ALL IN THE FAMILY: Like one of the many vertebrae making up a backbone, Athens folk group Cicada Rhythm has released a stream of dependable music for nearly 15 years, and thus has fully solidified its place in the musical central nervous system of our town. Its newest album, Magic State, is out now. As the band is wont to do, the record slides in and out of the more psychedelic elements of the band’s sound, so it’s alternately trippy and calming. The Revolver-isms of the title track are nothing to be ignored and are shockingly fresh-sounding. The, ironically, bluesy and whimsical “Quick Buck” is a shuffling thing of a tune that doubles as an earworm. The minor chord and desert melody journey of “Power Lines” is another swell treat here. And that’s the real substance of Cicada Rhythm: The band is exceptional when exploring the quiet and introspective corners, and less so when pushing everything out front and being loud. Find this at cicadarhythm.bandcamp.com, and keep up at facebook.com/cicadarhythmmusic.
FANGS FOR THE MEMORIES: I always kick myself for missing out on mentioning when Phantom Dan is playing live, because I either always get the information too late or something else pressing takes up the space. But not this time! The emo-pop powerhouse will play The World Famous on Thursday, May 22. Also on the bill are Cuddling and Cult Potential. I’m telling you, all it’s going to take for Phantom Dan to blow up Andrew WK-style is one viral hit. This show tonight is $10 and all ages. So, get up to speed via phantomdan.com and make something happen.
MAN’S BEST FRIEND’S BEST FRIEND: Computer music (but what isn’t these days?) project Potioner has been a curiosity for a while now, but nothing piqued my interest until it released Roy San Good Boy San. Described by its composer as, “This is the soundtrack that I imagine plays inside of Roy’s dog mind.” So, as far as albums inspired by and written for one’s dog, this may well be not only one of the first of its kind but one even further distinguished by not being about a dog but an imagining of the sounds inside its head. To this end, Roy is kind of a goofy boy, and bounce-along tracks like “Peeing Outside While The Sun Rises,” “Wrapped In My Blanket,” and “Waiting For Grandma To Drop Food On The Floor” set the tone. Roy can also be reflectively thoughtful as demonstrated on “The Spot Beside The Mailbox,” and sometimes he’s just ready to party as indicated by “Riding Shotgun To Arby’s.” Grab it at grangrumpmedia.bandcamp.com.
HABEAS MUSICA: Retired attorney, native Athenian and noted children’s book author Grady Thrasher wrangled Jay Gonzalez to put his words to music, assembled a band, and then Jay & The Boulevardians was born. I’ve probably got some aspect of that either too condensed or inaccurate, so please accept my apologies. The album notes reveal a deeply interconnected network of longtime Athens folk, so I encourage you to read them. The group just released its debut album The Lady of Sunnybank Farm. Normally, I’m not a fan of albums that shift in styles, but this one is charming, shockingly complete for what appears as a casual project, and contains some real gems. I found the grand “San Diego Nights,” the Tin Pan Alley-ish “Opportunities,” and the band’s version of the classic “Enjoy Yourself” to be particularly high points on an album full of them. Find this at jaygonzalez.bandcamp.com, and check out some other related stuff at youtube.com/@sunnybankmusic.
MUSIC FOR MIDNIGHTS: Musician and composer Marcel Sletten released his fifth album, Sounds of Schmaltz, a few weeks ago. Recorded in a single take and performed entirely improvisationally on MIDI guitar, and recorded nearly exactly a year ago, it spans five tracks which are categorized here as movements. While each movement is somewhat distinct, they each possess a full dose of treble and trill. They wax and wane in both intensity and mood. These movements being broken apart makes for easy navigation between them, but I would encourage you to listen to this album as a whole piece. Don’t be tempted by this album’s instrumental classification to lull you into thinking this is an easy listen. It’s not, but it’s also not so difficult that this wouldn’t be a good introductory doorway into the work of one of Athens’ most prolific artists. Find this at primordialvoid.bandcamp.com.
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT: OK, I generally never talk about things like this because they never really fit my self-imposed parameters for this column. That said, there was just something cute and charming about learning about Boots And Brews Line Dancing with Becky and Patty. It happens every fourth Thursday at Athentic Brewing Co. from 7–8:30 p.m. So that means it’s happening this week on Thursday, May 22. This is a casual event featuring line dancing lessons. That said, some line dancers are deadly serious about their art, so keep that in mind if you’re thinking you’ll just show up and goof off. For more information, please see facebook.com/athenticbrewing and athenticbrewing.com.
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