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!