For the better part of this decade, I’ve been a secret admirer of Pharrell Williams. His productions (as one half of The Neptunes), solo work and duties within N.E.R.D. have individually and collectively blown my little mind. The band’s Thursday evening set was undoubtedly one of the quintessential hours of this year’s SXSW. Showcasing a half-dozen new tunes alongside five classics, the energy within The Fader Fort was manic, chaotic and galvanizing. Seeing roughly 200-250 acts per year, I can declare that N.E.R.D.’s deft ability to rev up a (greatly jaded) crowd is virtually unparalleled in today’s musical landscape. In summary, the excruciatingly long wait for entrance into the show was well worth it! Visit N.E.R.D. on MySpace. Photo courtesy of the lovely and talented Katie Kramer.

MP3: N.E.R.D. – Rock Star (Jason Nevins Remix)