South by Southwest draws hundreds of bands from across the globe to Austin each year, offering a unique opportunity to experience music that might otherwise remain out of reach. With over 240 bands to choose from this year, navigating the lineup can prove overwhelming. To help, The Daily Texan curated a must-see international rock bands list for the weeks ahead.

CARDINALS – MARCH 11 & 13

This five-member Irish band’s latest seven-track EP Cardinals blends gothic rock and shoegaze by welding Euan Manning’s soulful vocals to slow percussion that swells into whiny guitar riffs. With a Music or Platinum Badge for primary access, see them perform at Antone’s on Tuesday or The Velveeta Room on Thursday.

RADIO FREE ALICE – MARCH 12 & 14

Softening the sharp edges of their fast-paced post-punk sound, this Australian band contrasts wistful lyrics against propulsive rhythms rooted in the anti-establishment history of their genre. The five-member band most recently released a four-track EP, Polyester, in August. Attendees with a Music or Platinum Badge will have primary access to watch them shred at Outdoor Mohawk on Wednesday or at The Creek and the Cave Backyard on March 14.

AMAZING SHOW – MARCH 13

Soaring crescendos and wailing guitar riffs define this 

Taiwanese group’s signature sound. As the only band in Taiwan to design and build their own instruments, the quintet does not shy away from experimentation as they blend folk, punk-rock and electronic sounds in one discography. Their latest album, Amazing Show, features 11 tracks released in September. With a Music or Platinum Badge for primary access, catch their 1 a.m. performance at Seven Grand on Thursday.

THE COURETTES – MARCH 13 & 14

Do not miss this Danish-Brazilian duo who unearth a sound reminiscent of ‘60s pop group The Shangri-Las in songs like “Want You! Like a Cigarette.” They also fuse surf and garage rock in songs like “Come Inside.” See them at their free and open access show on March 14 at International Nights at Rivian Park. For those with a Music or Platinum Badge, they will have primary access on March 15 at Empire Garage.

RIALTO – MARCH 14 & 15

A group who blew up in late-90s England, split and rebanded 24 years later, this English quartet’s sound captures the feeling of a neon-soaked stroll through a sleeping city. By combining a crooning voice like Alex Turner’s with retro synths, heavy bass and somber lyrics, Rialto’s timeless discography emerges. Upon reuniting, they released two singles in February. Attendees with a Music or Platinum Badge will have primary access to see them live at Seven Grand on March 14 or at International Nights at Rivian Park for their free and open access show on March 15.