They exploded out of the abyss. They have been performing around Athens for only a few months, but already many are heralding them as the best new thing in Athens. Their rock is not dissimilar to the punk music coming out of the hallowed halls of The Union, but it is in Paper Machetes' lyrics that they truly shine. Paper Machetes' witticisms deal with topics such as motorbikes and pizza that keep audiences hanging on each word as well as each riff.
This weekend, Paper Machetes will be put to the test as Athenians and out-of-towners converge on Athens for Blackoutfest XII, one of the biggest and hardest-rocking festivals in the Midwest. Paper Machetes not only fit in among such heavyweights as The High Strung and Beat the Devil, but the band also may open an ear or two of people that had no idea what they were missing.
Paper Machetes' brand of punk styling is close enough to many of Athens' beloved rockers so as to not scare away audiences, but the band also injects an element of wordplay into songs, said guitarist Jacob Theobald.
Playing at Blackoutfest is an honor, he said, adding that it was a thrill to be asked to play. He went to the event last year but said he doesn't seem to remember much about it, as Blackoutfest lives up to its name.
For a young band like Paper Machetes, the chance to play with bands the members look up to is a big deal.
The best part is playing with bands we dig
said bassist and vocalist Dan Whiteley.
Since forming during Winter Intercession, Paper Machetes have played about three shows a month at The Union, 18 W. Union St., host to Blackoutfest. Playing for a big festival with lots of expecting fans is not filled with pressure, Whiteley said.
Paper Machetes' simple pop-influenced rock songs have risen to the forefront of the Athens music scene quickly, and the band has not even turned down an opportunity to play yet. Theobald said he attributes part of the band's success to the fact that they fit well with many different bands around town.
We're an easy band to throw on a bill he said.
The band sings about fun topics ' such as motorbikes ' that everyone can get behind, Whiteley said, and that is one of the reasons the band is popular around town.
All of our friends come and see us but not because they're our friends
said drummer Jerry Green.
Green was a recent addition to the band, but has known Theobald since seventh grade. The two even performed dissident, math-y rock with each other at their high school's senior showcase as The Logarithms.
Adding Green was a big boost to the band, Theobald said.
Jerry's just a powerhouse drummer
he said. It's like getting two new members.
Paper Machetes will be playing this Saturday. the final day of Blackoutfest, which begins today. Saturday's show starts at 4 p.m. Admission for individual days is $10. Three-day passes are $25. Tickets are available at The Union or Haffa's Records, 15 W. Union St.
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Jacob Theobald, Dan Whiteley, and Jerry Green enjoy a fright-filled moment while reading their favorite Goosebumps books. The trio can be seen in concert this Saturday as part of Blackoutfest at The Union.
