Monday, June 23, 2008
This year was really (probably) my last AthFest (maybe) ever... but without sentiment, here's what I did:
FRI: Holding fast to a personal pledge to schedule AthFest around me and not the other way around for once, I didn't end up downtown until very near 9 on Friday - missing a slew of undoubtedly good acts I'm sure, but that's the way it goes. However, passing by the second stage on the way to the main stage, I overheard about a song's worth of Kebert Xela's set. Cool sort of electronic stuff that comes off way more club-friendly than their myspace page would have you believe. Made me regret not having followed up on their invites these past coupla' years. Anyway, props to them.
Legal Bitch and I met up for Dark Meat's set right as it started. Listened to a few songs (including the family-friendly "Well Hug You Then"), and although the crowd was definitely into it, we decided it was a lot to take in early in the evening and sober (whereas they're always the perfect end-of-night set) so we headed towards the Caledonia.
Before even entering the Caledonia, I was informed that Producto was now a 2-piece. Accordingly, the loud outbursts in their songs had been minimized and it was a relatively sedate set. But for this time of the night it was perfect, so we both stayed till the end of the show. We also stayed for the Golden Gates set (which is really just Savoir Faire 2.0 it seems). The music is about the same - standard but highly enjoyable 90's "college rock" kinda stuff. Ended with a killer cover of the Glands' "Straight Down" (Ross was around, but not sure if he was watching then). Their photo is 2 paragraphs below because I didn't have a picture of those bands.
From there, we hiked up to the Georgia Theatre to get a spot for Contraband (which turned out to be Ninja Gaiden Band instead). Caught the end of the Folklore set where they were playing Kinks covers. Turned out really good. I actually thought they had the stereo on and were between bands when we walked in - so it was pretty together, especially for a band playing in the corner of the club (hence, no pic). Anyway, Ninja Gaiden Band performed well, but seemed to have a few technical troubles here and there and I've seen the act lots of times, so it didn't seem to hold its appeal at this point. Fun enough though. Passed Tony Clifton on the way out. Shoulda got a picture, but his beer-promo-looking girls kinda weirded me out with their oversized stickers they were forcing on people.
From here, I'm not sure the order of events, but I overheard a bit of Red Legs' set from Farm 255 when I was outside the Caledonia. It sounded like competently played 50's rock blended with something more modern. The description says something about the Kinks and Olivia Tremor Control, but I'd be more inclined to throw Buddy Holly in there somewhere. Anyway, I dug it and I can't believe I hadn't heard 'em before. Hit the 40 Watt for Iron Hero, who have reduced their numbers to 4 (I'm sure this is old news, but I haven't seen 'em in a while), while ramping the sound up to more straight-ahead rock (less dance-ish beats). They're good, no doubt, but I kinda miss the extra drums. Caught part of Hayride at the Caledonia too. Hayride is like Athens' mathematical constant.
Finally, The Arcs closed out the night for me. They proved once again why they are Athens' greatest band. Even after a few drinks, they were able to play with absolute precision and turn out catchy, hook-driven rock n' roll that stuck in my head the whole next day. They are amazing and were the highlight of AthFest for me. They should also hire Jeff Griggs as a professional heckler. If they hit the road, that would be needed. Anyway, that picture doesn't show the rock, but it was there in spades. Don't miss their future shows.
SAT: I've done my time in the Saturday outdoor heat. This year, I took it easy during the day and Legal Bitch and I made a firm decision that our first show of the night would be to see Night Moves (Gold) at the Caledonia. I would say this was the best "surprise" of the 'Fest. They were spot-on the entire set. I've seen them play a while back, but they really nailed it and despite what you "music is good no matter what time of day it is" people say, getting the crowd going at 8 PM when it's still light and everyone's sober is no easy feat. They pulled it off.
After a short booze break, I headed for Tasty World to see my friend's band, Thunderchief, play. You know when you go to a house party with hardcore bands playing all night? This is one of those bands. Raw. After a few songs, they paused to work out some guitar issues and I headed back to the Caledonia to catch the end of Colossus. It's like a bunch of late-20's music nerds tried hard to cross Judas Priest and Iron Maiden and absolutely nailed it. The crowed seemed to agree. Guitar tricks/faces, high-pitch (and on key!) vocals, riffs, the whole 9 yards.
Split time between A Armada and The Dumps in the next slot, both of which played great in their particular genres (the soft to loud builds with lots of precision for the former and the hardcore rock of the latter), but at the near-peak performance compared to past shows I've seen. Both held their crowds well. A Armada in particular seemed to draw louder-than-usual applause from the 40 Watt crowd.
Again decided to split the 12 o'clock hour. Caught the first part of Pride Parade's set at the Caledonia. Apart from the kick-ass music, I really like watching Pride Parade play. I mean, sure, they all look like models, but my point is that they absolutely control a massive wall of sound. I don't know how to say it better than that (not having honed my journalistic skills the least bit in the past 4-5 years), but they ramp a song up to near chaos then bring it back down in an instant and all seem to be totally immersed in it. I dunno, none of that helps anyone who hasn't seen them appreciate the show any better, but it's impressive.
We Versus The Shark, meanwhile, pretty much reserves the midnight Saturday slot at the 40 Watt. This was Sam's last show with the band. They've taken what seems to be a louder, more hardcore (I gotta find a new word) turn on the new record (is it just me, or is the "scene" getting angrier?). Not as dance-y, not at math-y, not as varied. The crowd seemed divided into people who were really into it (up front) and people who weren't (in back). I liked it, but WVTS songs usually take a few listens to digest, so I bought a copy of the record and headed out.
Caught the first part of Lona's set back at the Caledonia. They're a 4 piece and this was Clay's second set of the night (having opened for Billy Joe Shaver at Athens Arena hours earlier). You pretty much know what you'll get with Lona (really, the set hasn't varied much in the last 4 years). Clay has one of the best voices in town and writes great songs. If the guy would only write some new ones now and then, he could prove that to larger crowds.
Tired, I walked outside to sit and catch up with new and old friends. Good to see y'all out.
As always, watch Southern Shelter, Deadly Designs, and the revamped AMdC for much more and better coverage. And despite the fact that we didn't get passes this year (Boo! ... Actually, it was totally our fault for not having requested them in the first place), thanks very much to Jeff and everyone at AthFest for the wonderful event they put on yearly that brings bands to the top of their game and crowds in record numbers. It's a spirit unmatched most other times of they year and I've enjoyed the hell out of it for nearly a decade of my life. Thanks, y'all!
Labels: AthFest, TDJ Originals
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