Kristen's Concert Picks: August brings it back around

For most of us, August marks our triumphant return to Athens, the city of music. There's no better way to celebrate this joyous occasion than to fill our nights with some rockin' bands! And for those of you lucky people who have spent the summer in this lovely town, these tune-filled treats are sure to ease you out of the heat in just the right way. It is definitely time to party once again!

Wed, Aug 4: Matt Daniel @ 9 PM @ Melting Point
Multi-talented musician MAtt Daniel takes the stage to give us a solo act ruled by keyboards, guitars, and vocals. You may know him from the band Leading Edge, but he's got a nice style all his own too!

Thurs, Aug 5: Josh Perkins @ 9 PM @ Melting Point
This year's Athfest certainly gave us whole a list of bands we just can't wait to see again, and Josh Perkins was definitely one of them! Fill your ears with his softly southern rock.

Fri, Aug 6: Kaitlin Jones and the County Fair @ 10 PM @ Caledonia
Here's another one of my Athfest discoveries. I knew I loved Kaitlin Jones' dark southern rock sound almost instantly!

Fri, Aug 6: Ken Will Morton @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt
And here's yet another example of a rockin' band I first heard at this year's Athfest. With a bit of americana-style, Ken Will Morton's tunes are sure to brighten your day.

Wed, Aug 11: Novanauts & The Caste @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia
LOVE these bands! From electronic to indie pop, these bands will definitely leave you dancing. Go to this show. Seriously, you will not regret it!

Wed, Aug 11: Doctor Squid & Groove Tangent @ 9 PM @ Melting Point
Oh, please someone, avenge me for this cruel fate! How can there be two such amazing shows just a few days before my return to Athens? Looks like the city will be filled with some of my absolute favorites this night as Doctor Squid, Groove Tangent, and Jason Harwell of the Warm Fuzzies take over the stage and pure joy to all who are lucky enough to be at the Melting Point.

Thurs, Aug 12: Popfest featuring Reptar @ 7:30 PM @ Caledonia
If you haven't experienced the insanity that is Reptar, do it now! You never know what these guys will surprise their fans with this time, but I can guarantee you it'll be fun.

Fri, Aug 13: Popfest featuring Madeline @ 2:30 PM @ Caledonia
Oh, the soft and lovely melodies of Madeline... Yes, they're beautiful.

Fri, Aug 13: Popfest featuring Bambara @ 7:30 PM @ Caledonia
Bambara's loud and crazy rock style has everyone in a frenzy. You've got to catch their show!

Thurs, Aug 19: Incredible Sandwich @ 9 PM @ Melting Point
Take a trip down to the tropics with the incredible sandwich! This band sprinkles a bit of jazz in here and there too for a super smooth ride.

Thurs, Aug 26: Aman Amun @ 10 PM @ New Earth Music Hall
Experimental, electronic, indescribable... Art, music, and innovation combine to make this a show like nothing you've seen before. And this one should be amazing. After all, the last Aman Amun show I saw at New Earth completely blew me away!

Fri, Aug 27: The Orkids, Venice is Sinking, & The Caste @ 10 PM @ New Earth Music Hall
Wow, this is a can't-miss show! With the Orkids, the Caste, Venice is Sinking, and the Premonitions on the bill, it'll be nothing short of unbelievable. Oh man, I am absolutely dying to hear the catchy tunes of the Orkids again after their awesome Athfest show!

Fri, Aug 27: Nate Nelson, Gift Horse, & Modern Skirts @ 9:30 PM @ 40 Watt
Ok, this is seriously going to be one of the BEST nights for Athens music ever! It'll be nearly impossible to choose which show to see... This one features kings of the Athens pop scene, Modern Skirts, along with the amazing voice of Nate Nelson and the pure rock of Gift Horse. Insanity!

Sat, Aug 28: The Shut Ups @ 10 PM @ Caledonia
It's true! The Shut-Ups will bring a smile to your face as you dance along to their electronic tunes. What fun!

Wow, this month is just filled with excitement, isn't it? I can't wait for all of these rockin' shows to start! As always, I'll add to this list as I hear of more awesome shows, so make sure you remember it whenever you're planning a tune-filled night. And hey, if you know of a show that you just can't let your fellow music lovers miss, let us know in the comments below. See you all around town and happy listening!

Athfest 2010: Putting it all together!

And then we said goodbye to Athfest 2010.

Yup, that's right. This year's festival was so insanely awesome that it took us a whole month to cover it all! Wow! During the festival, I got the chance to check out 26 more bands that I had never seen before and saw loads off of my growing list of Athens favorites as well. That's a total of 38 bands! It was all simply incredible. I don't know how next year's Athfest could possibly top this one... but you know I'll be there to watch it try!

Missed out on this year's Athfest or looking to reminisce over all of the amazing times? Well, we've got you covered! Up on our Echoreyn of Athens facebook page, we've got over a HUNDRED pictures of the festivities. Check 'em out here, and don't hesitate to let us know if you 'like' our page while you're there!

We've also got a whole bunch of show footage up on our YouTube channel including videos of the Gold Party, Spring Tigers, Abandon the Earth Mission, the Orkids, Kyshona and the Guys, and the Athens band! You can watch them to your heart's delight right here, and don't forget to check out our Athfest vlog above as well.

We'd love to hear all about your Athfest too! Feel free to comment below, and tell us what rocked your world about the festival. And now, to bring a little tradition to the mix, here's the numerical lowdown on our coverage of this year's ever-unbelievable Athfest.

Echoreyn of Athens' Athfest 2010 by the numbers

• 38 bands seen in concert (at least)
• 120 pictures
• 27 blogs
  
• 9 concert videos
• (At least) 4 new bands to add to my list of favorites!
  
• 3 more well-worn wristbands to add to my pile from last Athfest
  
• 1 crazy Athfest vlog (see above)

Hope you truly enjoyed the festival and all our blogs about it! Weekends just don't get better than this. I can barely contain my excitement for Athfest 2011!

To check out every bit of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here!

Athfest 2010: Michael Guthrie and Kaitlin Jones give us a great finish!

Sunday, June 27th, 2010
Michael Guthrie band &

Kaitlin Jones and the County Fair

And then, sadly, it was almost time to go. But before I headed back up the winding street to my car, I just had to catch a couple more of Athens' finest. Next up on my list was the Michael Guthrie band, classic rockers who gave us some bumpin' tunes with a little taste of southern flair to them. Their sound had the whole crowd under their spell, and I've got to say, the music definitely made me want to jump up and dance. It was brilliant! Then, a while later, I was lucky enough to hear Kaitlin Jones and the County Fair. Although I only caught a bit of her set, I loved the dark southern rock she gave us, and you could tell the crowd loved it too! As I made my way back home, my head filled with the amazing tunes of this town, I was simply and purely happy. Wow, what a spectacular Athfest!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be summing up this spectacular festival in a few days, so check back soon. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: The Athens band's got skills!

Sunday, June 27th, 2010

Athens

As I walked the now-familiar streets that led from my friend's house to downtown that Sunday morning, I knew it was the start of the end of Athfest. And, well, Athfest 2010 just wouldn't be complete without another taste of one of the newest bands that's got this town in a frenzy, the Athens band! Now do me a favor... Close your eyes. Hear those tunes? Those guys playing up there on that stage are awesome, right? Ok, now open them. Surprised?

Yup, Athens band is one of our youngest established bands with members ranging in age from 12 to 15, but you'd never know it listening to them. They keep getting better and better, entrancing the whole crowd as they take over every stage they play. And it's not just the novelty of their youth anymore. These guys just simply rock! This time, they each played solos to show off their own, particular talents as they gave us an incredible mix of impressive original songs and rock classics. And these guys threw themselves into their music. Beau the lead guitarist (you may know him as Monkey) shredded away and writhed on the ground as he played in true rocker form. Lead singer Chase stood up to the impossible heat, striving not to pass out as he belted out tune after tune. Justin the bassist and Zak on the drums rounded out the hardworking band, making everything from their songs to the banter between them a fully enjoyable experience for all. Without question, Athens was one of my absolute favorite Athfest acts. I can't wait to see what the future has in store for this band!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: Dead Confederate rocks out the night!

Saturday, June 26th, 2010
(after midnight)

Dead Confederate

Moments later, Dead Confederate took over the stage, ready to rock it like they do so well. This time around, they fed our ears a big helping of their newest songs with old favorites like the Rat and Heavy Petting sprinkled in. And as always, they sounded SO GOOD. I know I write about them all the time, but let's be honest, you guys, I just can't stop talking about them because they never stop being so damn awesome. Every time I see them, the fans (which, by the way, filled the 40 Watt to capacity for their show!) demand encore after encore. I've never seen anything like it! I know I don't have to tell you how amazing it was... After all, if you were at Athfest, you were probably there too, absorbed in their southern rock sound just like I was. Truly, it was the perfect ending to Athfest night number two!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: Venice is Sinking is always a treat!

Saturday, June 26th, 2010
(after midnight)

Venice is Sinking

As Athfest's Saturday night festivities wound to an end, I knew it was time to treat myself to two of my long-time favorites. First up was ethereal pop rock band Venice is Sinking. Now, originally, I was unsure of how their sweeter melodies would fit in amongst the hard rock tunes of Gift Horse before them and Dead Confederate after them, but their songs fit just perfectly, holding their own in a marvelous way. Seriously, Venice is Sinking is nothing but purely enchanting every single time! They rocked a whole bunch of their latest songs like the lovely Tugboat and Bardstown Road which can be found on their brand new album Sand and Lines. Oh, and speaking of Sand and Lines... Look out for a CD review from me coming at you just after all of this Athfest coverage ends. Can't wait!

And then, as I was heading back for the night just as I thought all the music-related fun was over, I stumbled across something that totally brought me back to the VIS joy once again. Hidden amidst the foliage on the darkened street that I followed was a sign that read "Pulaski Heights," a name which just happens to be the title of one of the band's older songs that I'm in love with as well. Awesome! I never made the connection before, so it was definitely a super cool find. I love that I'm still just learning and discovering the secrets of this unbelievable town, and I'm so ecstatic that I've got the wonderful tunes of Venice is Sinking to lead me on my way!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: Gift Horse fills the room with rock

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Gift Horse

Sometimes the most rockin' Athfest experiences are the unplanned ones. With my crazy band schedule the way it was, I decided to step into the air conditioned 40 Watt for a bit of a rest since I was going to finish out my night there anyway. Well, I was in luck. As I entered, the whole venue was filled with the awesome rock of Gift Horse. Now, I've seen this band once before, but this time they sounded like they were in their true prime! Wow, what sound! Mark me down as a fan. I'm going to have to see a full set of theirs again soon.

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: See them all in Velveteen Pink

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Velveteen Pink

Making my way through the massive flood of people after the Bubba Sparxxx show, I headed over to Farm 255 for some hyper 80's style fun with Velveteen Pink. True to their name, all four guys in the band sported matching pink jumpsuits to complement their retro music style. The tunes they gave us were super new wave with lots of synth and beats. The best part about it, though, had to be their keytars... They had, not one, but TWO keytars! Readers of this blog will know just how much these instruments tickle my fancy. I am, admittedly, mildly obsessed with them. Oh yes. And Velveteen Pink rocked them so well. Definitely a fun show!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: Bubba Sparxxx brings it back to Athens with Valentine and West

Saturday, June 26th, 2010
Bubba Sparxxx &

Valentine and West

Opening for Athfest headliner Bubba Sparxxx, Valentine and West were quite the talented duo! Giving us a unique sound, a little bit hip hop, a little bit pop, they had many in the crowd grooving happily to their tunes. Singer Laura West especially impressed me. What a voice she has! Though their set was rather short (Bubba Sparxxx, it seemed, was sharing his set time with them), I very much enjoyed getting a chance to check them out!

Then it was the famous Mr. Sparxxx's turn. The moment he stepped onstage, the crowd went ballistic! Hundreds of people piled together, eager to see this Athens megastar in action. Sparxxx, flanked by several rappers backing him up, ruled over the stage with his songs as the crowd threw themselves into the beat. Then it was time for his smash hit Ms. New Booty. The fans just couldn't contain themselves... this song drove them completely insane. The Athfest committee definitely made a great choice when they picked Bubba Sparxxx as a headliner this year!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: Don't miss those Deaf Judges!

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Deaf Judges

A thrill of excitement electrified the massive crowd as they gathered before the Lumpkin Street Stage, waiting for Deaf Judges to appear. And then suddenly, there they were, the explosive rappers known as some of Athens' finest! Now I didn't think that it was possible for them to beat the awesomeness of last years' Athfest show with their deliciously dark theme and spectacular vampire stunts. But (can you believe it?) this show topped even that one!

Their songs and beats were purely amazing, and they had the crowd with them the whole time as they leapt around the stage. And then Deaf Judges totally amped up the party by hurling things into the crowd as they moved. The luckiest audience members snagged free copies of their latest CD The High Honorable, and someone even got the king's crown worn by one of the Judges. Others got drenched by giant water balloons, though I still count them among the lucky as well. After a day in that kind of sun stroke-inducing heat, I'm sure the cool water was wonderfully refreshing! As darkness fell, the Judges continued to give us hit after hit till we could dance no more. Oh, the unbelievable fun! There's definitely a reason I never miss their Athfest shows!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: We can't Abandon the Earth Mission!

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Abandon the Earth Mission

Everyone, run around in circles and panic! The aliens have landed! Oh, good. We're in luck! The amusingly green women that stood onstage before the next band began to play just chose instead to Abandon the Earth Mission.

Ah, what an intro! It was yet another was one of those insane Athfest moments only this lovely town of our give us. Then colorful robotic lights began moving and splashing color everywhere as the band members stepped up to share their unique, experimental sound. Immediately, their space-inspired sounds had me intrigued. How apropos! I felt like I was traveling through the immeasurable darkness on an awesome electronic dance beat. And then ethereal vocals floated through tunes, a perfect touch. I was transported to a different realm entirely. We couldn't still be in Athens, still on Earth, could we? Wow, what a show!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: My, my... What an Incredible Sandwich

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

The Incredible Sandwich

Next up was an Athens band with what has got to be one of the best names I've ever heard. Seriously! Who wouldn't want to give the Incredible Sandwich a try? Turns out this sandwich has got a bit of a jazzy, tropical tang to it! Winners of the Flagpole Awards Best Jam Band of 2010, the songs they shared with us at Athfest were largely instrumental with occasional southern rock vocals. Judging from their MySpace though, these guys know how to rock their lyric-infused tunes with a dash of experimental flair too. Quite the dish!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: Futurebirds drive the fans wild

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Futurebirds

Now, let's be honest. I've loved the soft, southern rock sound of the Futurebirds ever since I first heard them in January. When I learned that they were playing an Athfest main stage this year, I knew I just had to see them again. And I'm overjoyed to say that their set definitely did not disappoint! Their pure awesomeness washed over the crowd as they played, and people everywhere were totally absorbed in and thrilled by their music. These guys have sure got some wild fans! There's no question, though; all of this fan love is certainly well-deserved. The Futurebirds hit the mark every time!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: The ever so rightly named Supercluster

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Supercluster

Athfest is truly a festival of opportunities! After all, where else could you have the chance to see a band featuring some of the most famous musicians to ever come out of Athens, including Pylon's Vanessa Briscoe Hay and Of Montreal's/Casper and the Cookies's Jason NeSmith, all on one stage for free? It's rather an insane concept, but that's what Athfest gave us with Supercluster! Really, they couldn't have had any other name. And, wow, violins, keyboards, drums, bass, several guitars, and vocals... What a humongous group of talented people they were! The band fed us some unique, old school indie pop that overflowed with the sounds of Athens' music history and excited their fans of all ages. Too cool.

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: Ecstatic about The Orkids!

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

The Orkids

I had been hearing little things about this band through the grapevine for a while, but before Athfest, I'd never had the chance to check the Orkids out. Let me just say, WOW! I am so happy I made sure I was there for their show. With their purely crazy electronic indie pop, they almost immediately became one of my Athfest favorites. Ah, such fun! Their energetic tunes made me want to dance all over the place!

You could tell the band members were having tons of fun too. Excitement surrounded them as they rocked all over the stage. And I can't forget to give a mention to singer Sandra Gallardo's fashion sense as well. I noticed (and loved) her outfit before I even knew she was in the band. Really, the whole set was like a party for the eyes and ears! Since the show, I've had quite a bit of fun bouncing around to their online tunes whenever I can. Oh yes, I will definitely be seeing them again!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: A nice dose of Josh Perkins and Vinyl Strangers

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Josh Perkins' Experiment
in Southern Hospitality
& Vinyl Strangers

Wandering back over to the Lumpkin side of the 'fest, I had the awesome opportunity to check out a couple more bands' tunes. First up was Josh Perkins' Experiment in Southern Hospitality. What a name! These guys gave us a bit of soft rock with a twang that I couldn't help but like. Then the Vinyl Strangers brought it to us old school with a taste of southern pop that smacked of days long past . These guys had a sense of fun that just worked so well with their flavor of tunes. Even in the near dangerous heat of the early afternoon, these two bands had me smiling!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: Let's bring it to a Half Dozen

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Half Dozen Brass Band

Now you've gotta love the Half Dozen Brass Band! With practically no vocals, this swing band played Athfest on pure talent. I had the pleasure of seeing them take the stage for a few songs with Betsy Franck last Athfest, but hearing their own set was simply brilliant. When they announced that they were going to play a tune tribute to the Jackson 5, though, I have to admit I was skeptical. How can anybody perform a cover of the Jackson 5 without lyrics? The way they did it nearly blew me away! As they played, their instruments spoke like voices, no vocals necessary. Way cool, indeed.

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: A morning with Kyshona and the Guys

Saturday, June 26th, 2010

Kyshona Armstrong

There's nothing like a wonderfully powerful voice to start off your morning! Even the already blistering heat that beat down upon the early crowd couldn't keep anyone from enjoying Kyshona Armstrong's soulful rock. Most people gathered under the shade of a nearby tree, but a few even braved the sun's harsh rays to check out her funky tunes. Backed by a full band with included Justin Reynolds of Leaving Araby on guitar, Kyshona and the Guys gave us an unforgettable start to an incredibly full day of music!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: Efren's tunes tell a tale

Friday, June 25th, 2010 (after midnight)

Efren

Next to hit the stage was Efren. Now, although I reviewed and fully enjoyed his last album, I had no idea what to expect from this enigmatic, folk rock band. I have to admit, watching the band in Flicker Theatre's semi-darkness was perfect; they maintained their air of mystery even as I saw them playing before me. And, boy, was it fun! If I liked their recorded tunes, I really loved their live show. There was excitement there as the band gave each song a bit of a rock edge that truly made me want to dance. And the coolest part? These guys managed to incorporate the lo-fi quality of their recorded songs into their live sound as well. Simply awesome!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: Having Agoldensummer

Friday, June 25th, 2010 (after midnight)

Hope for Agoldensummer

As I entered Flicker Theatre, the stillness engulfed me. Every member of the crowd that filled that small room was quiet, watching intently as Hope for Agoldensummer shared their lovely, soft tunes. Through a weird set of circumstances, although I've heard them play several times, I've never actually gotten to see them perform indoors before now. In this intimate setting, they truly thrived, sounding better than ever! As their set came to a close and their soft harmonies ceased, I felt wholly and thoroughly soothed. Breathe with me. Ah, yes.

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: Bambara rocks it!

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Bambara

Oh, Bambara. What can I say about them? As one of my current Athens favorites, you know I just couldn't miss their Athfest set. And, wow, am I glad I was there! Everyone around me completely agreed - these guys just keep getting better! They're honing their style to perfection and adding a few new songs to the mix as well. Playing to a nearly full 40 Watt, the entire wall of people beside the stage was totally absorbed in their noise rock sound. I've said it before, but I've got to say it again. Keep an eye on these guys! They're going places, no doubt about it.

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: It's time for the Shut-Ups

Friday, June 25th, 2010

The Shut-Ups

Ah, relief! As the evening faded into night, the venues of Athens opened up, giving us shelter from the storm and even more delicious tunes to fill our ravenous ears. New wave indie pop band the Shut-Ups was the first group I had the chance to enjoy as I stepped inside the Caledonia. Their fun, electronic sound held my grin firmly in place as I moved to their songs. These guys sure knew how to do it! They even had a song about pretending to be a robot. Simply hilarious! I'm definitely going to have to see this band again.

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: Oh, those Modern Skirts!

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Modern Skirts

Sheets of rain washed over the crowd as Spring Tigers finished their set. Not again! It seemed that the Athfest festivites were going to be postponed once more. Members of the staff scrambled to cover the instruments and amps onstage to protect them from the inches of water that continued to fall from the sky. And then to my great surprise, Athfest headliners the Modern Skirts, sporting drenched clothes and rain gear, stepped up and, after only a short delay, started rocking their set!

A couple of months ago, I got my first hint of what a Skirts show was like, but this time around, I heard them as they are meant to be heard. Excitement filled the air as their pop tunes burst onto the scene, putting smiles on every face in the audience and making all of us forget about the rain that poured from above. That's what must make them the band to watch from Athens, this magical ability to bring musical joy even in the middle of an insane downpour. Then singer Jay Gulley upped the fun quota by suddenly ripping off his rain gear and sliding straight into the growing pool of water at the end of the stage. Oh man, I wish I had been able to get a picture of that! What a great show!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: Dancing with Spring Tigers

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Spring Tigers

Not many bands could follow Reptar's explosion of insanity, but electronic pop group Spring Tigers didn't shy away from the challenge. I've got to admit, the first thing I noticed was lead singer Kris Barratt's British accent as he introduced his band to the crowd. Too cool! Turns out he came to Athens straight from London a few years ago, ready to give us a taste of his rockin' tunes with the creation of the band. Well, Athens is indeed the place to be!

After Reptar, the crowd was rabid for more dancing, and Spring Tigers was definitely there to provide. Yeah, it was dance time! Even the rain that began falling yet again couldn't put a stop to the fun. The truth is out... Spring Tigers is just awesome!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: Of giant sea creatures, flying people, and Reptar!

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Reptar

Suddenly, a thrill of excitement ran through the crowd. Who would treat us to their tunes next? Why, none other than REPTAR! Winners of Best Live Band and Upstart of the Year, the band quickly gathered an eager audience of hundreds of fans waiting to see what the group known for their crazy antics would do this time.

Seconds later, a beach ball flew through the air, followed by another... and another! But that's not all. After that, the inflatables got bigger. Much bigger. A massive shark sailed across the crowd moments later with a giant seal and a humongous sea turtle on its tail. And so began the most insane, the most wildly fun, and frankly the most dangerous Reptar show I've ever attended... Not a minute went by that the air was clear of flying objects! You were more than likely to be hit in the face by any number of them at any given time, and that was before they added several brightly colored pool noodles to the mix. A few people cleverly fended off these inflatable attackers with umbrellas, but most enjoyed playing a large scale version of Keep-It-Up. Ah, pure celebratory chaos! Unfortunately, a few people, caught up in a whirlwind of excitement, thought that they could fly on the inflatables themselves. Not a good idea! I nearly got crushed by one such dreamer who was, I'm sure in his mind, on his way to the moon.

Reptar itself was in great form during this show. They rocked their popular songs with a zesty sort of enthusiasm that got everyone to move their feet. Now, keyboard player Will Kennedy's awesome energy was certainly missed (he's currently gallivanting through countries halfway across the world), but, with the help of a stand-in keyboard player, the band delivered their crazy dance pop tunes to the rabid crowd without a hitch. Oh, wow. Without a doubt, Reptar's was one of the most unforgettable shows of Athfest 2010!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!

Athfest 2010: Let's make that party a Gold Party

Friday, June 25th, 2010

The Gold Party

Soon, soft sounds of a band tuning up drifted over from the other outdoor stage. Athfest was fully operational once again! Using giant brooms, volunteers pushed gallons of water off of the stage to prepare it for the upcoming new wave takeover. Just a few moments later, with purple lights shining behind them, the Gold Party hit their first note. Influenced by 80s era pop with an electronic indie style, they served us several new dance-inducing tunes that made the dreariness of the rain seem like a thing of the past. And I've got to say, the band's look matched their sound rather nicely too! Singer Benji Barton, in particular, came out dressed to the nines in all white which was a near blindingly bright eye-catcher against the stormy grey sky. Yeah, let's show that storm who's boss!

For all of our coverage of Athfest 2010, click here! I'll be blasting you with updates regularly, so be sure to check back often. Also, look out for Athfest concert videos and vlogs, coming soon to http://www.youtube.com/echoreynofathens!