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Threats & Promises

Unus Mundus’ One World, And More Music News and Gossip

Unus Mundus

HEAVY IS AS HEAVY DOES: It’s been two and a half years since we heard new music from rockers Unus Mundus, but all that changed last month. The group, composed of longtime Athens musicians Steve Fitzpatrick and Rob Fluhr, just released a new album named One World. Working with an aesthetic grab bag that includes shades of Melvins and Black Sabbath, Unus Mundus shines best with unabashed, standard-arrangement rockers such as opening track “Tanks and Trucks.” They carry this totem through similar tracks like “Hope” and “Seared.” Fans of doomy, heavy rock shouldn’t be disappointed but, if this describes you and you’re disappointed anyway, maybe it’s time to take a personal inventory and find out exactly what your problem is. Find this release at unusmundus.bandcamp.com. and be a pal over at facebook.com/TheeUnusMundus.

SOME FRIENDS ARE INDEED ELECTRIC: Jon Lester, who has spent literal decades making his mark on the history of Athens music, is working under a new project name, and that name is Toxic Patriarch. This is easily one of my favorite projects he’s ever done, and I’m personally thankful he’s continued his productivity over such a long time. Toxic Patriarch is entirely electronic, and Lester is adept at creating in the spaces of house, disco, boom bap, electropop and other associated genres. His latest single came out in April and is titled “Say Farrah.” Let your fingers do the walking over to toxicpatriarch.bandcamp.com, and plan to camp out there for a while. 

COME SAIL AWAY: Those boys in Nix The Scientist have released a new single hot on the heels of the one released last month. This new one is named “Puzzlebox.” Whereas their previous single, “Eyes Up,” reminded me clearly of early Genesis, this new one sits squarely at the intersection of Todd Rundgren and Styx. Maybe the next one will sound like Donna Summer and Foghat? Who knows? But these guys are plowing through the 1970s with compositional success so far, so why not bring it on? Check this out on Spotify, and keep up with the band at nixthescientist.com.

RATE-A-RECORD: Pop/rock duo Dooley & Baldwin released its EP Welcome To Dawgtown last month. The six-song release is centered thematically–as one might imagine—around the University of Georgia’s beloved Bulldogs and Athens in general. Not all the songs really lean this way, though, as this sentiment is mostly present in the EP’s title and lead track “Tailgate.” Musically speaking, most of these songs have a basis in a strong and catchy riff. I was surprised, too, at how pretty and complete the piano melody is on “The Woes Of Youthful Worry.” Highlights here include “Can’t Put Me Out,” “Til Morning” and “Your Firey (sic) Red Hair.” Find this on Spotify. 

STILL WALKING: Elf Power will celebrate the release of its latest album, Artificial Countrysides, on Saturday, July 30 at the 40 Watt. Nihilist Cheerleader and Chicago’s E.R. Jurken are also on the bill this night. This marks the 16th LP the band, always under the leadership of founder and songwriter Andrew Rieger, has released. Elf Power has been an ongoing concern for nearly 30 years, and continues to be a focal point and entryway for music fans interested in Athens rock and roll. This new album comes courtesy of longtime North Carolina label Yep Rock. Find the new record online or in stores, and for more information, please see facebook.com/elfpower.

SAINT-SAËNS SAYS SO MUCH: OK, y’all, I had to mention this because it’s just so dang cute. Athens-based Fox Music Instruction will host Musical Storytime At The Park the morning of Saturday, July 30 at 10:30 a.m. at the playground at Memorial Park. The event is targeted for kids ages 4–8, but anyone can attend. It’s also free. They’ll be reading Carnival of the Animals, a contemporary version of which was published in the Story Orchestra series of books, and the music of which was composed by Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns. Kids will enjoy a Q&A session on the material as well, and one lucky attendee will go home with a copy. For more information, please see facebook.com/foxmusicinstruction. 

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