Stone Temple Pilots Preview New Album at SXSW

Stone Temple Pilots' self-titled new album, their first since reuniting in 2008, doesn't hit stores for two more months -- May 25, to be precise. But a sharp-dressed Scott Weiland, who came out in a gray suit vest, tie, and shades, told a packed Austin Music Hall at the band's heavily-hyped StubHub SXSW showcase that the group were there for the new music. "The reason why we're touring right now is we're about to put out a new album," Weiland said early in their hour-plus set.

Weiland, drummer Eric Kretz and brothers Don and Robert DeLeo, who canceled a tour in late 2009 to concentrate on recording the new material, wanted everyone at SXSW to know the forthcoming album is indeed near. Though they opened with a raucous 'Vaseline' and liberally spread hits like 'Wicked Garden,' 'Sex Type Thing,' 'Interstate Love Song' and sing-along versions of 'Creep' and 'Plush' that were crowd highlights throughout the performance, new songs were a central part of the show.

An engaging and very active Weiland, who conjured up the earliest STP performances with his constant dancing and stage moves, promised fans they would be pleased with the new material. And he backed up his word.

Starting with the first single, 'Between the Lines,' a furiouslyp-paced rocker with an obvious glam influence, the band did four new songs, including the Bowie-inspired ''Hickory Dichotomy,' the rocking 'Bag Man' and 'Huckleberry Crumble,' another Bowie-feeling track, 'Jean Genie,' to be specific, that morphs into an Aerosmith-esque vibe.

Most bands doing a special showcase would've been content to let the greatest hits and excitement of new material suffice. Certainly the capacity crowd of 4,400 was beyond satiated, but STP had another trick, bringing out Doors guitarist Robbie Krieger for a smashing encore of the Doors' 'Roadhouse Blues.'

If the point of a SXSW showcase is to create excitement and buzz, consider STP's visit to Austin a very, very successful trip.