Ocean Versus Daughter will be the second performer of the evening.
"Dreamy but never droney, Prague-rockers Ocean Versus Daughter are really good at the achingly beautiful thing. Things tend to start simply and starkly, maybe just the American-born Flanna Sheridan's snow-angelic voice, some strings, a little piano. But as the melody expands and the sound adrenalizes with riffs and beats, pretty new sonic worlds open up. Smart stuff to sway to." --Philadelphia City Paper, June 2011
“Inspired by the soul of the South and the spirit of gypsies, Lily and the Tigers play what they call gothic americana music. The band's foundation rests in the words, voice and guitar of Casey Hood and the restless beats of upright bassist Adam Mincey. The two call Atlanta, Georgia home and the musicians around town family. Their debut album, Sojourner, pulls in several other tigers. From trumpets and accordions to harpsichords and harmonicas, every song tells a different story. Since the band’s 2009 conception and their first national tour, Lily and the Tigers has blossomed into a full sound including alto clarinetist Mikhail Ally, lead guitarist Jared Pepper, and fiddler Ryan Gregory.”
And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead.
Heyrocco from Charleston, SC, are performing third.
An explosion of echoing guitars, tight powerful rhythms, and floating high pitched vocals match dark earthly colored skinny's and broad-cut scoop neck shirts under flannel to create the intimate yet chaotic sounds of Heyrocco. Three very close acquaintances formed a bond of music, style, and creativity and have been spreading their ideas with the green world ever since. Their music has the raw effect of an indie rock band, but is also laced with beauty; every track balancing the power and precision of a symphony.
The Last Relapse is a band hailing from Atlanta, GA. They released their first full length CD "Machine" in July of 2010. You could describe the music as lyric driven Ambient/Rock with heavenly vocal and guitar effects and busy complementary bass lines held together by clever complicated drum beats. Columbia City Paper described their music this way: "Indie Rock with an ethereal, dream pop sound. Maybe if Modest Mouse smoked a bunch of opium it would sound similar?"
“a serious force to be reckoned with, a band ready to take the next step and become leaders in the (hopefully) impending musical revolution against the wave of cookie cutter medio-core bands glutting the scene right now.” WREKAGE
“From Exile understand there is more to metal than nonstop brutality and breakdowns or flashy technicality with no substance.” www.metal-archives.com
“To say Lazer/Wulf is on point is an understatement—the band functioned as one cohesive entity, blasting through complex riffs and melting the faces off anyone within earshot. It was as if the high-speed funk-rock thrash had literally enraptured the entire audience and pulled each individual forward on an invisible string. With each song, the intensity grew and even the most jaded and pretentious of audience members could not help but drop their jaws, if only momentarily. The brief silence following the set was an appropriate response to the performance. When the universe aligns and a band pulls off that kind of flawless and crisp congruity, there are really no words.” Carrie Dagenhard / Flagpole Magazine
DIY. Progressive rock with elements of western, surf and shoegaze influenced by Steven Wilson, Led Zeppelin, Suicide, Mars Volta, Black Sabbath, King Crimson, Beach Boys and Phantogram.
"Sleepy Genes are a five-piece rock band from Atlanta, GA. Since the first time I saw them earlier this year, I was convinced they were one of the best bands I have seen live. I can only describe their live show as an adrenaline rush. Sleepy Genes take you on a roller coaster ride of sound and it is pretty thrilling. All the elements are there to make for an entertaining show; from each member taking turns wailing on the drums or cymbals, to classic guitar solos, and loud chants that encourage the crowd to sing along. Star Bar was packed making it one of Sleepy Genes biggest shows this year and they held everyone's attention. When I say they win the crowd over at every performance I'm not exaggerating. See this band live! Get a taste of what their shows are like by checking out my video below. Look out for more shows and tunes from Sleepy Genes in the new year!" - The Promising Chord
"The rise of Deerhunter opened the door for those more avant-minded groups in town to finally strut their stuff for an audience. The gentlemen of Wowser Bowser create alluring tunes that meld '80s pop warmth with '00s experimentation." - Gabe Vodicka / Creative Loafing Atlanta
Qurious will be the second performer of the evening.
"You have to know the rules before you can effectively break them, and Qurious seems to operate on a higher level of consciousness than its electro peers. Between Mike Netland's starry-eyed production and Catherine Quesenberry's spellbinding voice, the duo delves deep into the realm of pure atmospherics with a sense of sophistication that eludes the rest." - Creative Loafing Atlanta
Madeline Adams has been performing simply as Madeline for the last decade. As a teenager she relocated from her hometown of Athens, Georgia to Bloomington, Indiana to work with the punk label Plan-It-X Records (Japanther, Against Me, Defiance, Ohio). After a few years and many punk tours Madeline moved back home to work with Orange Twin Records releasing several albums in collaboration with Phosphorescent, the Athens’ based Elephant 6 Collective (Neutral Milk Hotel, Olivia Tremor Control, Nana Grizol), Phil Elverum (Mt. Eerie) and Karl Blau (The Microphones).
Divine Isis are celebrating the release of "Scream" The Drunken Unicorn on Saturday, January 21st, 2012.
The ladies of Divine Isis met as members of a larger all female rock band. Over time the chemistry between the three became apparent and they decided to form something new, something that would not easily fit into any one genre. Eliza, a classically trained musician, brings complex piano driven arrangements that are rich with dynamics. Lace comes from a hard rock background that alternates melodic and distorted guitar. Angel’s steady drum beats and Geoff Goodwin’s thumpin bass guitar (added late 2011) provide a strong and unique rhythm section. Eliza and Lace have both fronted bands previously and their voices also compliment one another. Eliza’s rich and sexy alto blends easily with Lace’s higher, soulful range, giving them the freedom to evoke any mood or meaning they please. The music has evolved into powerful female driven rock. Whether they are righting wrongs (“You are not my savior, you are not even a hero”) or crafting a steamy tribute that is the female answer to The Lemon Song (“You’re staring at my lips, my hips… Can you still feel me on the tip of your tongue?”), these ladies will move you…
Pocket The Moon will be the second performer of the evening.
"A distinctive and gifted duo consisting of Sara Crawford and Geoff Goodwin, Pocket the Moon and their new self-titled LP demonstrate imagination and brilliance and undoubtedly justify their achievement of the 2011“Best New Local Act” title from the Creative Loafing Best of Atlanta survey. An indie two-piece with folksy and electronic flavor, Pocket the Moon delivers a striking instrumental and vocal delight with a slightly dark and somber aesthetic.
“Sleepwalking”, a heavy-eyed track with warm piano and tight drum recordings introduces the listener to Sara’s haunting and moving vocals as she chants “It was only a dreammmmm”.
With its novel combination of instrumentals and electro elements, “Rooftops” delivers the fragility and harmony of an Azure Ray hit—especially with the elusive vocals of Sara Crawford.
“Falling” has an electro tinge and exhibits a refreshing darkness and edginess—the perfect song for driving home from downtown at 4 am. This song almost has a shoe gaze-like appeal—to the point where one might be convinced it came straight off of a Sneaker Pimps album.
“Hipster Haircut”, a more indie/folksy track provides a change of pace with refreshingly clever lyrics. “I hate your trendy hipster hair. Did you get that to impress the anorexic painter so you can stay out late with her on the futon that you stole from me?” Employing unique features such as the xylophone and trumpet, “Peters Lament” provides a folksy, sing-a-long ballad, with the staple subject of lost love." - Claire Morgan / The Blue Indian
We all know the Swedes can write a mean pop songs - but what about folk songs? Well, one artist is nonchalantly transferring the charm and fun found in most pop songs into sweet, acoustic twang. Sofia Talvik, brings bubbly blonde ambition to this raw and often quiet genre with a captivating breath of fresh air.
Sofia Talvik is the next rising star from Sweden.
She has emerged like a lady of the forest, bringing a new interesting side to folk music. Where other artists surrender to the mainstream, Sofia makes her own paths through the musical underbrush of today.
Calm White Noise are performing at The Drunken Unicorn on Wednesday, January 18th, 2012.
Very fresh to the Atlanta music scene is Calm White Noise. The band began to take life in the early months of 2011. Band leader and creator, Dylan Banks, gathered three of the best musicians in the Atlanta area (Ricky Taft, Bill Walker, Andre Griffin) to help turn his visions and ideas into a full functioning entity of marvelous sound waves. Calm White Noise played their first show in Athens, Ga at New Earth Music Hall in April, 2011; since then they have played a few local shows in Atlanta, Ga, but looking to play a lot more in the future. This group brings a unique style to the rising local music scene, pulling influences from rock, experimental, indie, and electronic to create a truly unique sound of their own.
In a small corner of San Diego, brothers Andy & James Ralph drives melodies through the air sharp as nails; while plugged into buzzing amps in a space cluttered with a dozen instruments and tangled cords. Beneath wooden rafters and a blanket of sound, an unpolished throat sings gritty, spit-shined, and endearingly clumsy where the sadness of its voice is somehow tender. It is a voice reaching for something familiar, inspired by physical experience, influential friends, loss, and objects that leave a residue of longing.
