CD Review: Puscifer — Conditions of My Parole; Playing Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, November 30

Puscifer Conditions of My Parole Puscifer Entertainment LLC By Ellen Eldridge What were you expecting? TOOL?! The biggest reason anyone should give Puscifer a chance isn’t because this is another Tool or A Perfect Circle. Puscifer, much like Caduceus Cellars, channels a new catharsis for Maynard James Keenan, a man striving to continually reinvent himself; […]

AMG Weekend Picks: Grouplove, Duran Duran, Judi Chicago and More!

You guys really are spoiled for choice this weekend. The city’s hip older sibling is hosting a little shindig with some college rock legends, while the still-cool but much-older uncle spoils ale lovers rotten with a sold-out craft beer extravaganza. And between all that, there’s a ton of kick-ass rock shows to boot. Choose wisely, […]

More Than a Band: Saying Goodbye to R.E.M

By Scott Roberts Beloved Athens band R.E.M. announced, with little fanfare and on a Wednesday, that after 31 years they had decided to call it a day. The news crept over me insidiously as I went from a sort of ho-hum response (as I hadn’t really cared much about the band’s music since original drummer […]

CD Review: Ryan Adams — Ashes & Fire

Ryan Adams Ashes & Fire PAX-AM/Capitol Records By Scott Roberts If anyone deserves to make a slow, quiet, introspective record after going through several tumultuous years at a non-stop pace, it’s Ryan Adams, and he has done just that with his new release Ashes & Fire. The North Carolina singer-songwriter, undoubtedly one of the most […]

CD Review: Five Finger Death Punch — American Capitalist; Playing The Tabernacle, November 14

Five Finger Death Punch American Capitalist  Prospect Park By Ellen Eldridge The way bands like Five Finger Death Punch pack a powerful punch inside a pop melody takes listeners by surprise.  Remember, pop refers to popular so calling a band like Five Finger “pop” shouldn’t be considered an insult. Bands seeking a heavier audience, or […]

Live Review: Dark Dark Dark at The EARL, October 7

By David Courtright The music of Minneapolis quintet Dark Dark Dark is easily illuminated by their name itself. Easily categorized as “dark,” or more specifically, moody, down-tempo chamber pop, their music has gained notoriety with its quiet intensity and powerful lyrics. Singer Nona Marie Invie crafts songs of quiet longing, songs that burn slow and […]

CD Review: Mutemath — Odd Soul

Mutemath Odd Soul Warner Brothers Records By Ellen Eldridge My interest in Mutemath reached its peak when I heard the term “mathrock,” because I assumed Mutemath would use more than the standard 4/4 time signature. I expected something of an intellectual band rich with musical texture, and style. Honestly, I don’t know why I thought […]

Live Review: tUnE-yArDs at The Basement, October 4

By David Courtright; photo by Michael Koenig I was surprised when I heard indie darling tUnE-yArDs was playing at The Basement, considering where someone of her stature would usually play in town. I was, therefore, not surprised when the show quickly sold out, and for good reason. Merrill Garbus, the New England brain-child and songwriter […]