beatlanta.com

Plisner’s Picks: Album & Song Reviews

by Tim Plisner…
 
SWERVOCITY – ‘the hundred years EP’
 
We have been big supporters of this supreme band for a long time, as noted in the case of the new five track cd, which they produced themselves. The three brothers Ben, Will and Joe Martin, plus good friend Matt Lyons makeup an ever diversifying spiritual 90’s alternative solid energy rock platoon of bursting talent. The harmonies are breathtaking. The bass is on point, jamming. And the guitars are incendiary. My personal favorite tracks so far are ‘The Cards’ or ‘Grace’. I have seen them several times live, and these boys never disappoint. Hit up swervocity.com to check out more.
 
Lines in the Sky – ‘Bilasterion’
 
I saw this band for the first time at IMR fest this year. After the performance I immediately bought a cd, and so did a bunch of other people. Live they are great, but I prefer their studio tracks. I hope you buy the cd to decide for yourself. I even had the chance to chat with the band briefly later on and they were funny, engaging, down to earth true road rockers. Recommended if you like ‘Portugal the man’ ‘Small black’ or just good music…
 
Today the Moon Tomorrow the Sun – ‘QUADS’
 
If you don’t already know this band, I feel bad for you. And this new 4 track cd, they turn up their furnace. Don’t even get me started on how supreme the rising vocals that echo through your limbs are. Be sure to check them out live, like, woah. Also the video for the first single off the cd ‘youth found in the night’ can be found on youtube.com.
 
Seagulls – ‘self-titled’
 
This album is pretty much a collection of all their recorded work thus far. Lead singer Steve commands the mic, thrashing and slamming while belting out emotionally charged lyrics. So many seriously raw punk classic era styled hits are scattered through this cd. Supreme talent is apparent with these guys, especially live. By the way, they have a bunch of shows coming up, so check out SEAGULLSATL.com for info on the tour and more coolness. Def check out the track ‘close one’, it’s killer
 
Wire Method – ‘I couldn’t sleep’
 
I absolutely am in love with this track. Blending folk, alternative, and indie pop, it is an amazing leap forward since I saw them last year at IMR music festival. I saw them again this year at IMR fest and they have tightened up so much as a group in the duration. The harmonies between the vocals and guitars is stunning. Get this single.
 
Faun and a pan flute – ‘sunset dolphin boat ride’
 
The first thing you might notice is that the disc is wrapped in paper meat photos. But this is meaningless to what lies within this sonic exploitation manifesto. The vocal crescendos and bipolar rhythms make for a yummy gumbo of fruitful ingenuity. After seeing them live at the goat farm, which was drastically different than their studio explorations. I choose both, both are triumphant. So, catch them live or online you will love it!
 
Swank Sinatra – ‘california’s overrated / feed the birds’
 
Track 1
In true Swank style they list the truly awesomely awful things about Cali with this no holds barred power punk aural stimulation.
 
Track 2
Another act of Swank is the ridicu-jam, and this fits the bill. Like some sort of twisted childrens tv show theme song.
 
Mamabear – ‘birds of paradise’
 
If I had been asked to review this new disc from former ‘Young orchid’ lead singer a year ago, I would have scoffed that ‘Young orchid was his best’. But after a live set at the BeAtlanta house and this cd, my mind has been changed. Diversity has engraved itself in this new venture, and I think it’s here for the ride. Just make sure you’re buckled in. This is excellence.
 
Bias the Black – ‘Noir: PHANTOM’
 
A walk through Atlanta is in your mind as you listen to the lyrics while they ride the beats up and down. An oldie but for real, a goodie. The Farout fam has come so much further in the scene since this was released. Powerful and biting soul rap at its best. I def recommend checking out more from fartherout.com