SIGNALS, CALLS & MARCHES: One of the things that snuck out while we were sleeping in December is the newest EP from Rag Bags named Sweet Talk. From the opening chords of “Narcan,” which married the unlikely duo of Fugazi and Mission of Burma, I knew this was going to hold my attention. And it did, right on through the classic first-wave emo of “Best Man Wasted” and then the more traditional, if you will, 1990s alt-rock of the title track. The hypnotically paced closer, “103,” pulls the congas back out of the drum closet and runs through the psych-folk dream of the post-Nevermind years with a tune that’s easily a million times better than, say, anything Blind Melon did. For the unfamiliar, Rag Bags is composed of Barron Nicholson (vocals, rhythm guitar), Ian Hemerlein (keys, bass, backing vocals), Daniel Hogan (drums) and Scott Andrews (guitar). Find this on Spotify.
THE NICE PRICE: Preorders are open now for the re-release of Elven Power‘s 1997 LP When The Red King Comes. This new version comes courtesy of Orange Twin, is fully remastered and includes a bonus 7” of a couple of songs recorded during the album sessions. Now, I’ll be the first to admit I still get sticker shock when I see albums going for $30 plus, but let me tell you this: In 2024, $30 for this package is pretty dang reasonable. While the price of vinyl has outpaced general inflation by orders of magnitude, I think this pricing is quite thoughtful and accommodating to its audience. Oh, if you’re wondering, the Red King arrives May 3. Elf Power will celebrate this release at Nowhere Bar on Saturday, Apr. 27. Also on the bill is Giant Day, making its Athens debut. As you might guess from its name, there is indeed a former Olivia Tremor Control member onboard here in the form of Derek Almstead (formerly of Elf Power and of Montreal). Preorder the album over at orangetwin.com, and keep up with everything else over at elfpower.com.
DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK: By my best estimation, dark country and rock-and-roll band Holy Liars began working on its latest album, Fury of the Days, about a dozen years ago. This album features the core members (C. Nicholson Ross, Asa Leffer and Peter Van Schoick) joined by a veritable cast of thousands in the form of Scott Nicholson, Will James, Jef Whatley, Jake Wells, Bernard Pierce, Matt “Pistol” Stoessel , Claire Campbell, Paige Campbell, Marie Davon, Serena Scibelli and Jeff Cummings. When it comes to its country tunes, Holy Liars is damn near unimpeachable. The rock songs can be hit or miss, though. For example, the Stones-y boogie of “Daisy” and “Now It’s On” totally shines, but the sluggish heavy-handed ploy of “Only The Finest” can be skipped over. The record is quite heavy in themes of dissolved relationships, loneliness, reconciling adulthood and just overall heady stuff. By far, though, the best song here is opening track “Time,” which you could probably convince someone was written by Neil Young with George Jones hanging out in the corner. It’s a heavy sigh of a tune full of its own regret and resolve. Plus, it’s easily the most emotionally charged tune of its type since old local band Junker was releasing music, and that hasn’t happened for quite a while. Find this on Spotify and keep up with the boys at facebook.com/holyliars.
AND ANOTHER ONE: It was only weeks ago when I mentioned the rarity of Widespread Panic releasing a new single, and here we are with another new one. Back in mid-February the band released the lovely, but mournful, Allmans-flavored “We Walk Each Other Home.” That’s literally all the news on this one! There’s still no official word on a new studio album, but signs seem to be pointing that way. Find this on every major streaming service and bookmark widespreadpanic.com for future reference.
HEADS UP: If you’re still holding your tickets for the rescheduled Randall Bramblett show that was to happen last October, keep holding them. The rescheduled show happens Saturday, March. 9. The show takes place at The Foundry. This show is billed as featuring “Randall Bramblett’s Big Band” and also as “Randall’s Birthday Show” so, you know, be prepared to celebrate. Doors open at 7 pm with music starting at 8 pm Also on the bill are The Megablasters. Tickets are still available for $20 in advance plus fees or $25 at the door. For tickets and more information, please see facebook.com/thefoundryathens.
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