Swimming through a sea of bands and artists that have subjected themselves to the grueling SXSW experience, it becomes hard to keep an open mind and an objective ear. Thankfully there are always a handful of acts that don't require further analysis, their brilliance and appeal are obvious, and we selected five of those gems to share with you.

1. Blackillac

A super group of sorts with local rappers Phranchyze and Zeale joining forces with Gary Clark Jr. as producer, Blackillac is a tour de force onstage. Stage presence and deft rhyme schemes made this duo a must-see at SXSW.

2. Neil Frances

Aussie upbeat electronica never felt so right as when Neil Frances played his funky fresh SXSW sets. The groove-centric band leader from down under made some new fans during his infectious sets.

3. Wake Island

No Wave meets dance electro with this Montreal-based duo.  Philippe Manasseh and Nadim Magzhai are both strong songwriters who played the Canada house show and turned heads with their undeniable appeal.

4. Thandi Phoenix

With a sound that is equal parts raw and emotive, captivating Sydney songstress Thandi Phoenix, is set to carve a path for herself as one of Australia's most promising female artists. Thandi's SXSW experience only served to fortify her eventual ascendence.

5. DUCKWRTH

West Coast funk mixed with a lax Southern rhyme scheme, Duckwrth is a fusion of lyrical talent and unending charisma. While its a bold comparison, Duckwrth has shades of a young Andre 3000 in more ways than one.