A musical group can be difficult to discover if it is not on the Top 40 list, but just because a local band is lacking a platinum record doesn't mean it isn't good. Athens is filled with homegrown music of all types, and tickets to these local acts won't cost $100 like those for more mainstream events might. No matter what genre, Athens has its own crop of talented musicians to fill the show list for the night. The bands listed below are some of Athens best and most diverse.
If you like punk:
We March - A hardcore punk band that could be the love child of old school Blink-182 and the Misfits if that child had a couple drinks and thrashed a little more. With loud guitar, interesting riffs and don't-give-a-crap vocals, these guys are the type who play because they want to, regardless of what other people think.
»The band's newest album Creator/Destroyer is available from iTunes, or you can check them out live 9 p.m.tomorrow at The Smiling Skull Saloon, 108 W. Union St.
If you like reggae:
Andy Shaw Band - With Rufus Wainwright-type vocals against laid-back beats, this band is the type you can listen to for hours. It won't get boring, either, with all of the surprises packed into its songs. For a while, they cruise along just laying on the beat and then suddenly, in Jason Mraz-like style, they throw in a section of fast-talking lyrics that send the listener for a loop.
»Check out the band's albums Summer's Coming and Ways of the World on iTunes.
Shank Bone - A mix between reggae, experimental and rock, Shank Bone is made up of four guys. With influences such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin and Santana, the band covers a bunch of different genres while still managing to have a sound of its own.
»Check out the guys live at 8 p.m. Jan. 21 at Jackie O's Pub and Brewery, 24 W. Union St.
If you like rock:
Mind Fish - It is pretty rare to find a band that is catchy while still having a message behind its lyrics. Mind Fish accomplishes both those things. With vocals that sound a bit like Max Bemis of Say Anything, and a sound you can tell is well-practiced and full of heart, this band is definitely worth checking out. Plus, Mind Fish even gives a shout-out to good old Athens in the song Ooo Who.
»Give Mind Fish a listen at 10 p.m. March 5 at The Smiling Skull Saloon, 108 W. Union St. In the meantime, check them out on MySpace.
Wheels on Fire - If The Velvet Underground decided to jam with the entire pop genre and Elvis Costello, the sound would probably be similar to Wheels on Fire. The band is catchy, yes, but with a hard edge that gives it a polished garage band sound. The band feels like good times and makes you want to start tapping your foot - or dancing, at least a little.
»The band's 2009 album Get Famous! Is available on iTunes, but it will be celebrating a new 7 single
Bad Lie, at 10 p.m. Jan. 30 at The Union 18 W. Union St.
