Hambear’s EP Mandible, And More Music News and Gossip – Flagpole

THE ACTION INDEX: Affectionately, and possibly with tongue in cheek, self-referenced as “5th wave emo,” local band Hambear just released a new four-song EP named Mandible. Before I get into any specific criticism, let it be said that this is the best realized collection of tunes so far from this young combo. Now, even back when it was a brand-new genre, I always had little patience for screamo. That’s mainly because its aggressively willful obscurantism renders any messaging utterly impotent. Hambear takes a refreshingly measured approach to its inclusion of this element and, for the most part, buries it in that side-chamber territory of having just enough to slip into the genre, but not so much that it keeps the band nailed to the underground. Hambear mostly shines through its use of melody and interesting guitar approaches, especially on opening track “Hosanna” and closing song “Clarity.” Find it at hambear.bandcamp.com, and follow along at instagram.com/hambear.emo.
UN SALON: The next instance of Sonic Space at ATHICA happens Friday, Apr. 25. Featured performers this night are decades-long Athens saxophonist and multi-genre performer George Davidson who is to be joined by improviser and experimenter Emmie Pierce (Sweetearthflying). Opening the show is the powerful Doom Ribbons (James Owen) who, in addition to possessing one of the best project names we’ve seen in quite a while, is also nearly hypnotizing to witness live. Prepare yourself for what was accurately described in a press release as “dark ambient rock, atmospheric soundscapes and immersive drones.” ATHICA is located in the Leathers Building (675 Pulaski St.) in suite 1200. For more information, please see athica.org/event/sonic-space-april2025 and please note there is a $10 suggested donation which goes straight to the musicians.
JUNE BUG: Heavy metal/dark punk experimenters Unus Mundus have some cool news in that Dale Crover (The Melvins) performs as a guest drummer on its to-be-released vinyl single for the track “Take Yourself Out.” Word is that this, along with “DMMKY,” should see release around June or July. In other news, Peter McCarron (Beat Up) has joined Unus Mundus as its regular drummer now. The band is slated to play next on JOKERJOKERtv on Thursday, Apr. 24. This program streams live every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. on Twitch and YouTube, but the shows are then archived for easy streaming afterward. Still, bookmark jokerjokertv.com and put it on your calendar. For all other information regarding Unus Mundus, please see facebook.com/TheeUnusMundus and unusmundus.bandcamp.com.
GARDEN OF THE TITANS: Nuçi’s Space is hosting a Widespread Panic raffle that—if you win—will reward you with tickets to all three nights (June 27–29) of the group’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre run in Morrison, CO. Not only that, but you’ll get an autographed poster, priority early entry to the shows and three nights of complimentary accommodations at hotel Thompson Denver, plus a $600 Visa gift card. The raffle ends May 23 at noon Eastern time. The winner will be announced that same day at 5 p.m. on Nuçi’s Space’s social media and its website. You may enter as many times as you want for $10 a pop, but purchasing $100 worth of entries automatically doubles them (i.e. instead of 10 entries for a hundred bucks, you get 20). Any music fan that has had breath in his body for the past couple of decades knows full well that Widespread Panic at Red Rocks is the cultural gift that keeps on giving, and these shows pretty much enter sold-out territory from the moment tickets go on sale. For other rules, regulations and to enter, please see nuci.org/rocknraffle.
MIDNIGHT RIDERS: Athens goth/death rockers Tears For The Dying has increased its touring by an exponential factor over the past few years, and it’s starting to deliver some really solid returns. To wit, the group just played two sold-out road shows (one in Charleston and one in Columbia), and this weekend it’ll head out for a short trip down Florida way and play Orlando, Miami and Tampa. That’s a whole lot of driving for three shows, so give it up a little for ‘em. Tears will play the support slot opening for Texas band Twin Tribes May 6 at Atlanta’s Masquerade. Later this year, June 12 to be exact, the band has been invited to play the regionally popular Dead Souls Gothic Lounge night in Indianapolis, IN, which is a regular occurrence but appears to move around between a few different venues. For more information, please see facebook.com/TearsForTheDying and tearsforthedying.com.
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