AthFest 2013 - Day One Review

A selective and subjective review of AthFest Day 1, June 21, 2013

“Listening for the Secret, Searching for the Sound”*

AthFest is always fun and interesting. If you are not enamored with a particular band during the day or early evening, there are a couple of dozen artists booths to explore. The quality of the art seems better this year. Listening to AthFest bands on Day 1 became an ongoing quest for a performance that could fire on all cylinders and ignite the crowd. With thirteen club venues that gear up for over fifty different acts as the outdoor stages wind down, it’s a challenge that cannot always be successfully met.

Quiet Hounds - Pulaski Street Stage

The set starts off well with a marching band style entry through the crowd. The band is heavy on percussion and guitars for the first couple of songs. The vocals are strong and the band is tight. Lots of “whoo-hoo, hey-ho” singing in the style of the Lumineers, which seems to be the current trend. For the third song, instruments are switched; a bass, trumpet and trombone add more depth to the sound. It has just a bit of a 60s - 70s soul/pop feel, but it doesn’t last for long.

Twin Tigers - Hull Street Stage

The vocals have a touch of Jim Morrison, but nothing really stands out. The sound of this quartet is full and dense.

Modern Skirts - Pulaski Street Stage

Modern Skirts and an almost full moon

It’s billed as Modern Skirts’ final show, and there is a big crowd for the popular, hometown favorites. The band has good energy and an 80s pop-rock sound. Usually, it’s keyboard-driven, with bass and drums, plus vocals, though a guitar is sometimes brought into the mix. The PA system is different at the main stage this year. To these ears, the sound is not as crisp and clear as in the past.

Don Chambers - Caledonia

Chambers is leading a guitar, bass and drums trio. Dissonant guitar loops are overlaid with loud distortion. The songs are brief; the idea seems better than the result. When Chambers’ songs, band and ambitious approach all come together, the results are worth hearing.

Tia Madre - the Green Room

This is a new venue for Athens and AthFest. It must be a new band, too, and this sounds like rehearsal. An idea is started; everyone picks it up and as it gets going, suddenly, it drops. The band asks for a five minute break and leaves the stage. Did they know they were going to playing at AthFest tonight? Time to check out something else.

New Madrid - 40 Watt

Two guitars, bass and drums; what more do you need? New Madrid sounds like a lightweight hippy band at first, but during instrumental breaks, a heavier, driving sound emerges, showing signs of promise. The loop station for one of the guitars, when used sparingly, enhances the sound. Sometimes it’s the fifth band member that’s in the way.

The 40 Watt is crowded. With constant chatter from the crowd, you have to be close to stage to really hear what’s going on.

Caleb Caudle - Little Kings Shuffle Club

Competent singer-songwriter leading a country-rock quartet.

Buxton - 40 Watt

The 40 Watt is about 40 minutes behind schedule. Buxton has good stage presence. Wilco comes to mind as the lead guitarist is obviously influenced by Nels Cline’s efforts in that band. It would have been worth hearing a couple more tunes, but other venues are calling.

Thayer Sarrano - Caledonia

Dark, moody and atmospheric immediately come to mind. Many songs in minor keys. Sarrano has a nice voice. It’s not powerful, but with the band behind her, there is force and presence. It was worth staying for the full set.

Day 2 will be long; sleep is needed.

*Unbroken Chain, by Phil Lesh and Robert Peterson