SXSW Record Reviews
Baio
The Names (Glassnote)
Reviewed by Abby Johnston, Fri., March 18, 2016
Although the admittedly intoxicating Ivy League kitsch of starting band Vampire Weekend made him famous, bassist Chris Baio has adeptly split from said polished pop on his solo debut. If there's one commonality between The Names and his former band, it's the brainy social commentary driving tracks such as "Brainwash Yyrr Face." That's the beginning and end to any traces of Vampire Weekend, the electronic quirk of "Sister of Pearl" demonstrating that Baio exited his moneymaker with intent. (Wed., 11pm, Banger's)