It's been a blast, my friends!

Hey guys, Kristen here...  Or, as some of you might know me, Echoreyn of Athens, blog creator and local music scene enthusiast!  Lately, I've come to find that between my computer work, novel writing, and acting (Shameless plug: go see me in the Hunger Games: Catching Fire in theaters right now!), I no longer have the time I wish I had to keep up with this blog and with the scene I love so much.  It seems that the moment has arrived for me to officially wrap things up and clear the way for any new emerging music writers and explorers who are just now entering the scene.  Before I say goodbye, though, let's take a step back in time and relive all of the great memories we've had together.

Four and a half years ago, I fell into music blogging when a post I wrote on my personal blog about the ever-rockin' local band Chris McKay and the Critical Darlings turned up on the band's website. Since then, the Echoreyn of Athens blog has led me on the ride of a lifetime and given me a slew of incredibly unforgettable experiences! From Athfest to Music Midtown, from Summerfest and Summer Side Show to CMJ in New York, I've had the chance to visit venues all across the state and beyond and to see hundreds of unbelievable bands, international acts and local startups alike.  I've been on the road with musicians and visited my friends backstage.   I've been given shout outs during shows and even had some of my favorites play for my birthday party.  Hey, and remember that time they wrote an article about the blog in the Red and Black UGA newspaper? The joy I have felt in the Athens music scene is truly indescribable!

Even though I am taking this opportunity to say goodbye, this definitely isn't farewell forever.  I will always love and continue to support the Athens music scene whenever I can.  I may even come back to write a post or two when I catch a new band that blows my mind or when hear some big news about the scene that just has to be shared.  Beyond that, you can also still visit me on the Echoreyn of Athens Tumblr page, tweet me @Echoreyn, relive all of your favorite music moments on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube page, and get tidbits and news on the Echoreyn of Athens Facebook page.  You can also get to know me a bit better on my new personal tumblr blog or on my official website if you'd like.

I wish all of you still on the scene and all of you working to become a part of the scene good luck with your endeavors.  Keep on rockin'!  And to those of you who, like me, love going downtown to bask in all of the awesome tunes, keep on doing what you're doing too.  The scene needs all of you guys!

I'd like to thank each one of you for all of your support of the blog and of the scene we all love so much.  Without a doubt, it has been absolutely spectacular, my friends!
~Kristen a.k.a. Echoreyn

Kristen's Band Picks: Active Favorites Edition

Wondering what bands you've just got to catch in action this year?  Who's still rocking' stages around town and where can you find them? Here at Echoreyn of Athens, we decided to do something a little different this time around.  Presenting our local active band favorites!

Band: The Athens Band
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: These guys started out as some of the youngest rockers around town, but they've long since come into their own with a sound that hearkens back to classic hard rock and sets full of quality original tunes!

Band: Bambara
Status: Active
Usually plays at: the Caledonia Lounge
Description: They may live in New York now, but these melodic noise rockers always stop by Athens once or twice a year to blast our ears with their intense, eardrum exploding sound!

Band: Chris McKay
Status: Varies
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Chris McKay's band the Critical Darlings inspired me to create this blog years ago with their energetic show and classic soft rock sound.  Since then, Chris has been a part of many local bands, including popular Beatles cover band Abbey Road Live.  No matter the venture, Chris McKay always creates quality music!

Band: Doctor Squid
Status: Plays at Squidmas
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: With a sound chock full of happiness and shows that are fantastically fun, Doctor Squid has remained a longtime favorite.  Best known for their festive Squidmas shows, their pop rock sound is positively infectious!

Band: Dangfly!
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Dangfly! rocks every show with their dance-inducing folk style, infused with a gleeful mix of trumpet and fiddle.

Band: Efren
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Gritty folk at its best, Efren's sound holds within in it the strength and sorrow of a full life lived.

Band: Emily Hearn
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: If you haven't heard her sing yet, you'll fall in love with Emily Hearn's unbelievably sweet voice the moment you hear her first note. Her sound will blow you away!

Band: Feather Trade
Status: Active
Usually plays at: Go Bar
Description: Bright lights intermix with Feather Trade's dark alt-rock style tunes to create a fully immersive rock experience!

Band: Kenosha Kid
Status: Active
Usually plays at: Hendershots
Description: If jazz is your thing, Kenosha Kid is the band for you!  Voted best jazz band in town year after year, these guys infuse their sound with style and a sense of fun.

Band:  Lera Lynn
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Lera Lynn's strong, quality melodies and her band's twangy style always make for an awesome show!

Band: Sam Sniper
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Unique southern rock with a touch of folk and a sense of humor, Sam Sniper's got it all.  Don't miss your chance to dance along with the crowd and rock out to their tunes!

Band: Seven Handle Circus
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Every Seven Handle Circus show is a fun, one-of-a-kind experience.  Be sure to check out their bouncy, upbeat folk tunes!

Band: The Skipperdees
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: These talented twin folk singers serve up some of the best folk tunes around. You'll just love their soft, tangy sound!

Band:  Thayer Sarrano
Status: Active
Usually plays at: various venues
Description: Nothing can match up to Thayer Sarrano's sweet spoken word style melodies!

Band: The Warm Fuzzies

Status: Active

Usually plays at: various venues

Description: Take a step outside of the norm with the fun, indie style of the Warm Fuzzies! 

Band: Yip Deceiver
Status: Active
Usually plays at: the Georgia Theatre
Description: Nobody throws a party like Yip Deceiver.  Get ready to go wild and have fun!

Be sure to click the links above to visit each band's Facebook page and to find out about all of their upcoming shows!  Looking forward to a particular local show happening soon?  Share the details with the world in the comments below.   See ya around town, my friends!

Dear Santa… (2013)

Dear Santa,

 It looks like it may not be a snowy one, but I hope you give Athens a season that's merry and bright this year! Even though we've had to say goodbye to a lot of places we loved and bands we enjoyed over the past few months, we are all looking forward to a fresh start filled with joy and magical moments galore.

May the bands be rockin' and the beats be droppin'!

 Love and glittery hats,
Kristen a.k.a. Echoreyn of Athens

Kristen's Concert Picks: Dance your way through December!

As the year comes to an end, our ears will ring joyfully with the final songs of 2013.  Come dance your way through December!

Tue, Dec 3: UGA Holiday Concert @ 8 PM @ Classic Center Theatre
Kick off the month and get yourself into the holiday spirit with a Holiday Concert courtesy of the UGA Symphony Orchestra!

Tuesdays in November: Kenosha Kid @ 9 PM @ Hendershot's Coffee
Every year Kenosha Kid wins the honor of best jazz band in town. If you haven't grooved to them yet, it's about time.  See them live at Hendershot's every Tuesday in December!

Wed, Dec 4: Cicada Rhythm @ 8 PM @ Melting Point
You'll just love the unique folk stylings of Cicada Rhythm!

Thu, Dec 5: SQUIDMAS @ 9 PM @ Caledonia Lounge 
WOW!  Doctor Squid, The Warm Fuzzies, AND The Skipperdees? With a lineup like this, it'll be a very Merry Squidmas indeed. You definitely won't want to miss this show!

Thu, Dec 5: Efren @ 10 PM @ Nowhere Bar
I've been following Efren's gritty sound since the beginning, and they're always worth a listen.  Check 'em out over at Nowhere Bar!

Thu, Dec 5: Yo Soybean, Madeline @ 10 PM @ Flicker Theatre
Yo Soybean will bring the rock and Madeline will add a touch of darkness to the night's southern-twinges tunes at the Flicker Theatre!

Fri, Dec 6: Abbey Road Live @ 9 PM @ Melting Point
Hey, all you Beatles fans out there…  You may have missed seeing the original band play a show, but Abbey Road Live keeps their sound going strong.  Catch these guys at the Melting Point on the 6th!

Sat, Dec 7: Holiday Yard Sale @ 11 AM - 5 PM @ 40 Watt
Ok, this may not be a show per say, but nothing says Athens like a yard sale at the 40 Watt while the bar is taking orders. Save money, schmooze, and booze at the Watt's Holiday Yard Sale this year!

Sat, Dec 7: Easter Island @ 10 PM @ The World Famous
Easter Island mixes drum beats and sweet vocals to create and awesome soft rock sound!

Sat, Dec 14: Thayer Sarrano @ 10 PM @ The World Famous
Thayer Sarrano weaves words into music in an incredibly unique and beautiful way.  Be sure to check out her show at the World Famous!

Thu, Dec 19: Dangfly @ 11 PM @ Georgia Theatre
One of my top Athfest favorites from this year, Dangfly's quality rock will definitely leave you dancing.  Best of all, this show is part of a free after-wedding celebration at the Georgia Theatre, so everyone is sure to be in a festive mood!

Sat, Dec 28: Brothers @ 10 PM @ Flicker Theatre
Classic meets indie when Brothers takes the stage.  See 'em over at Flicker near the end of the month!

Tue, Dec 31: The Whigs @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
The Whigs have got New Year's Eve covered with their hardcore southern rock sound!

Tue, Dec 31: New Year's Eve with Ghost Owl @ 10 PM @ The Green Room
Ghost Owl's powerful tunes and commanding beats will usher in the New Year like no other.  This show is sure to to be an awesome way to ring in 2014!

What a month this will be!  I can't believe it's almost 2014 already.  Just like always, if you've heard of another local show not listed here that you can't wait to attend, don't hesitate to comment below and let the world know all the details.  Make the most of this month, and I'll catch ya around town, my friends!

Kristen's Concert Picks: Rock your November!

Winds whisper of the changing season as they rustle the brilliant leaves from the trees.  Twisting melodies dance through the branches as well, eager to fill your ears with the sounds of November...

Fri, Nov 1: White Violet @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Soft rock with a touch of darkness, White Violet's show is an awesome way to kick off the month!

Sat, Nov 2: Dangfly! @ 10 PM @ Nowhere Bar
Even Dangfly!'s name is exciting.  Don't miss their fiddle- and trumpet-infused rock over at Nowhere Bar!

Mon, Nov 4: Thayer Sarrano @ 9 PM @ The Green Room
You've never heard anything like Thayer Sarrano's soft and sweet spoken melodies!

Tuesdays in November: Kenosha Kid @ 9 PM @ Hendershot's Coffee
People often call Kenosha Kid one of the best jazz bands in town.  That's because it's true.  See them live at Hendershot's every Tuesday in November!

Sat, Nov 9: Talkingto. @ 9 PM @ Echo
I've followed most of the members of Talkingto through their various incarnations over the years because they're all just so damn talented. Their mad skills shine through every name and style they adopt.  Hear their latest sound at Echo, the brand new venue in Farm255's former spot!

Sun, Nov 17: Ruby the Rabbitfoot @ 9 PM @ The World Famous
Ruby the Rabbitfoot's sweet and upbeat sound never fails to please!

Thu, Nov 21: Seven Handle Circus & The Skipperdees @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt
What a combination!  Both Seven Handle Circus and the Skipperdees will be serving up their best movement-inducing folk tunes at the 40 Watt on the 21st.  You won't want to miss this one!

Sat, Nov 23: Lullwater @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt
Hard rock with a folk twist, you're sure to love Lullwater's sound!

Wow, there's no doubt this month's shows will be amazing!  Eagerly awaiting another local show in November not listed here?  By all means, please share all the details in the comments below.  See you around town, my friends!

Kristen's Concert Picks: October's tunes will haunt your ears!

October creeps in with a terrifyingly delicious batch of rockin' bands.  Fear not, tons of wild tunes await your ears!

Tue, Oct 1: The Skipperdees @ 10 PM @ Go Bar
Kick off the month with the spooktacularly talented sisters, the Skipperdees.  Their twangy folk sound will blow you away!

Thu, Oct 3: Adron @ 8 PM @ Hendershots
Adron's jazzy, breezy sound makes any day feel like a vacation!

Fri, Oct 4: Kishi Bashi @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt
You've never seen a violin played like this!  Kishi Bashi's sound and style is like no other.

Sun, Oct 6: Kyshona Armstrong @ 7 PM @ Melting Point
Kyshona Armstrong's voice is all power and soul.  Don't miss this show!

Mondays in October: Kenosha Kid @ 8 PM @ The World Famous
If you haven't caught jazz band Kenosha Kid in action yet, you're definitely missing out!

Mon, Oct 7: Jimmy Eat World @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Jimmy Eat World?  Man, that brings me back.  All I can really say about this is "Everything, everything will be just fine. Everything, everything will be alright. Alright!"

Thu, Oct 10: Abbey Road Live! @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
If you're a Beatles fan, you've just got to check out Abbey Road Live!

Thu, Oct 17: They Might Be Giants @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
This just might be one of the biggest shows of the month... Actually, there's no doubt about it.  This show will be huge!  Be sure to get your tickets for They Might Be Giants soon.

Fri, Oct 18: Brothers @ TBA @ Flicker Theatre
Brothers' indie rock take on a classic sound is one of a kind!

Fri, Oct 18: Of Montreal @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt
Colors, costumes, and madness... Of Montreal is a most excellent embodiment of the month of October!

Thu, Oct 24: Emily Hearn @ 8 PM @ Melting Point
One of my top favorite voices in the city, Emily Hearn's sweet sound will leave you speechless!

Fri, Oct 25: Marie Davon @ TBA @ Flicker Theatre
Singer. Violinist. Fashion plate. Is there anything Marie Davon can't do?

Fri, Oct 25: Death On Two Wheels @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Hard and heavy rock is the Death On Two Wheels way!

Sat, Oct 26: Young Benjamin @ TBA @ Flicker Theatre
Young Benjamin's melodies will send you on a journey through the ethereal and the mysterious!

Sat, Oct 26: Wild Rumpus Party @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt
Let the annual Wild Rumpus start!  Don't miss Athens' own Halloween parade followed by a performance featuring the incredibly awesome Ghost Owl and the always crazy Kite to the Moon.

Sat, Oct 26: Yip Deceiver @ 11 PM @ Green Room
Get your dance on and go nuts with Yip Deceiver!

Mon, Oct 28: Thayer Sarrano @ 8 PM @ The World Famous
Just in time for Halloween, Thayer Sarrano's unique sound and Kenosha Kid's jazzy style combine for a night of Twin Peaks covers!

Thu, Oct 31: Nightmare on Hull Street @ 10 PM @ The World Famous
Mwahahaha!  Usher in the true Halloween with a dance party featuring all of your favorite creepy tunes courtesy of Dj Quincy (John Swint).

Thu, Oct 31: Sam Sniper @ 10:30 PM @ Green Room
You can never attend too many Halloween parties!  Finish out this mad spooky month with the groove-inducing southern rock sound of Sam Sniper.

What an October!  Looking forward to any other local shows not listed here?  Be sure to share all the details in the comments below.  See you among the ghouls and ghosts!

Kristen's Concert Picks: September brings the tunes!

September has arrived, full to the brim with incredible shows.  Take a break from school and work to rock out to these awesome bands!

Wed, Sep 4: Kyshona Armstrong @ 8 PM @ The World Famous
Kyshona's powerful voice and soulful sound will blow you away!

Wed, Sep 4: Jubee and the Morning After @ 9 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Hip hop meets soul when these talented musicians hit the stage. Check them out at the Georgia Theatre!

Fri, Sep 6: The Gold Party @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
The Gold Party's got an electronic indie pop sound like no other.

Sat, Sep 7: Efren & Dangfly! @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Between Dangfly!'s trumpeting folk rock and Efren's gritty sound, this show features some of Athens' very best!

Sat, Sep 7: John French and the Bastilles @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt
John French and the Bastilles will serve up some quality southern rock over at the 40 Watt.

Sun, Sep 8: Viking Progress @ 7:30 PM @ The World Famous
Sweet distortion is Viking Progress's style.  You won't want to miss this show!

Tuesdays in September: Kenosha Kid @ 8 PM @ Hendershots
Without a doubt one of the best jazz bands in town, Kenosha Kid will be filling our ears with their awesome tunes every Tuesday of the month!

Thu, Sep 12: Yo Soybean @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Craving some badass southern rock?  Look no further than Yo Soybean!

Fri, Sep 13: Yip Deceiver @ 9 PM @ The World Famous
Yip Deceiver has arrived... Get ready to party!

Sat, Sep 21: Easter Island Vinyl Release @ 9 PM @ Georgia Theatre
What a night this will be!  Not only will soft rockers Easter Island be releasing their latest record, but they're also teaming up with Brothers and John French and the Bastilles to give us what is sure to be an unbelievable show!

Sat, Sep 21: Lullwater @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Hard rock spiced up with a touch of folk, Lullwater is definitely one to see!

Mon, Sep 23: Little Tybee @ 9 PM @ The World Famous
People have been buzzing about these guys for a long time.  Check out the soft rock and indie style of Little Tybee!

Tue, Sep 24: The Skipperdees @ 7 PM @ The Melting Point
The twangy folk sound of the Skipperdees will rock the Melting Point's last Terrapin Tuesday of the month!

Fri, Sep 27: Powerkompany @ 9 PM @ The World Famous
Powerkompany will serenade you with their  ethereal electronic melodies as September approaches its end.

Wow, what a lineup of amazing shows!  Excited for another band playing locally that's not on this list? Go ahead and share the details with all of us in the comments below.  Hope you have a spectacular September on the scene, my friends!

Kristen's Concert Picks: Getting back to the August rock!

August is a time of change, so let our town's tunes be your rock in a sea of uncertainty.  Prepare your ears for this awesomeness!

Thu, Aug 1: Cicada Rhythm @ 8:30 PM @ Georgia Theatre

There's no better way to kick off the month than with Cicada Rhythm's unique lilting harmonies!

Thu, Aug 1: Brothers @ TBA PM @ Flicker Theatre

Old school-style rock with an indie pop angle, you'll love Brothers' sound!

 Fri, Aug 9: Lazer/Wulf @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge 
Lazer/Wulf's noise rock melodies will blast your ears with joy!

Sat, Aug 10: Efren @ 7:30 PM @ The World Famous

Folk rock at its gritty and raw best, Efren is always worth a listen!

Tue, Aug 13: The Viking Progress @ 8 PM @ WUOG

Head on down to the WUOG student-run radio station at Tate Center on the UGA Campus or tune in to 90.5 FM to catch the sweet distorted rock of the Viking Progress.

Fri, Aug 16: Ken Will Morton @ 4:30 PM @ Georgia Theatre
If you're craving a bit of an americana sound, Ken Will Morton is your guy!  Check out this daytime show during the middle of the month.

Fri, Aug 16: Seven Handle Circus @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

I've never heard another band like Seven Handle Circus.  Their bouncy, upbeat folk tunes are sure to put a smile on your face!

Fri, Aug 16: T. Hardy Morris and the Outfit @ 9 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
T. Hardy Morris is one of the most talented musicians in Athens, no doubt.  Get on over to the Caledonia Lounge for this show!

Sat, Aug 17: Dangfly! @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge 

There's no doubt you'll love Dangfly!'s trumpeting folk rock sound!

Thu, Aug 22: Powerkompany@ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

Electronic and ethereal, Powerkompany's melodies will blow you away!

Thu, Aug 29: Emily Hearn @ 7 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Nothing is sweeter than Emily Hearn's voice.  If you haven't caught one of her shows yet, now is the time!

Thu, Aug 29: Feather Trade and Death on Two Wheels @ 10 PM @ Green Room

What a wild combination!  Feather Trade and Death On Two Wheels both have dark alt rock sounds that should complement each other perfectly.  Best of all, this show is free!  You won't want to miss this one.

School may be starting soon, but with this lineup of bands, the fun of summer is showing no signs of slowing down!  Pumped for another local show not on this list?  Be sure to comment below and tell everyone all about it. Hope you have a wild one, my friends!

Athfest 2013: Summing up the festival!

What an Athfest!

It's almost a month later, and I'm still recovering from the awesome insanity. So many incredible bands!    Best of all, we've got some intense Athfest 2013 coverage of nearly every angle of the festival to help you relive all of your favorite parts.  Let's break it down, shall we...

Echoreyn of Athens' Athfest 2013 by the numbers

• 25 bands seen live
• 54 pictures
• 4 prep guides for Athfest
• 13 blogs
• 10 videos of live show footage
• At least 7 new bands I can't wait to see again!
• 2 more well-worn wristbands to add to my ever-growing Athfest collection
• 2 awesome press passes
• 1 crazy fun, tune-filled vlog (see above)

Want to reminisce or catch something new that you missed? Well, we've got all of those wild pictures up on our Facebook page, videos galore of some of the most amazing live shows including footage  from the final shows of both Modern Skirts and National Anthem plus tunes from The Whigs, Lera Lynn, Quiet Hounds, Ghost Owl and many more. And don't miss all of our up-to-the-minute details on our Twitter page!

  

You can also check out every bit of our massive coverage of Athfest 2013, from preparation guides to articles on some of the best featured bands and shows, right here!

Hope your Athfest was as insanely spectacular as ours was.  Can't wait to to jump straight into Athfest 2014 next year!

Athfest 2013: A stormy but awesome grand finale with Lera Lynn and Dangfly!

Sunday, June 23rd, 2013 
 Lera Lynn
Dangfly!

Going to Athfest Sunday every year is like savoring a few sweet bites of dessert after a very filling meal.  That afternoon, I headed downtown to catch a couple bands I knew would not disappoint.  The first, Dangfly!, I had discovered during my forays into the thick internet jungle of local band websites, and I knew after sampling their online tunes that this band was one I just had to see.  Their quality rock entered my ears as I stepped over to the Hull Street Stage.  Fiddle and trumpet sounds soon joined the mix, and I've gotta say, I was just loving it!  Not much later, Betsy Franck, a singer whose powerful voice I've raved about ever since my first Athfest, stepped up to play a tune with the band.  What a combination!  The crowd, too, was fully enjoying the show, and one little girl up front was even air guitaring to the songs as if her life depended on it.  It was all just so good!

Heading back down to the Pulaski Stage, I weaved my way through the Sunday afternoon Athfest-goers, most of whom seemed to be with their families.  It's so awesome to see all these kids growing up with live music!  Seating myself in the shaded wristband area beside the stage, I saw a bit of Bloodkin's southern rock set and just had to smile as I watched one guy in the crowd dancing exuberantly to the music.

A while later, it was time for yet another musician I've heard and loved during Athfests past, Lera Lynn!  This singer always knows how to rock, and her strength of tune knows no bounds. Although I was totally pumped to see her, I couldn't help but experience a bit of trepidation as storm clouds rolled in overhead.  People who've been on the scene for a couple of years will remember that the last time she played Pulaski Stage, her tunes were punctuated by a lighting strike that hit a local restaurant just a few yards away.  Sure enough, it soon began to rain on her Athfest 2013 set, but nothing could stop her band this time around.  Wind rustled through her hair like it was meant to happen as the band rocked through the storm, the pattering rain melding beautifully with their sweet, twangy sound.  Despite the raindrops, the crowd refused to seek shelter, not willing to miss a second of their tunes.  Cheering on the crowd for being such incredible fans, Lera Lynn declared "you guys deserve some whiskey" as she and the band launched into the second half of their set. And wow, their songs just kept getting better and better.  No one has a voice like hers!  As the rain slowly eased away, members of the crowd began to groove.  Among them, a couple beside the stage started swing dancing and a little girl wearing pink headphones and holding a banana, went spinning across the sidewalk in time with the music.  Young and old alike, the people of Athens weren't going to let a little thing like rain stop them from basking in the beauty and joy of Lera Lynn's set.

It was truly a perfect finish for Athfest 2013!

For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2013, from preparation guides to articles on some of the best featured bands and shows, click here! More entries on all the bands and madness of the festival will be posted daily, so be sure to check back often. Plus, soon you'll be able to check out our show footage and Athfest vlogs up on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well!

Athfest 2013: Rockin' the noise at the Caledonia with National Anthem and Powder Room

Saturday, June 22nd, 2013  
 National Anthem
Powder Room
Hot Breath

The madness at the Caledonia on Athfest Saturday was just beginning.  Since the lineup that night looked positively incredible, I made myself comfortable at the venue and settled in for an evening of thunderous noise rock.  Hot Breath was up first, and they definitely fit the bill as far as decibels were concerned.  These masters of doom headbanged their way through a set rife with screaming garage rock and heavy sound.

Then National Anthem, a band I've been dying to see for quite a while, took the stage.  Throwing themselves energetically into an insane set of instrumental rock, these guys had the crowd with them from the very beginning.  Jace Bartet, best known as the member of Reptar who went totally hardcore and rocked his way through a monstrous face wound at last year's Athfest, brought the same famous enthusiasm to the table in this set.  And wow, the band's talent was purely incredible.  Every tune twisted through soundscapes with wild abandon, never veering off course but always venturing into the realm of the unexpected.  Often a solely instrumental band feels like it is lacking a singer, but in National Anthem's case, the music spoke for itself.  Several other members of Reptar were going crazy for their style in the front row, and they certainly weren't the only ones.  Fans packed into the venue, diving straight into their fun sound, and I was about ready to declare this band one of my new top favorites.  Of course, continuing my streak of having rather terrible luck with picking favorites, almost immediately after I made this decision, the band announced that this was actually going to be their final show.  Oh so tragic!  I've gotta to say though, even if it was their last, I'm so pumped I got to hear them before the end.  This, you guys, was one of the very best!

Up next, Powder Room, quite possibly the loudest of the bunch, followed with a serving of their darkly melodic trance noise. Drum beats shook the fans to their cores as the band's yells echoed in their ears.  The crowd responded with almost animal joy, going nuts for those up onstage. Then, as is fitting for a night of the loudest of rock, top favorite band Bambara finished out my Caledonia spree with what can only be described as a thrilling explosion of metaphorical death.

Truly, it was an unforgettable ear-blasting evening!

For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2013, from preparation guides to articles on some of the best featured bands and shows, click here! More entries on all the bands and madness of the festival will be posted daily, so be sure to check back often. Plus, soon you'll be able to check out our show footage and Athfest vlogs up on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well!

Athfest 2013: Maserati draws in the crowds

Saturday, June 22nd, 2013 
 Maserati

You know something amazing has got to be happening when a venue hits capacity before the official evening shows even start.  As the grand finale for their Dirty Athens day party, the Caledonia Lounge brought in much-buzzed-about band Maserati, and the crowds poured in.  By the time I arrived, the line wound through the gate and halfway across the parking lot.  Luckily, gates and crowds couldn't hold in Maserati's hard, driving rock.   Their high quality noise engulfed us all in an incredible blast of sound.  Truly, even from outside of the Caledonia, their show was nothing short of an explosive experience!

For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2013, from preparation guides to articles on some of the best featured bands and shows, click here! More entries on all the bands and madness of the festival will be posted daily, so be sure to check back often. Plus, soon you'll be able to check out our show footage and Athfest vlogs up on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well!

Athfest 2013: Ghost Owl scares up some awesome tunes!

Saturday, June 22nd, 2013 
Ghost Owl

Ghost Owl was up next, and I've got to say, I've already heard tons of buzz about these guys. Composed of former members of Perpetual Groove, this new incarnation has only been around for a few months, but you'd never know it.  These guys were all set to blow us away!  As they prepped for the show, blasts of noise issued from the stage giving me little doubt that what to come was going to be quite an experience.  And what an experience it was!  Massive and commanding beats joined the keys and some rare, awesome vocal harmonies to create a rad bit of an electronic jam vibe. My friend Andy remarked that these songs would be perfect to intro a video game, and I totally agree.  Their tunes just oozed power, and the crowd ate it up.  Some of their fans were so immersed in the music, they even seemed to enter into an enthusiasm-fueled trance.  But they weren't the only members of the crowd who fell under Ghost Owl's spell.  One of the band's songs had a bass track so intense, the whole audience just had to groove along.  What a wild show!  I can't wait to catch these guys in action again.

For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2013, from preparation guides to articles on some of the best featured bands and shows, click here! More entries on all the bands and madness of the festival will be posted daily, so be sure to check back often. Plus, soon you'll be able to check out our show footage and Athfest vlogs up on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well!

Athfest 2013: A slice of southern sound with Sam Sniper, Mama's Love, and Dank Sinatra

Saturday, June 22nd, 2013 
Sam Sniper 
Mama's Love 
Dank Sinatra

It's just been way too long since I've caught blog favorite Sam Sniper live.  Boy, was it good to be back!  Arriving just in time to hear the tune "Comfortable Hypocrisy," undoubtedly one of their very best, I settled in for a set of their awesome, one-of-a-kind southern rock. Jamming out a mix of familiar songs and brand new ones, they had all the fans pumped for more.  Everyone in the street got into their sound, and I even heard some people in front of me say that they had no doubt these guys would be big one day.  As their music mingled with yells of appreciation and joy from the crowd, I had agree.  Sam Sniper definitely has an incredible style!


Moments later, I found myself back at the main stage for a bit more folk rock, this time courtesy of Mama's Love.  With a fiddle added to the mix, their tunes were ripe for dancing!  Then it was back to that intimate pocket of Athfest that is the Hull Street stage for Dank Sinatra.  Their driving hard rock sound with a touch of distortion had me all smiles. They got the fans hooked early in their set, and there was even more excitement as the band added a taste of southern spice to their tunes.  Man, Athfest always has such amazing lineups on the outdoor stages!

For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2013, from preparation guides to articles on some of the best featured bands and shows, click here! More entries on all the bands and madness of the festival will be posted daily, so be sure to check back often. Plus, soon you'll be able to check out our show footage and Athfest vlogs up on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well!

Athfest 2013: Dirty Athens or Pulaski? Time for some stage hopping!

Saturday, June 22nd, 2013 
Dirty Athens Day Party
 Shonna Tucker and Eyecandy

Full of anticipation and craving even more wild tunes after my rockin' Friday night, I made my way downtown for Athfest early Saturday afternoon.  Before heading to the main stage, I stopped by the Caledonia Lounge's annual Dirty Athens day party, my favorite place to find shade with my tunes during the festival.  It seems a whole lot of people had the same idea I did.  The place was packed!  No surprise really, though.  You can't go wrong with quality bands, a roof overhead, and even some free food. Deciding to stay a while, I caught a bit of their awesome lineup including loud indie rockers Tater Zandra and poppy experimental dreamers Co Co Ri Co, a fun project featuring half of the members of Reptar.

Then I turned the corner and stepped on over to the Pulaski Street stage to hear a bit of Shonna Tucker and Eyecandy.  Her take on southern country rock certainly hit the spot. And speaking of hitting the spot, I caught a glimpse of the giant Menchies  icon dancing along to the band's songs as well.  Athfest Saturday was definitely off to a great start!  I couldn't wait to find out what else the day had in store for me.

For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2013, from preparation guides to articles on some of the best featured bands and shows, click here! More entries on all the bands and madness of the festival will be posted daily, so be sure to check back often. Plus, soon you'll be able to check out our show footage and Athfest vlogs up on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well!

Athfest 2013: The Whigs rock through the night

Friday, June 21st, 2013 
 The Whigs

You can never get to a show too early. That's my mantra, and I'm sticking with it (despite the fact that I have been proven wrong many a time). On Friday, though, the clock was on my side as I stepped into the 40 Watt line, eager to secure my spot for the Whigs' show.  Before I knew it, I was through the door just before Athfest regulars Buxton stepped onstage.  These quality southern rockers from Texas are staples at the festival, and I've managed to see them in action every year for the past three years.  Definitely cool to run into them again!

Then it was the Whigs' turn.  Long before they jumped onstage, the crowd started chanting along to the familiar Atlanta Braves tomahawk chop.  This being my first opportunity to catch the Whigs live, I quickly determined that this was some sort of tradition, and my suspicions were proven correct as the band emerged to a recording of that very chant.  Launching into their hardcore southern rock set amidst an awe-inspiring show of lights, the band gave the crowd tune after awesome tune.  Fans flowed into the venue steadily, pumped for more, until the 40 Watt was completely packed. The earth-shaking bass and drums energized the crowd as they sang along to nearly every lyric, urging on the band who stretched their set to please the eager fans.  Around 1 AM, the floor cleared a bit as those trying to catch both the Whigs and Reptar in one night headed for the Georgia Theatre to (probably unsuccessfully) plead their way into the at-capacity venue.  However, those who stayed were treated to even more incredible tunes as the band transcended into what can only be described as psych drone territory.  Brilliant!  It was a long set but definitely a rad one.  What a night!

Leaving the venue, exhausted but enthused, I headed home for the night, passing some guy outside who shouted to me "surfing the E.A.C., dude" in Crush the Turtle's voice from Finding Nemo.  Weird but hilarious at the same time!  Simply put, Athens is awesome.


For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2013, from preparation guides to articles on some of the best featured bands and shows, click here! More entries on all the bands and madness of the festival will be posted daily, so be sure to check back often. Plus, soon you'll be able to check out our show footage and Athfest vlogs up on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well!

Athfest 2013: Discoveries, tunes, and late night wanderings

Friday, June 21st, 2013 
 Late Night Wanderings

Enthralled and even a little shell-shocked by the Modern Skirts experience, I traversed the streets of downtown looking for my next music fix.  Rather than simply choosing just one band's set, I decided to use my time to sample the tunes of many.  My first stop was Little Kings where I encountered Adam Klein and the Wild Fires putting on a show chock full of solid country folk with a touch of rock.  My whims next took me over to Ciné where Eureka California was sharing their indie rock style with a small crowd of fun-loving fans.  With a smile on my face, I let my ears lead me once again, and I soon found myself over at Farm255.  Onstage, the talented band rocked a funky sort of sound, and I just had to stay and hear a bit more.  I never did find out exactly who they were.  They could've been the newly formed Wu Stains Clan or some as-of-yet unknown band, but that's the beauty of Athfest.  Some of my favorite parts of the annual festival come from just feeling the music and rejoicing in the mystery and discovery of it all!  It was quite a sweet adventure and definitely an awesome way to get pumped for the final show of Athfest Friday night.

For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2013, from preparation guides to articles on some of the best featured bands and shows, click here! More entries on all the bands and madness of the festival will be posted daily, so be sure to check back often. Plus, soon you'll be able to check out our show footage and Athfest vlogs up on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well!

Athfest 2013: Modern Skirts bid Athens farewell

Friday, June 21st, 2013 
 Modern Skirts

As darkness fell over the city on Friday evening, an era in Athens music came to an end.  Modern Skirts, longtime rulers of the local music scene and beyond, played their final show together under the bright lights of the Pulaski Stage, the crowd hanging onto every last note.  After a touching intro, the band rocked it out with an insane level of tangible enthusiasm that the fans matched with their wild excitement.  Tossing a chorus over to the crowd, the fans sang the words back to the band they loved, filling each lyric with joy and energy. Then with great gusto, singer Jay smashed his maracas, spraying beans all over the stage as the bass reverberated up through the entire street.  Kneeling on the road in the press area, I felt the music and the beat wind it's way through me, immersing me in a full body rock experience.  The fans felt it too as they danced along gleefully, obviously relishing every minute of the show.  Just before leaving in the interim before the encore, drummer John jumped offstage to gift his drumsticks to one of their most passionate fans.  Screaming like a banshee, she accepted them with an expression of awe on her face.  Gotta love a band that cares so much about the people who have loved and supported them all of these years!

As they returned for their encore and struck up their final tune of the show, Jay gave a heartfelt dedication to the song, declaring, "This is for us and you and everybody."  Deafening cheers rose up as the band finished their song and gathered onstage for the very last time as the Modern Skirts.  There truly could not have been a more perfect send off!

For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2013, from preparation guides to articles on some of the best featured bands and shows, click here! More entries on all the bands and madness of the festival will be posted daily, so be sure to check back often. Plus, soon you'll be able to check out our show footage and Athfest vlogs up on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well!

Athfest 2013: Quiet Hounds emerge through a pink haze

Friday, June 21st, 2013 
 Quiet Hounds

After checking out another set of White Violet's soft quality rock (always worth a listen!), I made my way towards the main stage for Quiet Hounds.  I've been hearing buzz about this band for a while now, but nothing quite prepared me for the billowing pink smoke that rose from the stage as the band members, all sporting creature masks, began their show.  Soft indie rock with a slight gothic touch was their style, and they fully owned it, tune after tune a showcase of their mad talent and every song better than the last.  As cool breezes began wafting through the crowd, I felt like I could stand there all day, rocking out to their awesome sound. No doubt about it, Quiet Hounds was one of my absolute favorite discoveries from Athfest 2013!

For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2013, from preparation guides to articles on some of the best featured bands and shows, click here! More entries on all the bands and madness of the festival will be posted daily, so be sure to check back often. Plus, soon you'll be able to check out our show footage and Athfest vlogs up on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well!

Athfest 2013: Ceiling Fan and The Warm Fuzzies get things going

Friday, June 21st, 2013 

 Ceiling Fan
The Warm Fuzzies

Pumped and ready for all the bands and sounds that awaited me, I headed over to Pulaski Street just in time to catch the very start of Athfest 2013.  Nineties rockers Ceiling Fan made for an upbeat beginning to my fifth visit to the festival with a wonderfully fun set, proving once and for all that, yes, Athens music has always been that awesome!  They rocked out a wild roller coaster of tunes and even included one song that mixed in a bit of whimsical whistling.

Then it was time to walk on up to the Hull Street Stage to catch a longtime favorite we haven't seen in quite a while.  The Warm Fuzzies!  These guys were as smile-inducing as always, serving up a rad set of their bouncy electronic indie tunes with a touch of pop punk.  Man, even their song about death had a dance beat and a fun sort of spin to it.  There couldn't be two bands more perfect to kick off the festival!

For all of our massive coverage of Athfest 2013, from preparation guides to articles on some of the best featured bands and shows, click here! More entries on all the bands and madness of the festival will be posted daily, so be sure to check back often. Plus, soon you'll be able to check out our show footage and Athfest vlogs up on the Echoreyn of Athens YouTube channel as well!