ABC Pick

Rhabdophobic, Phantasm, Mandrake Theory

Wednesday, September 27, Tasty World Upstairs

originally published September 27, 2006

Young local band Rhabdophobic embodies, in many ways, the quintessential Athenian band. None of the members played any instruments before starting the band and its debut recording, the Just Passin’ Through EP, bears evidence of this throughout. That’s meant as no insult, though. Indeed, the enthusiasm of the band and the spirited nature of the recording are what I mean by the band being quintessentially Athenian. For years, Athens bands had to endure the tag of "amateur" as a barbed insult from slick rock scenes such as Atlanta’s. However, with the creeping - and sometimes overly blatant - careerism being displayed by even new bands on the scene around here, Rhabdophobic, a band that simply enjoys playing, is a simple joy and one I’m glad to have discovered.

Comprised of members Douglas Aldridge, Jr. (guitar), David Hires (bass) and Chelsea Lorraine (drums), the band writes simply constructed yet passionately executed material. Best described as blues-based indie rock, Rhabdophobic's sound recalls that of groups such as Timbuk 3 and The Cucumbers.

The condition known as "rhabdophobia” is defined as a fear of being punished severely, or of being beaten by steel rods, and can include a fear of magic and fear of criticism from large crowds. Yeah, it’s an oddball title for a fairly oddball band - this is only meant as a benign descriptor, and the band should put any fear of criticism aside. Dig this new, cool sound and just go catch the group live to see how fun things can be when some folks jump on stage for the mere thrill of playing.

Gordon Lamb

ABC Pick

Comanche, The Cold Ones, Ninja Gun, Billy Reese Peters

Thursday, September 28, Transmetropolitan

originally published September 27, 2006

After leaving the umpteenth basement show laid to waste, contemplating which flavor ramen to bust out and, perhaps coaxed along by a beer or 12, even the most hardscrabble punk might question his or her motives for keeping the get-in-the-van dream going. And at the end of the day, ain't it the heartwarming truth that friendship just might be the best reason to keep the ship on steady course? That's what has kept Brian Kindamo (guitar, vocals), Matt Palmerlee (drums), Daniel Ray (guitar, vocals) and Jeff Rapier (bass, vocals) "in the van" in one incarnation or another for going on eight years, beginning with the formation of Hunter Gatherer in 1998.

Spurred on by No Idea Records and what is commonly referred to as "the Gainesville sound" - think Hot Water Music, gravelly voices and beards - these Peachtree City transplants forged ahead in units such as Exit 86, Let's Surf! and No Patriots, finding an early home at the dearly departed Lunch Paper and outliving plenty of house-show venues. Ultimately, Let's Surf! and No Patriots merged into the mighty Comanche. The tradeoff vocals of Kindamo and Ray provide a surround-sound scream experience, with liberal melodies to boot, thankfully none that would confuse the quartet with anything associated with the hustle machine known as the Warped Tour. The aggression abounds but never overloads; these are grown-ass men writing real rock songs.

Palmerlee reports that Comanche is due to enter Andy Baker's "Bakery" with Joel Hatstat behind the console to record the band's debut in a few weeks. And with the members of the band recently finding themselves with mortgages and careers, it's difficult for them to find the time to jump in the van and eat shit for a few weeks. The guys are keeping it going in the name of punk rock for its own sake, and that's as good a motive as any musician can ask for.

Jeff Tobias

ABC Pick

"Nuçi's Space's Birthday Weekend"

Saturday, September 30, Nuçi's Space

originally published September 27, 2006

Are there enough good things to say about Nuçi's Space? It's a resource and support center dedicated to promoting the emotional, physical and occupational well-being of the Athens music community founded in memory of local musician Nuçi Phillips after his 1996 suicide. Nuçi's Space has helped hundreds of local musicians and artists find professional counseling; countless more have performed, practiced, volunteered or simply hung out there. It first opened its doors in September of 2000, and a multifaceted event this weekend commemorates the anniversary.

Tonight's musical component features shorter, mostly acoustic sets from a bevy of local solo artists and bands, including Dodd Ferrelle, Murder Beach, Mikey Dwyer, Some Animal, Sleepy Horses, Old Iron Shoes, Sursie, Heather Purdin and Kyle Dawkins. Even Nuçi Phillips' brother KP Devlin swings through town from New York to deliver a set. Starting up at 6 p.m., the food, cake and music are all free and open to the public, although Flagpole encourages you to donate what you can, either in terms of money or volunteering.

Before the music gets going, however, an event starting at 9 a.m. that same day is worth a little attention. Birthday time for Nuçi's Space also means Space Race time; the annual fundraising five-kilometer race takes participants ranging from serious runners to casual walkers through a course on the University of Georgia's campus. Entrance costs $12 (or $10 for students), and maps, forms and other info is available at www.nuci.org/spacerace.

The third fundraising component of Nuçi's Space's anniversary comes in the form of the online Music Memorabilia Auction, featuring items from R.E.M., Wilco, David Bowie, Talking Heads, Drive-By Truckers, Shellac, Ben Folds, Pearl Jam and Ani DiFranco, among others. It starts later in October at www.nuci.org, but Nuçi's Space will hold a pre-viewing of all that stuff so you can go ahead and start putting off next month's rent now.

Chris Hassiotis