'Fate in a Jar' Album Review

Cicada Rhythm
Fate in a Jar
March 2012

Fate in a Jar is a five-track EP from Cicada Rhythm, a folk duo that consists of Julliard-trained bassist Andrea DeMarcus and Georgia Tech engineering student/guitar player David Kirslis with both members contributing vocals. Both vocalists have distinctive voice that contribute to the band's unique sound. DeMarcus' voice possesses the powerful quality of a 40s juke-joint singer and Kirslis' has a country-like twang, as if Billie Holiday and the Tallest Man on Earth collaborated to make a folk album. These two distinct vocal types combine for rich harmonies on each track, giving this release the feel of two friend jamming on a back porch.  Kirslis' rhythmic acoustic guitar parts are bright and hypnotizing and DeMarcus contributes melodic standing bass solos. All these elements come together to produce an inimitable sound that is an amalgamation of classical training and simple folk composition.

-Chris D.

'Paralytic Stalks' Album Review

of Montreal 
Paralytic Stalks
Polyvinyl
February 2012

of Montreal- Malefic Dowery

The eleventh full-length from of Montreal is definitely a new step in direction for Barnes, foreshadowed by the experimentation on the previous thecontrollersphere EP. Paralytic Stalks trades in the glammed-out funk of the last two of Montreal albums for explorations into new sonic territories like no-wave and ambient music, even dabbling in country on "Wintered Debts." There are still moments where Barnes channels his inner Bowie and can captivate the listener despite the experimental approach taken here, but the jubilation and hypersexuality heard in False Priest and Skeletal Lamping aren't here, the lyrics instead being more emotionally naked and personal like on Hissing Fauna, except here it actually sound like he's on the verge of a breakdown. The album is completely cohesive as well, each song being comprised of smaller vignettes and every track flowing into the next without interruption.

-Richard H.

'Wowser Bowser' Album Review

Wowser Bowser
Wowser Bowser
Adair Park Recordings
January 2012

Wowser Bowser-E Dialeda Ho

This is the first album from this Atlanta-based band, which takes influences from Reptar and Qurious. The band utilizes a lot of synths and drum loops in addition to their standard guitar, keyboard, bass, drum set-up, plus a trumpet.  Every member of the 5-piece band provides vocals, which contribute to the rich exaggeratingly reverberated harmonies.  Multiple tracks take you back to a colorful childhood feeling, with hints of nursery rhymes and arcade games.  The album promotes dancing, with its syncopated electro rhythms and beats. The relatable lyrics will grab your attention while the music holds you in a trance.  Take Wowser Bowser into the wilderness and let them paint you a picture of what your life is like back in the urban world.

'Wowser Bowser' Full Album

-Taylor C.

Concert Review: Widespread Panic, October 8-9 2011

Alpharetta-10/8/11-Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

On the weekend of October 8th, Widespread Panic played what was thought to possibly be their last show in the Atlanta-area before they take their highly-publicized hiatus everyone has been talking about for the past year or so. It has been some time since I have seen the boys play, and being the parking lot and seeing the fans mulling about with excitement and anticipation evoked feelings of both energy in my noodle-dancing bones and those of nostalgia thinking back on all the shows I have been to and how this might be one of the last.

            The first set was as follows:

All Time Low >Rock, Tickle The Truth, Dyin' Man, St. Ex, Impossible >Jam > I Walk On Guilded Splinters >Christmas Katy > Radio Child, Henry Parsons Died.

Overall, I would say the first set was pretty solid. They played great, the songs choices were appropriate, but there was nothing particularly memorable about set one.

            Now, the second set was a completely different story:

Machine >Barstools And Dreamers, Good People >Dark Bar >Good People >Flat Foot Flewzy,*Don't Be Denied >*This Part Of Town, Flicker >Flicker Jam >Papa's Home >Drum Solo >Papa's Home >Drivin' Song >Superstitious >Drivin' Song >Breathin' Slow >Chilly Water and they encored with *City Of Dreams and Love tractor

*featuring John Keane on pedal steel guitar

Everything about this set was superb. First off, let me say that John Keane was on his game tonight. I usually find myself getting mesmerized by Dave Schools’ flowing hair and rockin’ bass or Jimmy Herring and his effortless manipulation of the guitar. On the songs featuring Keane, however, he grabbed my musically-infused brain and absolutely added to the flow of the musical energy. All of the song choices and segways were phenomenal; so I will just highlight my favorites. The best part of this set and the show for that matter was “Flat Foot Flewzy.” Panic played the tune with that funk and flavor that I forgot they could bring to songs. I do not think one person was sitting in the entire amphitheatre for this one. The second highlight was “Driving Song” into “Superstitious” and then back into “Driving Song.” Now, not to offend anyone here; Stevie Wonder really hit home with “Superstitious.” Widespread Panic, on the other hand, adds that hint of southern soul that the song was always missing; thus bringing it to a whole new level. Furthermore, making it sandwiched in between “Driving Song” provided for the perfect contrast. Of course, the never-disappointing “Chilly Water” completed the second set with a raging party as usual. For the encore they chose “City of Dreams” and then “Love Tractor” to give the audience a very pleasant ending to a great night.

Athens-10/9/11-Tunes for Tots-Georgia Theatre

            On October 9, 2011 the highly anticipated Tunes for Tots charity show at the Georgia Theatre commenced. With the concert having sold out in seconds and the cheapest ticket going for $150 a pop, this was already a historical show before Panic even stepped onto the stage. Seeing as Athens is where Widespread Panic calls home, this was to be a very momentous occasion; especially with the recent resurgence of the Georgia Theatre. The ‘Theatre’ holds a special place in the hearts of all Athens music-lovers, and the fact that Panic chose to come back to their hometown the year the Georgia Theatre re-opened their doors  to play their Tunes for Tots show is truly special. The set list for the night was as follows:

Set One: Pigeons, Ribs and Whiskey, Can’t Get High, Shut Up and Drive, Sleepy Monkey, Ride Me High>Hatfield>Surprise Valley>Porch Song

Set Two: North>Bust It Big>Jack, This Cruel Thing*, Blue Indian**, Disco>Diner>Vacation>You Should Be Glad, Goin’ Out West

Encore: Expiration Day**,Blight>Protein Drink>Sewing Machine

*with John Keane on vocals/acoustic guitar

**with John Keane on pedal steel

As any Panic fan can tell, this show was full of the classics. They played a spot-on show full of the life and energy that a well-done Panic show always brings to the stage. Highlights for me included “Blue Indian” followed by “Disco” into “Diner.” Additionally, they obviously tipped their hats to Vic Chesnutt by playing classics like “Vacation.” On that note, the encore seemed to be the only appropriate choice seeing as Athens is where Chesnutt called home, the classic encore adequately paid homage to the musical genius which served as a bittersweet ending to this momentous occasion.

I am aware that there will be some Panic fans who will complain about the show seeing as many of these songs were repeats of songs they played in Savannah, which I know upset some people who did the full Georgia run. In my opinion, however, Panic played the exact show they should have. Not only were they musically on-point, but it must be remembered that the Tunes for Tots show is for a charity. It is not intended to be a crazy party. Many of the people who attended the show were adults with professional jobs, or they were invited by the band themselves. So, I look at this show as more of a tribute. When I say tribute, I am not just referring to a tribute to classic Widespread Panic songs that are great to hear live, but a tribute to their long-time fans, to the GEORGIA THEATRE, to Athens, to Vic Chesnutt, and most importantly to all the kids who benefit from the Tunes for Tots charity. Although this particular show might not have gone down in history for the originality of song choices, it will for everything the show meant. Widespread Panic returned to Athens to play one of their most meaningful shows of the year in the city that laid the foundation for the band that they are today. This show in and if itself was special, and I feel truly humbled to know that I got the chance to see them in this intimate setting.

The Wood Tour

Also, just in case you have been living under a rock for the past day or two, Panic IS returning to Atlanta before they go on hiatus! On October 24th they announced their first-ever acoustic tour entitled the Wood Tour in which they will play at the Tabernacle on January 27, 28, and 29. So just in case you missed them or if you still haven’t gotten enough, there’s more to Panic yet to come! See you there!

Sources:

www.widespreadpanic.com

www.panicstream.com

-Lexy F.

'Rise On Up and Melt' Album Review

Efren
Rise On Up and Melt
Slo Pro Records
2011

Efren is a folk group from Athens that has its roots in classic Americana music, similar to bands such as Mumford & Sons.  Although some songs use distinctive instrumentals, like the crooning cry of the steel pedal guitar in “Mr. Greene” and the thumping guitars and banjo of “H Bomb,” most of the other songs use simple acoustic guitar instrumentation, singer-songwriter style, and ride the coattails of Efren’s lead singer and main songwriter, Scott Low. Low has a deep southern twang and a unique, raspy voice that drops to a gruff almost-whisper on “Salt to be Free.” Songs like “Moonshine” and the title track “Rise On Up and Melt” make me feel like I’m enjoying lazy summer nights on a porch in the woods of Tennessee.  Pretty female harmonies also rise and fall on “Frogbird” and “Dress Blues.”  The songs range from dark, introspective lyrics to playful commentary on the finer things to be found in southern life: “Aristocrats, Cadillacs, wine with your boys."

-Lori K.