Indigo Wild, She Bears & Orson Frontier / March 29, 2014 / Casa Cantina

By: Megan Fair, Copy Editor

There’s nothing quite as rewarding as the aching feeling in your feet and back as you stumble out of bed for an early morning shift, knowing all those aches were the result of heart-bursting, joy-inducing fits of dancing inspired by incredible musicians and the art they create.

And I was most certainly sore this morning after dancing along to Orson Frontier, She Bears and Indigo Wild at an ACRN-hosted Casa show. Although my wallet took a $7 beating for the event, every penny was worth the fruitful experience. 

Orson Frontier’s dramatic folk rock was the perfect start to the night. I swayed in a booth, as I had just gotten off a four hour shift and needed to rest my puppies. The band was animated and full of life, its vocalist thrashing around to the most sonic pieces of each song. The set was the best way to pique interest for the following two acts.

She Bears has a history with ACRN, and it’s good history, a history I hope lasts for many more years. I marveled at the guitar tone and was awed by how seasoned the team of musicians operated, having the perfect amount of fun and executing each song with near flawless delivery. Each moment of music was filled with subtle intricacies, and I was incredibly excited to see live use of a glockenspiel, because glockenspiels are tight and sound so sweet.

Now that the crowd was completely warmed up and midnight rolled around, the sonic adventure that is Indigo Wild took its position on the stage. Rewind now to the early afternoon in Galbreath Chapel, where the group is performing a stripped down version of “The Fog,” a new track, for a filmed takeaway show. The stripped down takeaway version sounded immense and awe-inspiring, so imagine how excited attendees of that shoot were to hear the song live and completely full. 

And man, it was amazing. The crowd was all grooving with each other and singing the words while they stomped and clapped and let their limbs go wild to the amazing, indescribable music. The vocal harmonies alone were enough to melt any soul into peaceful oblivion. After an amazing set, the crowd begged and demanded for more, and the band happily obliged, ending with “On the Hill” and a supercharged, very loud cover of The White Stripes’ “We’re Going To Be Friends.”

To be swinging my hips and stomping my feet and shouting, “WOLF! ON THE HILL!” with a crowd of enthusiastic friends and fellows was so entertaining. Many stuck around to inform all three bands of their great work, including myself. I didn’t even care that I had to be up by 7 a.m., I didn’t care that my limbs were exhausted--it was too great to not enjoy the company of kind and talented musicians who love what they do more than anything else in the world. 

ACRN Presents: Sal Lake, Method Air & Vio/Miré / February 6, 2014 / The Smiling Skull

By: Megan Fair, Copy Editor

The Smiling Skull was filled to the brim last night for a stacked ACRN show. The night featured rad tunes from Sal Lake, Method Air and Vio/Miré. The diverse line-up was way cool, and it was fun to see the Skull so bumpin'.

Sal Lake's set was probably my favorite Sal Lake set thus far. Between the crescendos of chaos and overwhelming noise, there were pieces of floating electronic music that flowed along in a sweet and energetic way. At points it felt dance-y, but it was very interesting. It was, oddly enough, a brief set, but it was good while it lasted. Hats off to you, Sir Lake.

Vio/Miré performed probably one of the most beautiful sets I have ever witnessed in Athens. It was a shame that many people talked through their set and the crowded venue kept the sounds of their gorgeous music from the front half of the Skull. But I weaseled my way slowly to the front corner, and I'm so glad that I did. The impeccable cello work of Emily was chill-inducing, and Brendan's vocals were silky and soothing. I melted into my own universe as I watched them, especially during "Foxes." It was a soul-shaking experience. I hope I get the opportunity to see them many more times in my life.

Method Air took the stage after Vio/Miré and changed the tone from soft and magical to wonderfully energetic. Method Air never ceases to impress me with its energy and musical prowess. The post-punk sound is ever enthralling and always varied. It was a really great way to close out the show, and it was probably the most packed I've ever seen the Skull. It was supremely cool to see so many people huddled around Method Air immersing themselves in local jams on a random, icy Thursday in February. 

Shower Beers, Southern State, Eternal Sleep & Homewrecker / January 15, 2014 / Castle Gennesse

By: Megan Fair, Copy Editor

Castle Gennesse hosted one hell of a banger Wednesday night with a stacked line up of Athens’ own Shower Beers, Columbus’ Southern State, Pittsburgh-based Eternal Sleep and Ashtabula’s Homewrecker. What made this show rad was not only the intimate venue, but the impressive musicianship of each and every band that played.

Shower Beers kicked off the night with their distinctly unique sound. The group managed to blend elements of technical post-punk style with emo and punk vibes all around, and the use of a vocal effects pedal made for an extremely captivating sound. Each member displayed a great presence through the performance. 

Bringing the beautifully twinkly and punchy (so many ‘y’s’) tunes was Southern State. The sadness was evident, the jams were fabulous and I was blown away. I would love to see these dudes throw down again, not to mention the bassist brought along an exceptional pup named Bear. The music was sonically exceptional and filled every inch of the room.

Both Eternal Sleep and Homewrecker know how to get a crowd riled up and moving. And also deaf. The wall of amps provided a deafening sound arsenal with which to assault the crowd’s eardrums. I think I woke up with a little blood on my pillowcase. Eternal Sleep got the crowd headbanging, shoving and rioting, and I was very impressed by the outfit’s natural showmanship and in-your-face style. 

The same could be said for Homewrecker, who I watched from the side to avoid getting positively moshed on. I’ve never felt angrier or headbanged harder, quite honestly. That’s when you know heavy musicians are doing it right. 

Not a single band disappointed, and it was well worth the walk in a frozen Athens tundra. My nose may have been redder than a rose and my ears will be ringing for weeks, but I’ll never complain because CG delivered. Hard. 

Rambo, Toy Store Riot, Centerfield, & others / October 5, 2013 / The Wolf Haus

By: Megan Fair, Contributor

The Wolf Haus was buzzing on Saturday, full to the brim with show attendees. The show, which took place in a very sweaty, warm room, featured artists Rambo, Toy Store Riot, Centerfield, Heart Attack Man, Ages and Ghost Stories. The evening was composed of fiery short sets and plenty of comradery. This show was an absolute treat, as the variation in sound between each group kept the event interesting and fun.

The night kicked off with Rambo, the acoustic project of Zac Freeman. Although it was his first show, Freeman absolutely brought it. The acoustic set was full of wonderful emotion and sad jams, and Freeman’s perfect mix of depth, gruff and gentleness in his voice made for a really pleasant experience. 

Following Rambo was the very punk, very badass Toy Store Riot from D.C. Who doesn’t love foul language and wildly fast punk beats? Toy Store Riot was doing punk right, and their drummer was an absolute machine. The three-piece was wildly entertaining, and they are worth seeing. 

Centerfield dove right in after Toy Store Riot, delivering a punk/emo set of short, poignant songs. Heads were busy bobbing all around, and their drummer, Mark Bessler, was also killin’ it. The band had a fun presence, not to mention the hilarious tale of Centerfield pouring out a bottle full of pee that so conveniently ended up on Toy Store Riot’s windshield. Whoops! 

Heart Attack Man followed, and...wow, just wow. This melodic indie punk band formed just this year, but they have already developed a wonderful sound. The well-received group’s tunes are barely two minutes long, but packed a tremendous punch. The band emitted a bit of a Joyce Manor vibe, which was very pleasing to the crowd.

After Heart Attack Man came Ages, who were equally as rad. Ages brought the heavy to the show, and their melange of punk, emo and melodic hardcore really rounded out their sound. The room, packed at maximum capacity, was full of head bobbing and swaying to their punk as fuck set. I’m fairly confident that everyone in that room wished they could have been circle-pitting and swinging their fists around, but the high attendance presented an obstacle in terms of space. 

Athens’ natives Ghost Stories closed out the show, delivering their indie pop-punk/emo sound. These DIY darlings delivered an emotion-filled set, and many of those in the crowd were singing along. The crowd was the rowdiest at this point, but who knows if it was solely the power of Ghost Stories or the alcohol or perhaps both? The world may never know.

Wolf Haus absolutely killed it on this one, and if you are presented the opportunity to see any of these acts, take it--take it hard, and enjoy. 

Vinnie and the Lubricators / September 28, 2013 / The Over Hang

By: Megan Fair, Contributor

This weekend, I ventured down Court Street to the Over Hang to see a free show featuring Vinnie and the Lubricators. To be honest, I was expecting old dudes and mediocre dad rock, and I wasn't hopeful about the outcome. When I saw the four-piece on stage, half of them wearing sunglasses, cheetah print gangster fedoras and shot glass necklaces, I felt my worst fears had been realized.

This is when the universe gave me a nice slap on the wrist for judging a book by its cover. Although the bar band was performing covers, it covered them absurdly well, and played a fun mix of songs. The Lubricators even covered Cake and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, which were both very well executed. These were musicians that could really rip, and their drummer had some wild gospel chops. The vocals were spot on, and Vinnie's range was impressive, especially whilst covering Stevie Wonder and Elton John. 

While at points cheesy, nobody could discredit the band for being boring. The vocalist and bassist would jump, sway and lean in synchronicity, and the whole band was smiling and enjoying themselves. These four men absolutely loved what they were doing, and they never let the energy drop for their whole set. Except for the keyboardist/organ player.  He was shooting off some major moody diva vibes behind those sunglasses and straight face. 

Overall, the performance was a pleasant and groovy surprise that made for a fun Saturday evening. While I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to their music on my own time, I definitely gained mad respect for their seasoned musicianship and joyful energy. 

ACRN Presents: Zack Kouns, Gazer & Sign Off / September 5, 2013 / The Smiling Skull

By: Megan Fair, Contributor

"Where am I?" I muttered to myself as I watched Zack Kouns beat another man with a leather whip, and later as he convulsed violently on the floor. To be clear, I was at the Smiling Skull seeing aforementioned Zack Kouns, as well as Gazer and Sign Off. 

Anywho, Zack Kouns. His set could be best described as noisy, intriguing and haunting--just a strange man with lots of vocal effects and some technology producing plenty of strange noises. They were the kind of terrifying and controlled chaotic sounds you'd hear resonating through a very messed up fun house. There are definitely clowns in said fun house. It reminded me of Sunn O))) in the sense that it was rather ambient and haunting. I certainly wasn't bored. It was quite the spectacle. 

Post-Mr. Kouns, Cincinnati-based Gazer played its first show outside of Cincy. Welcome to Athens, post-punk hombres. The three piece's sound could best be described in a simile: it's as if you tossed old Nirvana demos, The Chariot's Long Live and The Dillinger Escape Plan into a musical blender and blended it into a delicious, biting post-punk milkshake. I certainly drank it up. There's something irresistible about the wild energy that a mixture like that brings to the table. The set kept everyone's attention and contained some pleasantly diverse songs that I'd listen to of my own accord. 

Sign Off brought an excited crowd, and the band played a frantic set. That's a really good way to describe a lot of the music tonight--frantic. The crowd was boisterously hollering and shouting at every opportunity for the experimental two-piece. There was noise and reverb for all to enjoy. The Portsmouth post-punkers are certainly an experience to behold.

Overall, the night was an ear-ringing, boisterous event that left everyone entertained or at least really curious.