THIS IS ALL HAPPENING TODAY: Denton, Texas, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Daniel Markham records his latest full-length album, Just like a dreamat Chase Park Transduction in May 2022. It was recorded and produced by David Barbe and functions Chris Killingsworth (Thrift Store Cowboys) on drums and Kyle Harris (Diamond Center, Sleepy Horses) on bass. Being from Texas, this wouldn’t normally qualify for inclusion here, but it just has so many Athens-related aspects that it passed the test. And I’m glad you did because this thing is awesome. Markham is a power-pop purist in the best sense. His influences are sometimes up his sleeve (Tommy Keane, Malini, Weezer, Matthew Sweet, etc.), but just as often they’re buried under his own clever pop style, in which he accurately conveys pop music as a language rather than a set of instructions. Particularly enjoyable tracks include the album opener “Big Star,” the catchy “Out For Blood,” the tropical synth-filled “Standing In The Rain” and the slow but effective album opener “Miracle.” Markham will play against Athens on Saturday, April 13 at Little kings with guests Pilgrim and Claire Morales. Find the new album, available digitally or on vinyl, at danielmarkham.bandcamp.com.
REJOICE FOR THE SONG HAS NO END: Athenian painter Dean Malmbergworking under his project name of Blue-green behavior, has just released a new six-song self-titled EP. In an email to Flagpole he describes the record as “…an ethereal journey with a meandering character, touching but never stopping at a particular genre.” I wouldn’t disagree too much with that, except that I find it more earthy than ethereal. However, most of it is very peaceful, acoustic guitar-based work, and many of the songs are quite long, which is nice when you’re trying to ease into something. For my taste, I really dug the opening track ‘Fell Away’, but I was most impressed by the eight minute ‘Out Of My Hands’. Find this on Spotify.
THE SOUND OF MUSIC: AthFest announced the first round of artists selected to perform at this year’s event, which will take place June 21-23. Read this list carefully as there are some real goodies in here. Among the first wave of artists confirmed to appear are Kilkenny Cats, The Pink Stones, Susto, Wim Tapley & The Cannons, Heffner, Hotel Fiction, Kyshona, Lil Darius, Maserati and Reverend Tribble & The Deacons. I wish I could print this next part in 36 point font, so you all look out. But, my folks, the absolutely seminal Winston-Salem, NC band will also be performing this year Sneakers. Generally known only to power pop fans, Sneakers was originally created with Mitch Easter (Let’s Be Active, Drive-In Studio), Chris Stamey (The dB’s), Robert Keeley, Robert Slater and Will Rigby (dB’s). I have no idea who will actually play in the line-up, given that apart from occasional reunions, the band has not been an active concern since about 1978 or so. I mean, just look at these dudes. They have been busy. Big thanks to AthFest for providing this performance. The full lineup for the festival is rumored to be announced in early May, so you won’t have to hold your breath for long. For more information, please see athfesteducates.org.
YOU’VE GOT THIS WAY, WHY STOP NOW: Primordial Void will host an electronic artist from Seattle R. M. FrancisAthens Omu and the head of the Primordial Void Marcel Sletten on Thursday, April 11 at Ciné. While both Ohmu and Sletten can be unearthly soothing at times, RM Francis is downright unsettling and unsettling. So, prepare to be disturbed. Doors open at 8pm and music starts at 9pm before the game by heading to rmfrancis.bandcamp.com, ohmushell.bandcamp.com and primordialvoid.bandcamp.com.
COUNT THE FLOWERS: Local group Violent Violet has just released his brilliantly titled debut album Music for drug commercials. At first glance, it may come across as full of hard rock tropes and clichéd musical phrases. But a closer listen reveals that this thing has a deeply felt glam rock influence. While that comparison probably wouldn’t mean much these days, I was reminded more of the Lee Harvey Oswald Band than anyone else, and that’s a compliment. The album features nine tracks and most of them just smoke. This is especially true for “Hate Me”, “Junk” and “Candy Bar”. The band’s demo from last year is also worth checking out Six songs. Find the new album on Spotify and the old stuff at violentvioletathens.bandcamp.com.
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