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!

Kristen's Concert Picks: March's shows will blow you away!

March breezes its way in, bearing gifts in the form of some absolutely incredible lineups and shows.  

Fri, March 1: Abbey Road Live! @ 8:00 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Are you a fan of the Beatles?  Well, then, kick off your month with the best Beatles cover band in town, Abbey Road Live!  This show will feature the always awesome Chris McKay as well, so be sure not to miss it!

Fri, March 1: Of Montreal, Yip Deceiver @ 9:00 PM @ 40 Watt
If you're in the mood for fun, this is the show for you.  With both Of Montreal and Yip Deceiver on the bill, you're guaranteed an insane, dance-filled celebration!

Sat, March 2: Efren @10:00 PM @ Green Room
Efren's gritty southern sound speaks volumes.  Catch his show at the newly redone Green Room!

Mon, March 4: The Skipperdees @ 10:00 PM @ Flicker Theatre
These girls have such talent!  Their brand of twangy folk is certain to put a smile on your face.

Wed, March 6: Ruby the Rabbitfoot @ 8:00 PM @ Georgia Theatre
Some of Athens' best, including the sweet Ruby the Rabbitfoot, will be taking the stage on the sixth to play one last big show before they all make their way to Texas for SXSW!

Wed, March 6: Little Tybee, Adron @ 8:00 PM @ Melting Point
Don't miss Little Tybee's CD release party at the Melting Point featuring the unique, indie rock of singer Adron!

Thu, March 7: Brothers @ 8:00 PM @ WUOG
From classic sounds to indie style tunes, this band's got it all!  Hear them on the radio at WUOG 90.5 FM or see 'em live at UGA's Tate Center in the WUOG station headquarters.

Thu, March 7: Sam Sniper @ 11:00 PM @ Farm255
Southern rock with a side of fun, Sam Sniper show is one to see!  Get yourself to Farm255 on the 7th.

Fri, March 8: Lera Lynn @ 8:00 PM @ The World Famous
Powerful rock and an incredible voice make every Lera Lynn show an amazing experience!  And be sure to check out her new PledeMusic campaign as well.  Let's make sure we keep the great tunes coming our way!

Fri, March 8: Feather Trade @ 9:00 PM @ Flicker Theatre
Misfortune500's newest incarnation, Feather Trade's got a deliciously dark, alt rock sound you're sure to love!

Fri, March 15: Madeline @ 8:00 PM @ The World Famous
A touch of darkness makes Madeline's melodies a great listen every time!

Fri, March 15: Viking Progress @ 11:30 PM @ Farm255
Check out Viking Progress's unique distorted sound over at Farm255 in the middle of the month!

Wed, March 20: Dangerous Ponies @ 11:00 PM @ Farm255
What are Philadelphia's Dangerous Ponies like?  Indie pop goes old-school with tunes that are sure to make you dance.  Pure beauty!

Fri, March 22: Bambara, Manray, Powder Room @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Our favorite New York imports from our own town join some of the best wild local rockers on the scene. Bambara's noise rock will leave your ears screaming in ecstasy while Manray and the Powder Room will blast you into nonbeing with their sound.  What a lineup this is! 

Sat, March 30: Meat Puppets @ 9:00 PM @ 40 Watt
The nineties rock legends, Meat Puppets, return to the 40 Watt again to drive everyone nuts.  I saw them take the stage a few years ago, and I've never forgotten it!

Wow, what a month we've got in store for us!  There's no doubt about it... March is going to be awesome!  Know of any other rockin' local shows happening this month?  Comment below, and let the world know about them.  See ya downtown, my friends!

Kristen's Concert Picks: You'll go mad for February's tunes!

Ah February!  It's the month of love, change, and unpredictable weather... well, at least in Athens.  Let's jump into the music, and make the most of it!

Thu, February 7: Sean VanMeter@ 7 PM @ Melting Point

Rock your Mardi Gras style at this tribute to New Orleans piano greats, featuring the young and amazingly talented Sean VanMeter!

 Fri, February 8: Tealvox @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Longtime blog favorites Tealvox will be taking over the Caledonia with their awesome alt rock sound.  Catch 'em on the 8th!

Sat, February 9: Betsy Franck @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

I'll never cease to be impressed by Betsy Franck's strong southern vocals.  You won't want to miss her set!

Sat, February 9: Chris McKay @ 9 PM @ Flicker Theatre

You've heard and rocked out to the Critical Darlings, but this time the man's going solo.  Head on over to Flicker and get yourself ready for Chris McKay's awesome sound!

Tue, February 12: Grass Giraffes @ TBA PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Ready for some fun?  You'll go wild for the Grass Giraffes' brand of indie rock!

Wed, February 13: Brothers @ 11 PM @ Farm255

Brother's unique sound is the lovechild of indie pop and classic rock.  You've gotta check them out!

 Thu, February 14: The Powder Room @ 10 PM @ 40 Watt

Go hardcore on Valentine's Day with the incredible explosive noise of the Powder Room!

 Fri, February 15: Sister Hazel @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Big name rockers Sister Hazel returns to Athens this month to bring joy to your ears.  Buy your tickets early for this one!

 Fri, February 15: Bit Brigade @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

If you're craving an experience like no other and you miss the games of your childhood, then Bit Brigade is your band!  Join them for a rousing rock n' play session as you delve into a pre-digital world.

 Sat, February 16: Emily Hearn @ 8 PM @ 40 Watt

You'll fall head over heels for the lilting sweetness of Emily Hearn.  This singer/songwriter is one of my absolute favorites from last year's Athfest!

 Sat, February 16: White Violet and Thayer Sarrano @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

The soft rock of White Violet joins with the sweet speech-like vocals of Thayer Sarrano to form an awesome lineup.  What a combination!  

Mon, February 18: Bertis Downs Conversation @ 4 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Now this one's no show, but if you're a fan of R.E.M., you're definitely want to check out this talk given by their manager Bertis Downs.  With them through their whole 30-year career, he's sure to have some amazing stories to tell!

This is certainly going to be quite a month of shows!  As always, if you've heard of another local lineup that you love hitting the stage this month, tell everyone about it in the comments.  Hope you all have an incredible February!

Kristen's Concert Picks: Get your fill of November's tunes!

Don't let the cool weather get you down!  Warm up with the delicious sounds of November.

Thu, November 1: Futurebirds @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

Start the month the right way with some quality southern rock from the always great Futurebirds!

Fri, November 2: Cicada Rhythm @ 8 PM @ Melting Point

Craving something different?  You'll just love the lilting folk vocals of Cicada Rhythm!

Fri, November 2: Sam Sniper @ 11:30 PM @ Farm255

One of my favorites in the Athens scene, the unique southern rock of Sam Sniper will have you dancing in no time!

Wed, November 7: The Peaks @ 8 PM @ Go Bar

One of my newest favorite bands on the scene, the Peaks' dark and soulful tunes will no doubt entrance you!  

Wed, November 7: Blue Man Group @ 8 PM @ Classic Center Theatre

It's the Blue Man Group! Yeah, you've heard of them...  The lights. The insanity.  This time they're on your doorstep!

Thu, November 8: Brothers @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge
Classic rock meets indie pop when Brothers plays.  You can catch 'em on the 29th of the month as well!

Thu, November 8: Life Coach @ 10 PM @ Little Kings

Life Coach will blast you away with their sound.  Be there!

Fri, November 9: Reptar @ 8 PM @ Georgia Theatre

It's REPTAR!  Get your tickets early because this outrageous band's show will surely sell out fast.  Prepare for the insanity!

Sat, November 10: Manray @ 10 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Brace yourself for Manray's explosive noise rock sound!

Sun, November 11: The Skipperdees @ 9 PM @ Flicker Theatre

A spectacular mix of talent, heart, and southern folk makes every Skipperdees show just incredible!

Fri, November 16: Lazer/Wulf @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Melodic rock infused with instrumental metal tunes, you'll love Lazer/Wulf's strength of sound! Plus, you can catch our town's latest noise rock addition, The Powder Room!

Sat, November 17: Ruby the Rabitfoot @ 9 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

You know her as Ruby Kendrick, but now she's Ruby the Rabitfoot.  With her sweet pop style, she's taking the town once again!

Fri, November 23: Young Benjamin @ 9 PM @ Flicker Theatre

Ambient and ethereal, Young Benjamin's melodies with transport you to another world.  Can't catch him on the 23rd?  Well, you're in luck!  He'll also be filling Flicker with his unbelievable sound on the 28th.

Sat, November 24: Velvet Runway @ 9 PM @ Melting Point

One of my favorite college memories is throwing a spontaneous dance party outside a rockin' Velvet Runway show.  Check out this quality 80s cover band!

Thu, November 29: The Viking Progress and John French & the Bastilles @ 9:30 PM @ Caledonia Lounge

Don't miss the innovative indie rock of Viking Progress and the dark, polished sound of John French and the Bastilles over at the Caledonia.  What a mix!

Thu, November 29: Qurious @ 9 PM @ 40 Watt

Wow, Qurious, Brothers, AND Thick Paint?  Catch the indescribable experience that is Qurious as they join indie pop rockers Brothers and Thick Paint, Graham of Reptar's DJ act at the 40 Watt.  This is going to be just wild!

Well, we've got an incredible month of tunes in store for us!  Totally pumped about an Athens show not listed here?  Post about it below so everyone can get the details.  Have an awesome November, you guys!