DEEP SPACE 6: Robert Schneider (Apples in Stereo) released the first issue of his new science fiction zine An Otherwordly Light last week. The whole thing is edited by Schneider, but the text itself was apparently generated by artificial intelligence via specific prompts from Schneider himself. It’s 32 pages long and available in PDF format. This first issue also comes with new music from Obligatory Refractions (Schneider’s collaboration with Sloan Simpson) as well as an ambient piece from composer Michael G. Maxwell. This particular Obligatory Refractions track, “Black Hole,” features lead vocals by Schneider; Simpson on synths, guitar, bass, drum programming and backing vocals; and Jay Gonzalez (Drive-By Truckers) on Hammond organ. The zine is free and published under a Creative Commons license, so feel free to print and distribute if you’re so inclined. Find it over at gardengaterecords.bandcamp.com.
GET IT TOGETHER, MAN: Are you ready for the return of Whammocon? Did you even know you were missing it? Well, believe me, pardner, I’m basically as confused as you are. What I can tell you is that this “highly anticipated music, film, and arts festival from Spaceball Entertainment” will happen at Flicker Theatre & Bar and The Grill June 30–July 2. Billed as “WHAMMOCON 2023: 3 Days of Peace & Puke,” the entire thing sounds like one huge elaborate put-on and inside joke. That said, if you can squeeze yourself into this joke, you’ll catch performances and appearances from Andy Farmer, Xenon Clone, The Power Star, Smaxxon, soss lord, Irene Moon, Mike Bradshaw, Farrah Johnson, Red Dogs and more. There’s a companion tape compilation to be available in person and online at spaceball.com featuring Dead Ewok, EDRS, Orgasmically Programmed, Andy Farmer, G Bronco, Peter Dish, Sports Fortress and more. Prepare your ears to be both entertained and insulted to varying degrees. For more information, please see facebook.com/spaceballentertainment and spaceball.com. On a personal note to readers, I apologize for how confusing this all is. Trust me, I’m right there with you.
CLANG THE DRUM ALL DAY: A new set of tunes from Clangtint is now available. This project is the ongoing collaboration between Marc Tissenbaum and Joe Rowe (The Glands). These tracks were recorded mostly in 2022 with one track (“Bigger Bundles”) that dates to 2021. These were recorded in a now-demolished house on Mulberry Street that was also Rowe’s longtime home. This whole set is very moody in a minimalist, non-traditional blues way. It also contains elements of experimental post-punk (“Liver & Lungs”) which can come across as a weird mix between, say Public Image, Ltd. and Miles Davis. Sonically, it sounds very much like a demo tape, but that’s not off-putting to me at all. Indeed, it’s kind of charming. Check it out at clangtint.bandcamp.com.
WIND IN THE WILLOWS: In a Kythe, the project of songwriter and musician Lydian Brambila, will release its newest album Saturday, July 1 at Bolo Bolo. The new record is named Brides Of Mystery. I’ve not yet been able to hear the new album but, going by previous releases, I expect this to be a set of nicely constructed ambient tunes. Also on the bill are Grant Evans, LeeAnn Peppers, Kinnick and Wet Garden. This show is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. and Bolo Bolo is located at 160 Winston Drive. Just go all the way to the very last building and look to your right. You’ll find it. Get up to speed at lybram.bandcamp.com.
NEVER ANYTHING TO DO IN THIS TOWN: I’m really trying to get away from covering so much Atlanta-based stuff in this column, but this is a notable exception of particular interest. Really old local rock music fans will remember that special time in the 1990s when every band imaginable was deeply influenced by the loud, difficult, yet quite compositional music coming out of the Louisville-Chicago axis. Fiddlehead was no different and, indeed, shone a full few watts above its peers. Fans will also recall that Kyle Spence (Harvey Milk) was the drummer in Fiddlehead. The band’s 1994 album, originally released via Allied Recordings and recorded by engineer-to-the-stars Steve Albini with additions from David Barbe, is now re-released. Sort of. The original record, titled The Deaf Waiter, was remixed by Spence and re-sequenced, too. This new version is titled The Chicago Reels. It’s very much of its time and should remain enjoyable for any old fans, and will possibly pick up a few new ones on its way. Find it at fiddleheadatl.bandcamp.com.
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