Positraxion

originally published May 16, 2007

Seventy-five percent of the quartet graduated from Clarke Central High School and the band essentially, single-handedly brought (consistent) live music back to The Globe after a lengthy hiatus. The hiatus, it should be noted, probably began so long ago that the fact music was ever performed upstairs predates most citizens’ consciousness. It’s a pub that (thankfully) attracts a post-graduate wine, cheese and soccer-loving crowd. Positraxion fans may fill another demographic - but they’re also filling the room when the band performs.

Dave Whitfield (drums), Dylan Camp (guitar and vocals), Jeff Delaney (guitar) and Collin Shepley (bass) share similar scholastic and geographic history - Camp and Delaney (from Lilburn) are even connected by blood (cousins), but musically speaking, Positraxion is an assemblage of players from unique inspirational vantage points. Whitfield offers intense, purposeful percussion best described as organic electronica, while Shepley displays jazzy and bombastic funk tendencies. He plays a seven-stringed bass. Enough said. Delaney is rhythm glue, and Camp is unapologetically influenced by Mark Knopfler of Dire Straits in his nimble guitar leads, sardonic wit and casual vocal delivery. The amalgamation of styles results in an interesting sound that is, as with any young band, still evolving.

As mentioned previously, Positraxion can most often be found performing upstairs at the Globe, the group also put in several shows at Little Kings and the Caledonia Lounge. As of press time, no upcoming shows were scheduled, but check the band's MySpace page - www.myspace.com/positraxion - for updates. Flagpole cornered Whitfield and Camp at Kingpins one recent Wednesday evening, while the best bowling-alley piano man in three counties offered an interesting background soundtrack.

Flagpole

In your opinion, who churns out the best gangster rappers - Cedar Shoals or Clarke Central?

Dylan Camp

Definitely Clarke Central.

Flagpole

Who are the best emcees to…

Dylan Camp

…drop out of Clarke Central or graduate? I gotta go with Lil’ Slim Pickens.

Flagpole

As life-long Athenians: Eastside or Westside?

Dylan Camp

I never really experienced that too much except for beating the shit out of Cedar Shoals’ soccer team. We’re much more about uniting the city rather than dividing it… even though I hate everybody from Cedar Shoals.

Dave Whitfield

There used to be somewhat of a divide, with the mall and whatnot. We got a Peking, y’all got a Peking. Athens is pretty fair like that.

Flagpole

Having been teenagers in Athens, where is the best place to take that special someone on a first date?

Dylan Camp

Besides Beechwood?

Flagpole

Decide now: Barberitos or Taco Stand?

Dave Whitfield

Depends on the mood.

Dylan Camp

Uh, Qdoba. [Editor's note - R.I.P.]

Flagpole

How do you define success for Positraxion?

Dylan Camp

I think we’re kind of experiencing success right now, you know, every show we play, someone else is saying, "Hey, you guys, nice."

Dave Whitfield

Yeah, more and more people are taking notice and enjoying what we do. I mean, we’re definitely experiencing a form of success - on a small scale.

David Eduardo

Spotlight is a biweekly feature looking at newer or emerging local acts.