ACRN Date Auction / February 13, 2014 / The Union

By: Garrett Bower, Staff Writer

The Union was true to its name last night. The ACRN Date Auction was fraught with love and alcohol. I couldn’t tell you who sold for what—or who even sold, for that matter—but what I can tell you is that between loud and amazing sets by four awesome bands, I was an inebriated cupid, scrambling to spread the love and hug anyone I had ever met or maybe even heard of once in passing.

On the stacked line-up was Friends In Distraction, Nightstalker, Hundos and Zaleski. It was one of the more well-rounded shows I’ve been to in recent memory, with each band offering up a nice spin on their loud, punk archetype. From Nightstalker’s fabulous, kimono-clad psychedelic set, to Zaleski’s unrelenting fury, everything clicked magnificently.

So it’s the day of sickly sweet mushiness and I’ve got a spectacular headache and a few fuzzy memories of me kissing a distraught Rob Kerr passionately on the cheek to recall Date Auction 2014. If you excuse me, I’ve got a hot date for hella free wings—more spoils of the evening.

Uptowne Buddha, Bright at Night & Mrs. Helen Highwater / February 7, 2014 / The Union

By: Alexa Smith, Staff Writer

A great group of pals and sibs assembled Friday night on Union and good times were had. The night reeked of insane musical talent that certainly revealed some wicked dance moves from the crowd. And what a crowd they were, reacting to the sweet sounds their ears beheld them with nothing but smiles and endless energy. You know the night was a success, for when they left, all were noticeably sweatier from when they had arrived.

Mrs. Helen Highwater heated things up in a big way. They proved themselves as newcomers, and certainly impressed. The early crowd was into it, and those who came later missed some great stuff. No worries, though! Redemption is available Friday for a V-Day party at the Skull or Saturday at Jackie O’s. Be there or be square.

On deck was Bright at Night, also keeping their word in their one goal of the night: to get everybody dancing. They had a very likable quality and rare, distinctive excellence that made them stand out as a group. Bartlett hypnotized with his deep rasp, a voice that is individual and uncommon. Big fans of guest performers that they are, Bright at Night invited Emcee Schwartz from The Dysfunktional Family to mix things up a bit. It was happenin’.

Feeling pretty good from some complementary "to-kill-ya" from a kind sir named Ernie, the anticipation of the Buddha was piling high. When the jams started, something about them made you want the show to never end. So fresh and so clean. They had an old school feel about them that reminds me of the days when a crowd’s heart was really in it, no matter who was playing—live music is live music. An overwhelming sense of togetherness was happening and it was pretty cool to be a part of it. A collective love of music that could bring a tear to your eye.

Left exhausted and fulfilled, the night came to a close, but with sore-legged reminders of a truly splendid time.

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. 

Speaking Suns & The Big Cover-Up / February 1, 2014 / The Smiling Skull & The Union

By: Alexa Smith, Staff Writer

Damn, was it a good night for music in Athens.

Being the eager beaver that I am, I was way too excited for a night of live music and way too early for the night’s activities. Turns out most things start two hours after the time given and the cool kids show up an hour after that. Lesson now learned.

In the meantime, I got the tip of a show at the Smiling Skull. A young sir opened (name unknown, sadly), but I give mad props to anyone who can get up in front of a bar of people and do their thang, so shout out to that guy.

The discovery of Skull’s rooftop surely had me in smiles. What a wonderful oasis to take advantage of the gorgeous weather we were having.

I was summoned downstairs with a text reading, "Yo come down they jam," and jam they did. The Speaking Suns were hella good. They had a wicked bass line that didn’t stop grooving and the doll on keyboards had some great hair that, when I later saw him at The Union, was gathered into a quality bun. Sending a virtual high five to the Speaking Suns for playing a bangin' set.

I got a little distracted and might have missed a good bit of the Union’s Big Cover-Up, but I got there in time to catch the ass-end of some wicked Bowie covers. The guys went all out--they were decked in sequin armor and really got into character with some intriguing face paint. They had a great time and so did the crowd, without a doubt.

Blond, the entire reason for the night, didn’t go on until about midnight 30, but the wait was 100% worth it. Saying I’m a big Dr. Dog fan would be huge understatement, so I was very excited. Blond put its own spin on many of Dog’s tracks, doing a rendition of “The Truth” that I actually preferred to the original. Conor Stratton did Toby Lehman good with a passionate “Die, Die, Die” and Jamie Scott had a voice that I was certainly not expecting, but was left in literal awe.

Like the preview recommended, I got a little too drunk and belted out the lyrics, cheesing the whole time. Top night.

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. 

ACRN Pre-New Year's Bash / December 5, 2013 / The Smiling Skull

By: Abbie Doyle, Copy Editor

What a strange thing it was to be alive in the Smiling Skull Saloon last night. Imagine walking up or down West Union in the POURING RAIN (damn it, global warming, give us snow!) and ducking into the Skull for shelter, alcohol or companionship. Okay that last one might be a bit of a stretch, but surely it’s happened in the past.

So you’re inside the Skull, and what do you see? Colored Christmas lights and Christmas trees, first of all! It was very festive and made the place look a thousand times friendlier, until you noticed the typical semi-ratty looking older men at the bar, hunched over their drinks and shiftily eyeing the nearby youth. Then there were the underage students trying to catch the bartender’s eye, the gaggles of students sitting and standing, and then the guy onstage wearing a Santa hat and headphones while manning a turntable.

If nothing stood out to you, you probably don’t visit the Skull very often (it’s worth the trip, at least once). But if you are a frequent visitor of the ever-so-quaint Skull, a DJ providing the tunes for the saloon is about as out of place as it can get.

Well folks, last night ACRN hosted its annual Pre-New Year’s Eve Bash at the Skull with the contributions of three DJs: Santa-impersonator Kashmerik, DJ Barticus and Overwaves. The show was originally supposed to be at the Union, an environment that would have made much more sense. However, due to extenuating circumstances, the bash was moved to the Skull.

Now, where to begin? Kashmerik performed a set of dubstep remixes filled with seizing bass lines and managed to engage in casual conversation with the audience at the same time. He was both entertaining and festive in his Santa hat. 

After Kashmerik’s performance, DJ Barticus took the stage in a flat bill reading “YOLO” in the Rastafarian colors of green, gold and red (no comment). He proceeded to play somewhat generic remixes of pop songs, like Robyn’s “Dancing on My Own” and “Roar” by Katy Perry. Some women in the crowd enjoyed singing along to these tunes, but that was about the friendliest response he received. You could tell he was super into what he was doing, but it was hard for that energy to flow from DJ to audience.

Finally there was Overwaves (rocking a fabulous new haircut), who was definitely far more spirited than the previous acts. By this point in the evening the haze of alcohol was rather thick, and the bash—which started around 10 p.m. and went on till after midnight—was much less uncomfortable. A member of the ACRN family, Overwaves created a far more enthusiastic atmosphere than his forerunners.

By the end of the night, mostly everyone was drugged, sleepy and ready to go. While the Skull wasn’t the desired venue for the night, it was an interesting change of pace and, no matter what the situation, the ACRN crowd is always a great one to be around.

Sal Lake, Busy Busy, & Vagrant Beat / November 24, 2013 / The Pink Mistress

By: Garrett Bower, Contributor

Those who made the frigid trek to The Pink Mistress Sunday night were treated to a diverse show of local staples Sal Lake and Busy Busy, a solid set from former Athens dudes Vagrant Beat and even a dash of comedy thanks to The Blue Pencil Comedy group.

The comedy acts opened up the evening with a slew of crude comedy ranging from social networking harassment to the tale of a drunk dude in Alden, armed only with a handle of Jack and a bag of Doritos.

Next up was the infamous Sal Lake, who crouched down among his keyboard, looper, bass and trusty bicycle wheel. He attended to his instruments with clinical precision, conjuring up hypnotic, ambient walls of sound before tearing the pieces apart in fits of screaming and distortion.

Next up was Vagrant Beat, a noise rock band from parts all over. They incorporated the best of classic rock riffs and new experimentation as well as their vocalist, who filled the soundscape with eerie wails and energetic screams, jumping and dancing all the while. The Pink Mistress here in Athens was a halfway point for the group, as they continue on their 10-date tour, setting sights on Kent and Mansfield next.

Finally, Busy Busy rounded out the evening with their signature touch of full-bodied ambience and encompassing sound, filling up the tiny venue and sweeping up all those in attendance.

It was a calm, chill night (figuratively and literally) and was a treat for anyone in attendance. The atmosphere was rare and highly underrated in a sea of drunken nights in crowded basements with kids bigger than you always starting fistfights.