UP ON THE SUN: Composer, musician and Arfus Records head Andrew Steck has a new single out as of May 22. It’s named “Secretive” and is from his upcoming album, Regular Human Music Album, which is slated for release this summer. This new song is a vocal number from the artist, whose non-vocal productions we’ve become accustomed to. The tune itself, too, is a back-to-basics rock-influenced piece that is psychedelic in the style of Ween or maybe even a slowed-down Meat Puppets. Either way, an interesting take. Find this on streaming services and andrewsteck.bandcamp.com. For more information, please see arfusrecords.com and facebook.com/andrewsteckcomps.
ROOM FOR ALL: The next instance of Sonic Space at ATHICA happens Saturday, May 25. This time, the always thoughtfully curated event features New York’s Joe DeVita, who is a multi-instrumentalist and live-loop composer. Also on the bill that night is Other Voices Other Rooms, which has expanded very nicely over the years from a DJ project into a compositional and live performance project. Doors open at 7 p.m., and music should start between 8:30–9 p.m. For more information, please see athica.org.
TIME MACHINE: It’s been a little over six months since Spitehound, the project of songwriter Brandon Steinhauer, released its wonderful Tourniquet EP, and now it’s time for a new one. Specifically, he’s released a new collection, and it’s a five-song EP named Shifting Paint. It starts out of the gate incredibly strong with “Kim’s Kid.” And dammit if Steinhauer isn’t such a good songwriter that I’m sitting here choked up over this story of two people I don’t know or even know if they actually exist. Spitehound’s music isn’t genre-less, but as time moves it’s becoming less and less accurate to pin comparisons to it. This is deeply emotional music, but not just in its lyricism. The music itself—very loosely corralled by descriptors such as indie rock, indie folk, et al—packs an emotional wallop. The intro to “Less Sacred” is worth the price of entry alone. This is one of those records that feels like a secret and, honestly, aren’t a lot of our favorite records exactly like that? Find this at spitehound.bandcamp.com.
SOUND ON SOUND: Chairs has a new single out that was made collaboratively with London, England’s Susu Laroche. It’s a short—under two minutes—synth-based vocal track that’s soft and dreamy and lush and all that good stuff. Laroche handled vocals and lyrics while Marcel Sletten took care of production, mixing and mastering. One particularly nice aspect of the music is the echo-y, arpeggioed guitar riff that occurs throughout. Find this at primordialvoid.bandcamp.com.
A SONG FOR YOU: The relatively new-to-Athens Zach Ritter makes music under the name Cookie Ritter. He has a brand new, full-length album out now named Birds Sing Just Because. In the album notes, Ritter says this was all recorded between 2019–2024. With the sole exception of “Black And White Cat,” which is a totally fine T. Rex inspired number, the rest of this is heartachingly lovely and tender. Indeed, so lovely at points it’s breathtaking. Musically it feels very much inspired by a certain type of mid-1990s Americana (e.g. Scud Mountain Boys/Pernice Brothers, the slower side of Uncle Tupelo and Son Volt, etc.) but also the emotional weight of early 20th century high lonesome country music and even early 1970s folk and country. Especially touching are opening song “Conee,” “Small Town Talk” and “Valentine.” This isn’t a thoroughly easy listen, but it is rewarding. Find it at cosmicinternetcountry.bandcamp.com.
AMONG THE LIVING: Hard rockers Ashes To Omens have released a new single named “Feed Me More,” and it’s a big, fat, thick slice of melodic alt-metal. Not exactly my bag, but it might be yours. It’s the band’s first release since 2022 and available on all major streaming platforms. The group is currently booked to play June 28 at the 40 Watt Club. Keep your eyes peeled on the Flagpole calendar or 40watt.com for show details once they become confirmed. For more information, please see facebook.com/ashestoomensofficial.
Like what you just read? Support Flagpole by making a donation today. Every dollar you give helps fund our ongoing mission to provide Athens with quality, independent journalism.
