Hey y’all, by the time you read this we’ll be neck-deep in the cultural whirlwind that is Austin, TX’s South By Southwest conference. There’s a bit of info below about Athens-related items happening out there, but mostly it’s still all news that’s primarily relevant for those here at home. You know how we do. So, let’s jump in.
TEXAS SHOWDOWN: Athens will be well represented in Austin this year courtesy of Indecent Artistry and its corker of a party at Austin’s Chess Club (617 Red River St.). It’s billed as “Don’t Look, Now!” in case you were wondering. This event is also presented by Athens folks RubySue Graphics, Nuçi’s Space and Flicker Theatre and Bar. National presenters include Hot Wax, Outta Wax Vinyl and Cathead Vodka. The showcase runs from 12–6 p.m. and will feature Athens artists Rubber Udder, Monsoon and Honeypuppy; Atlanta artists Buice and CDSM; Savannah’s Basically Nancy; New York’s Hiding Places and MX Lonely; and Columbus, OH’s Golomb. The forecast in Austin this day is predicting a high of 85 degrees and a low of 55 degrees, so dress comfortably.
HEADING OUT TO THE HIGHWAY: In related news, both Honeypuppy and Rubber Udder are in the midst of a winding Southern tour that will land each of them at the showcase mentioned above, but also wind them through Denton, TX, Dallas, Memphis and Chattanooga, TN. Then the carnival lands back in Athens for a show at Nowhere Bar on Saturday, Mar. 22 where they’ll be joined by Trepid. To familiarize yourself please see instagram.com/trepidsucks, honeypuppy.bandcamp.com and rubberudder.bandcamp.com.
A SWEETER SPRING: Americana, folk artist Julia Barfield released her new EP Keep To Me last week, and it’s a nice little record full of sweet surprises as well as evidence of an unimpeachable production team. This is not pop country nor party country but, rather, one of those records you play on Sunday morning before the rest of the world wakes up. Particularly lovely are “Rainbows And Ridges,” “Eveline” and the title track. The record was recorded at Chase Park Transduction and Ben Hackett (New Madrid, et al) handled production, engineering, mixing, bass and background vocals. McKendrick Bearden (Grand Vapids, et al) added his capable shoring up efforts by contributing guitar, keys and pedal steel. Drums were handled by Andrew McFarland (Reptar, Semicircle), and the whole thing was mastered by Charlie Chastain. Enjoy this at juliabarfield.bandcamp.com, and for more information, please see instagram.com/juliabarfieldmusic.
BACK AND TO THE LEFT: The next instance of the wonderfully curated Sonic Space at ATHICA takes place Friday, Mar. 14. On this bill this night is The John Kiran Fernandes and David McCoy Ambient Duo, which is composed of exactly the two folks mentioned in the name. In this duo Fernandes plays his signature clarinet, while McCoy handles guitars and effects. The result is, according to a press release, “a modal dreamscape of contemplative beauty.” Also on the bill is Ryan Roux (Secrets In the Stars) who plays layered psychedelic folk. He’ll be joined at times by Fernandes. ATHICA is located in The Leathers Building at 675 Pulaski Street, Suite #1200. Doors open at 7 p.m., music begins at 8 p.m., and the suggested donation for the musicians is generally ten dollars, so take some folding money with you.
HOW DOES ANYONE FALL IN LOVE?: The chipper new record Gatherer by Hampton Campbell landed on my desk last week. I enjoyed its five tracks immediately and repeatedly. It opens with the classic indie-pop-twee of “Whipsmart,” which is lighthearted enough to introduce everything. It moves to the more reserved and bass-heavy “Troubadours,” which has a slow mood about it as does “Times To Waste.” If you’ve been itching for a throwback to Kevin Barnes’ early of Montreal demos, then “Lesser Than” has got you covered. Honestly, the best thing here arrives at the very end. The last song, “No Idea,” swoops right in with a Velvet Underground-worthy guitar riff, a steady rock-and-roll beat, and semi-dour lyrics that carry it right along. Find this over at hamptoncampbell.bandcamp.com.
THE HEAT: The steady hip-hop ship of Trvy & The Enemy released a new single right at the end of February named “Home Run.” Now, this just may be the most thoroughly cohesive, next-level creative and all-around enjoyable track I’ve ever heard from this crew. The production is stellar and incredibly well composed. Especially impressive is the guitar solo that begins at about the two-and-a-half-minute mark and rises into a Queen-style crescendo before blending with an orchestral section and landing softly. Find this on all major streaming sites, find some older stuff over at trvyandtheenemy.bandcamp.com, and keep up at instagram.com/trvyandtheenemy.
HERE’S TWO FOR FLINCHING: There are back-to-back punk shows this week that should set your ears alight in just the right way. First, at Flicker Theatre and Bar on Wednesday, Mar. 12 you can catch Washington, D.C.’s Hologram along with locals Multiple Miggs and Big Trouble. Things should start getting going around 8 p.m., and if they don’t, just yell at someone. The next night, Thursday, Mar. 13 at The World Famous you can get a hearty helping of Philadelphia’s Shid who, on its surface, doesn’t betray how deeply experimental it can get with its traverses through the underground. Also on the bill are Atlanta’s ambient/coldwave/darkwave group Writhe as well as locals Plan B. The former should run around ten bucks, while the latter is clocked in at five bucks.
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.
