October 8-14, 2012

I spent many nights in my favorite music venue and also ventured to a new spot this week.  Just when I think I know the limits of music; creative musicians prove me wrong. Overall, it was a fun week. Music never sleeps and apparently I don’t either.

Sonnymoon opened for Gonjasufi Tuesday at 529 with an enchanting set that included soulful melodies and sitar playing.  I had never seen a sitar played live before but it added a great dynamic to the band.  I really enjoyed it. Gonjasufi performed an abrasive set that left the crowd confused and/or uncomfortable.  He seemed sidetracked by pacing all over the stage. Multiple times he would stop the track within seconds of starting, stating he didn’t like that certain song.  His DJ’s in Skrapez were great but Gonjasufi was all over the place. Someone on Twitter asked him why he had so much hate towards the fans at 529. His response was not to mistake his intensity for hatred.  I respect musicians that have passion and intensity for their music but Gonjasufi came across unpleasant   Needless to say, I won’t forget that night and I would be willing to see him when he comes to Atlanta again.

Wednesday night at 529 was a perfect line-up of psych rock bands from three different cities: Atlanta, Austin, and San Francisco.  The NEC started the night off right with a solid set.  I had never seen them before but I’ve listened to their music a lot and was excited to see them live.  Holy Wave from Austin, TX asked for no lights and left the room in a haze with their reverb soaked tunes.  They switched instruments multiple times showing that their talent is abundant.  Moon Duo is just a two piece but their sound is incredible.  I had seen them before last year and was so impressed.  I was excited to see them again.  The room is always dark with images projected on the wall that adds perfect visuals to their trippy sound.

Featureless Ghost – Personality Matrix

I can’t get enough of 529 apparently, because I went back on Friday for Featureless Ghost’s LP release party.  Featureless Ghost is my favorite synth pop duo and I LOVE them.  I’ve seen them several times and they put on a great show. The crowd is always willing to dance to the beats and Friday night was no exception.  Vinyl makes me really happy and I couldn’t wait to get a copy of their new album Personality Matrix.  The artwork is amazing and I purchased one of the few that were available before it’s official release! I slipped away in between acts to go to the Basement to catch Kid Portugal.  Their front-man has so much energy on stage, it was refreshing to see.  I really liked their set and hope to see them play again soon.

I went to Gallery 1526 on Saturday, a place I’ve never been but will definitely go back. The space was host to the Living Deal Ball, a Halloween party with performances by Cousin Dan, Cloudeater, and Lazer/Wulf.  Three completely different bands but made for a fun night.  Cloudeater surprisingly pulled off wearing wigs while playing their set and it was pretty hilarious.  Besides from that distraction they put on a great performance filled with all of my favorite new and old songs.  Lazer/Wulf seems to create a riot at every one of their shows.  They have elements of metal, punk, and math rock in their music that ignites the crowd into a frenzy. It was fun being in a space in Atlanta that I don’t frequent often and I’ll be back soon for the Pancakes & Booze Art Show.