This was an inspiring show to say the least; bringing together such an energetic lineup at best will result in the complete breakdown of normal socialized behavior, even for a bar in Little Five Points. The Sneaky Hand kicking off the night with their always highly energized form of scientific funk rock was a sure way to get a dance floor swelling. The Sneaky Hand = progressive dance punk funk superstars. Matt Maher is a leading lead man with his command of the stage and crowd. He brings a wide eyed look and wildly wild dancing as he spits off intelligent lyrics in an uninhibited fashion. Russ Kirn and Trey Duke on guitar form an unmatchable duo sending out innovative dance grooves for Matt to wail over while Kamil Lee on bass just funks the hell out of it. The always amazing and brilliant Sarah Wilson of other Atlanta bands Odist and Jack of Hearts joined the guys on drums this time around and didn’t miss a beat. We highly recommend seeing and supporting this band, because you’ll never forget the effect of the Sneaky Hand…SEE ‘EM; you can catch them at the BEATLANTA HOUSE on Saturday October 15th for the 1st Halloween show of the season…its gonna be big so be there.
Detroit Mutant Radio didn’t have my perm-a-grin from the Sneaky Hand going away. They continued the funk fusion onslaught with their highly unique blend of rock, jazz, hip hop with that Motown flavor. Their sound is fucking HUGE. Sometimes I have to stop dancing to stand there and take it all in; so many layers intertwining through space and time sounding like they have an ensemble up on stage with them. I’ve never talked to a person at a DTM show who wasn’t a fan after seeing them for the first time. Detroit Mutant Radio has a persona…from the music to the style to the ambition right down to the way they talk, these guys know they are going somewhere.
This was my first time seeing the FountNhead. I was introduced to them a few months back when they debuted their video “Free and Flowing,” which is a pretty awesome track (see that video below). The FountNhead are a band that easily blur genre lines. Close your eyes and in the same song you might think you’re listening to anything from power pop to hip-hop to punk to rap or something in between the lot. The keyboard use even adds a new-wave feel on certain tracks. Jewels on vocals has amazing range as she herself crosses the genre lines pumping out what the band refers to as punk hop with flawless ability. She has a great voice, great flow and a shit ton of charisma and attitude on stage. Her band mates, Sainto on vocals and guitar and A.M. on lead vocals and keyboard, match her energy and presence with equal deftness. The FountNhead’s next show is Sept 20th at 529.
I got some videos of the Sneaky Hand on a small hand cam right before my batteries died..
The FountNhead – “Free and Flowing”
Detroit Mutant Radio at the Hardrock Cafe in September 2010