CRUNCH BUNCH: One of Athens’ busiest labels, Hard Tack, kicked it up another notch last week with the release of the 24-song label comp. I’m most partial to the heavier stuff on here, of which there is plenty. And the ‘ol faithful Rubber Udder takes the lead pretty quickly with its destructo-blues. Other specific highlights here are Regulator, Johnny Falloon, Big Trouble, Aunt Moth, Nuclear Tourism, Delta 8, Honeypuppy, Violent Violet, Beer Piss and Obscurity. And, while most of this clearly skews heavier, if the riffage isn’t your thing, then Telemarket and Organically Programed have got ya covered. This whole thing, digital downloads and cassette tape sales, is in benefit for Kyle Demartino (Violent Violet) to assist with medical bills. Find this at hardtackk.bandcamp.com.
LINE UP: The next instance of Sonic Space at ATHICA happens Friday, Feb. 28. Doors are at 7 p.m. with music starting at 8 p.m. On this night’s bill is Doom Ribbons, a project of James Owen that uses “drums, percussion, xylophone, synthesizer, clarinet, guitar, home-made instruments, voice, found objects, field recordings and samples” to create his heavily mood oriented works. Also on the bill this night is the incomparable Shane Parish. Accomplished guitar player and composer, Parish (Ahleuchatistas) has enjoyed a career upswing over the past year with the release of his acclaimed album Repertoire. For more information, please see facebook.com/DoomRibbons, shaneparish.com and athica.org.
ON THE ROAD AGAIN: Monsoon is out on tour as we speak with Weiuca on the way out to Austin’s South By Southwest. This duo will wind through Tennessee, Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma before arriving at Austin’s Chess Club on Mar. 14. Monsoon continues to be in support of its 2022 album Ghost Party. Here’s to new music coming out soon. For more information, please see monsoonforever.com and facebook.com/wieucaband.
NAME THAT TUNE: You could easily spend the next several months listening exclusively to the mixes that Chris Bartus has created over at his Fly Tapes site. Working in, basically, total obscurity Bartus has steadily and dedicatedly amassed a collection worthy of attention. Generally speaking, these tracks are from the lighter side of the coin and feature world folk, pop, disco and a few other genres. The most recent addition is a collection compiled by John Kiran Fernandes (The Olivia Tremor Control, Circulatory System, Cloud Recordings) that runs just at about 90 minutes. This is reportedly Fernandes’ first contribution to the series, and there are plans for more contributions from him. Find this all over at flytapes.com and prepare to settle in for a while.
FIVE ALIVE: The five-track collaborative album, Vatic Dream Menu, between Jay Gonzalez (Drive By Truckers) and multi-instrumentalist George Davidson recorded under the project name Nerve Glyphs is out now. While the record itself—presumably somewhat composed but taking advantage of an improvisational recording situation—isn’t particularly aggressive or jolting, there are a few moments when it jumps out from its comfortable bed of m’biras and chimes. At about seven minutes or so into “Recipe For Ether” you can hear what I mean. Davidson’s tenor saxophone appears throughout and punctuates most of this quite nicely. Find it at nerveglyphs.bandcamp.com.
SIMILAR, FAMILIAR: In related news, the aforementioned George Davidson also has a new, three-track solo album out now named Hymns Of Penumbra and is released under the name G.D. Davison 3X. He also appears here playing chimes, m’biras and saxophone, and everything here was recorded in one take. There are some meditative aspects to this, but it’s a recording that’s also very alive and invites your attention. Check it out at gddavidson3x.bandcamp.com.
A LITTLE SOMETHING: I wasn’t expecting much out of Rabbitstar Man, so I’m pleased to report I got more than I bargained for. There’s a new eight-song release out now titled Tension Attention, Please. Sure, there’s enough goofy electronic stuff here to keep me entertained for a few minutes, but the gem on here is the steadily percussive “Pin The Tail On The Donkey.” Spin this a couple of times, and you’ll swear it was 15 minutes long.
HELPING HANDS: Attaboy Tapes is hosting a benefit for Asheville, NC, specifically for the relief organization Beloved Asheville. The show happens Saturday, Mar. 1 at Flicker Theatre & Bar with doors at 7 p.m. and music at 8 p.m. Topping the bill is Nicholas Mallis and the Borealis, then there’s the very capable undercard of Liz Farrell, Mary Margret Cozart, Peter Webb and KIT. Remember, this is a benefit show so don’t forget to take your cash. For more information on Beloved Asheville, please see belovedasheville.com.
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