I sometimes wonder if the spirit keeping Athens music moving and finding new listeners will wane, it’s still odd to think a little college town in Georgia can be the center of such musical prowess. But as the days and months and years go on, so does Athens music, and the musicians coming from the Classic City continue to churn out a vibrant sound for the masses.
On the heels of another fine AthFest comes news of several bands releasing new albums and preparing for tours. Perhaps the most buzz-worthy (OK, I hate the term too) would be the new offering from Dead Confederate, who lit up the 40 Watt last Saturday with songs from their new album Sugar. Dropping on Aug. 24, Sugar is playing on the band’s website and comes out as the band plans a two-month tour (at times playing with Deer Tick) across the Southeast. The boys are also set to play the Red River on the Rocks Festival (Austin), Bumbershoot and Telluride Brews & Brews Festival.
A little lesser known band but yielding strong talent, Bambara has a new EP on Aug. 3 (Dog Ear Days) and some dates along the East Coast set for the next month. The band, consisting of brothers Blaze and Reid Bateh and William Brookshire, play an organized noise that is somehow poppy and at times dreamy (in a fuzzed-out distorted way). They’ve been kicking around Athens since 2007, and look prime to make some waves outside the city’s borders.
Then there is the heavyweight Of Montreal, boasting another piece to their extensive catalog. Album No. 10, False Priest, is set for a Sept. 14 release in the U.S. and includes guest appearances from Janelle Monáe and Solange Knowles, and was initially recorded at Apollinaire Rave studios, Kevin Barnes‘ Athens studio.
Another album means another tour for these road warriors, but if you’ve never seen them live, you should. It’s always a sight to see.
