Threats & Promises

Music News And Gossip

originally published April 26, 2006

Well, we’re back to run down the news again and I know how hard it’s been for you to wait. So, everyone sit down on the carpet and let Uncle Gordon fill you in on this week's happenings…

Bass Fishing: The guys in local band Fall Line are looking for a new bassist. Imagine, if you can, a band that plays a mixture of “funk, odd-metered time signatures, reggae, country, improvisation, Latin, faux-jazz, prog-rock, polka, etc.,” and is influenced by “Zappa, the Chili Peppers, King Crimson, Phish, the Smashing Pumpkins, Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, Ween, the Grateful Dead and Primus." If that doesn’t spell "jam band," then I don’t know what does. Anyway, the band is currently working on its debut album and, as such, has been playing a string of shows in Milledgeville and Gainesville to finance it. The last show with current bass player Ryan Phillips is gonna happen at The Roadhouse on June 8, so if you’re interested in filling his shoes, drop an email to theadwaterconspiracy@yahoo.com.

Marching On: Atlanta band Parade, which is increasing in popularity here in Athens, just released a 7" record with their friends in the band Aviator. Although the band officially celebrated the release over at Atlanta’s EARL, the group will head up to Athens on Thursday, Apr. 27 to rock the fabulous 40 Watt with Iron Hero, so you can pick one up then. This date also marks the first time Parade graces that huge 40 Watt stage, so go cheer these guys on. See ABC Box for more info.

Where's the Improv At?: Those looking to get their improvised music fix would do well to hit up the Flicker Theatre & Bar on the night of Friday, Apr. 28. The headlining band Go!, from North Carolina, is the improvising duo of Mahlon Hoard (saxophones) and Pat Lawrence (acoustic bass/ live electronics). They combine elements of improvisation, pop music, experimental noise and free jazz. Craig Lieske (Garbage Island, Desk Pussy, etc.) performs alongside Danny Cottar, the bassist from classic Athens act Time Toy. Things get going around 8:30 p.m.

On The Road Always: Local dude Michael Luchtan, known as Luke Tan, has hit the road in an RV and plans on staying there for a good long while. Yes, this is exactly what Jucifer did a few years back and, seeing as how good news trickles in from them every now and again, I have high hopes for Luke Tan. At any rate, Luke Tan, who self-released more than a couple of recordings during his time in Athens, says that he hopes he’s out of this album business altogether. His goal is now to strictly create podcasts. Why? Well, they’re free and can be published much more quickly. This is awesome, and I wish more folks would do stuff like this. The first podcast is done and features Page Campbell of Hope For Agoldensummer on a few songs. Each podcast should run about 20 minutes or so and contain three to five songs. Look for them every few weeks over at www.luketan.com.

Put that Pig on Stage: Local Athens recording facility Pigpen Studios has a showcase coming up over at Tasty World on Friday, May 5. The show will feature Pigpen recording artists October Frequency, Sounds Of Silence, Echovalve and Burn the Dying City. For those unfamiliar with the “Pigpen sound,” expect very polished, very well-rehearsed bands that are used to utilizing one of the most pro studios in town. Suffice it to say this showcase won’t be your normal slack-rock thing. Oh, yeah, October Frequency is releasing its new album that night and Terrapin Beer sponsors the show.

One Lion Out, One Lion In: Bassist Stephen Spivey has left local band Lionz to return home to Tallahassee, FL. However, all is not lost for the local rockers, as they have announced the addition of Clint Swords to the group. I swear that’s the most rock-and-roll name in Athens at this moment. I challenge anyone to prove me wrong. The band's second album is almost in the can, and folks can check out Lionz when the group plays The Roadhouse on Thursday, May 4.

Jammriffic: For the first time in almost five years, popular electro-acid-techno-jam fusion band Disco Biscuits visits Athens. The band's settling down for two nights at the Georgia Theatre on Friday, Apr. 28 and Saturday, Apr. 29; it's the official regional release party for the release of the new album The Wind at Four to Fly. Tickets cost $20 in advance for each night, $22 at the door.

Hubcaps And Hotlanta: Music journalist and contributing Flagpole writer Chad Radford has gone and started a record label called Ponce De Leon Records and is set to release a brand spankin’ new 7" record from Atlanta’s Hubcap City (From Belgium). Joining vocalist-guitarist Bill Taft (Jody Grind, Smoke) are Will Fratesi (Cat Power, Tenement Halls) on percussion and guitarist Matthew Proctor and violinist Kat Hairston. Taft has described the sound as “militant acoustic,” which Radford interprets as a sound that “has as much in common with Woody Guthrie as Einsturzende Neubaten.” Recording in a run-down Atlanta building, the band utilized a single microphone and mini-disc recorder. After its release on May 1, these should be available locally in stores and the first edition is pressed on multi-colored vinyl in a limited edition of 300 copies.

That Bitch On The Television: Athens band Southern Bitch just had the distinct thrill of having its song “True Born Leader” featured on the CNBC series "American Made." The song, which appears on the band's 2004 album Snake in the Grass, was featured on the episode which aired a couple of weeks back and the group is under consideration to have more songs featured in the series. The program features successful American entrepreneurs and runs in the United States, Europe and Asia. Hell, yeah!

Boss Sounds: This is awesome. What are you gonna do after you’ve watched a bunch of world-class athletes spin around downtown in sexy black shorts? Well, honcho, you’re gonna head down to the Caledonia Lounge and see Tramps Like Us which will perform after the end of the Twilight Criterium on Saturday, Apr. 29. Featuring members of Kamikaze Headband and Gasmask And Matchsticks, Tramps Like Us is a Bruce Springsteen tribute band. I myself am a huge Springsteen fan and seeing these guys cover his hits is probably gonna be a blast. Either way, it’s a story. Tramps will be opening for The Malachi Dolls and Mouser, so get there right around 11 p.m. to catch it all.

New Beginnings: The new Atlanta location of Low Yo Yo Stuff Records, formerly located in front of the 40 Watt Club, is up and ready for visitation at 3854 N. Peachtree Rd. in Chamblee, an exit away from the intersection of Interstates 85 and 285. Drop by the significantly larger space at noon on Saturday, Apr. 29 for a "semi-grand opening."

Well, rock'em and sock'em. Be sure to keep your news coming in and always mention either Threats & Promises or my name in the subject line of all emails. Carry me back to old Virginny via email to music@flagpole.com, voicemail at 706-549-9523, ext. 203, or by post at P.O. Box 1027, Athens, GA 30603.

Gordon Lamb

Gordon Lamb