[CYSS] – Recompas & Life at Sea at 529

Every once in a while it’s nice to go out to a show and not see the exact same thing as you did the night/week before. Modern music can get a little repetitive at times so it’s nice to mix it up by listening to ambient experimental music… which in a live setting can be pretty entertaining / catastrophic.  For this week’s “concert you should see”, I recommend Recompas & Life at Sea playing at 529 on Fri. 11/12/09. If experimental ambient rock isn’t your thing then you can probably go back to watching porn… it’s okay – we don’t mind.

Recompas

Recompas is an experimental ambient band(?) that likes to use half-wave rectifiers to make neat tones and sounds.  Apparently they previously used laptops on stage, and it looks like they traded those for radio shack parts and angry handy-js.  Some of the tracks they have up on their myspace site are fantastic and certainly moody.  It will be interesting to see how close the live performance is to the recorded work.

Life at Sea

Also up that night is Chicago-slash-Atlanta based  Life at Sea.  Apparently, they are a group of leaves that hang out on a branch… because that’s the only picture on their myspace page.  These guys are less experimental, more ambient, and way more Chris Isaak.  The songs they have up are moody and will probably go well with darker coloured liquor– bourbon perhaps.  This should be a nice ambient change to the typical rocker loud night.  Not sure what the cover charge is (BANDS – IF YOU’RE READING THIS, ALWAYS PUT PRICE ON THE POSTER. SO ANNOYING TRYING TO PLAN THE NIGHT WHEN YOU’RE POOR), but 529 is known for being a little pricey at times so I’d expect anywhere from an $8 – $10 cover.  Anymore than that and just go get a drink at a bar.

[CYSS] – Modern Skirts & The Judies on Halloween

Saturday, October 31st at Smith’s Olde Bar, The Judies and Modern Skirts will be playing on the big stage.  Now I know what you’re thinking–it’s Halloween and you’re busy.  That’s probably the case for most people reading this, but for those of you who aren’t already committed, this is a show you need go to. In fact, if the only party you’ve got on your agenda is that guy from work that you’re kind of friends with but you’ve never hung out before – skip it and head to Smith’s.

The Judies

The Judies have a sound that is both unique and intriguing. Front man Warren Ullom has a voice that’s a blend between David Bowie, Brandon Flowers, and Kevin Barnes. Throwing in a blend of piano and hipster rock, they pull off a somewhat timeless sound.  That, and a dash of dramatic flair, is reason enough to see them live.

Modern Skirts

Taking the late spot is Modern Skirts.  This band is one of the biggest acts to come out of Athens in a long time.  Their sound continues to mature as the years go on and their performances get even better.  Smooth melodies and well written songs make them an instant favorite.  What started out more piano rock than anything has matured to a nice balance.  They are a must see.

[CYSS] – Orphins & Untied States at 529

Untied States

Sat. Oct 24th, ’09 Untied States is having their record release show at 529.  Earlier in the day they’re supposed to be playing at Criminal Records, but not sure if that’s going to happen or not.  This being the release show, and since they’ve been gaining some descent momentum over the last year, this should be a pretty good show.

Orphins

Also playing are Orphins, one of my top 15 favorite bands in Atlanta.  Their music is quite decent and they typically deliver a good show.  Plus they have a video for their song Devil Duck that is extremely awesome

[CYSS] – Dignan & I Married My Highschool Sweetheart

Dignan - Their music is MUCH safer than this picture implies...

Dateline: Oct. 26th at the Drunken Unicorn. This pick is sort of an easy one for me. Take Indie Rock, add in electronics, and add in a Kinsey reference and you’ve got a recipe that piques my interest.   First up is Dignan – a band from McAllen, Texas. Typically I’d throw in a gay cowboy joke here, but it’s late and I’m tired.  Their sound is bordering on the safe side and comes off a little lullabyish, but that doesn’t always mean for a bad live show.  I’m willing to give them a chance…

I built my highschool sweetheart out of all these things!

Headlining the night is local Roswell act I Married My Highschool Sweetheart. While the name implies religious virgin, the music (at least on the surface) doesn’t seem to have any religious overtones.  From what’s available on the net the music is solid and melodic.  The lyrics appear to be a bit highschoolish, but that doesn’t always mean it’ll be a bad showing.

All in all it’ll be a safe night at the Drunken Unicorn, but it should be some good tunes. I’d say if you’re going to take a girl out on a first date and she digs music, this might be a good place to spend a Monday night.