlin’ – Will You Please Spend New Year’s With Me?

Avi Buffalo (Myspace)

Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Label: Sub Pop
Avi Buffalo – What’s In It For
Avi Buffalo – Margaux Home Rec

Rollo & Grady is heading to Austin later this week. Almost 2000 bands are participating this year at South By Southwest, and deciding which shows to attend can be overwhelming. After sampling roughly 1200 bands, we selected 200 bands to check out. Many of these artists we’ve covered in the past, but we’ve also discovered several new groups that we’re excited to share with you. Tomorrow we’re highlighting 25 artists that we feel will generate the biggest buzz at (and after) the festival.

Adam Green (Myspace)
Hometown: New York, New York
Label: Rough Trade / Fat Possum
Adam Green – What Makes Him Act So Bad

Admiral Radley (Website)
Hometown: Sherman Oaks, California
Label: Unsigned

Air Waves (Myspace)
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
Label: Catbird Records
Air Waves – Knock Out

Alex Bleeker and The Freaks (Myspace)
Hometown: New Jersey
Label: Underwater Peoples
Alex Bleeker and The Freaks – Animal Tracks