RESONANCE ATL: Local legends and art punk promises
The summer may be coming to an end, but bangin’ shows are still raging
Alt-country, art pop, danceable punk, grindcore metal – there’s something for everyone this month.
Fri., Aug. 4
Vessel, Glittering Insects, Sweeping Promises, 529 Bar — I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Vessel is one of the best local bands in the scene right now. The art punk foursome is known for their lively tunes with fluttery horns and danceable bass riffs. Lead vocalist and drummer Alex Tuisku holds each song together with their new wave rhythm and harmonious vocal tone. But, what really makes these folks special is the clear in-sync connection they have with each other, both onstage and off. Definitely check out openers Glittering Insects and Sweeping Promises.
$20-$25. Fri. Aug. 4, 9 p.m. 529 Bar, 529 Flat Shoals Ave. 30316. 529atlanta.com
Sat., Aug. 5
Chick Wallace, Elijah Johnston, Future Crib, The Medium, 529 Bar — Atlanta’s “Salty Girl Pop” generators Chick Wallace is known for their alternative punk-adjacent sound and EAV presence. Lead vocalist Melanie Paulos’ songwriting is just as impressive as their raucous vocal vibrato — giving every song its own, unique sound. Their last release was in 2020, though rumor has it they’ve been in the studio. Joining Paulos at this August 5 show is Athens’ singer-songwriting Elijah Johnston, 2022 Vic Chesnutt Songwriter of the Year and famed Schwinn bike user who’s conversational lyricism and catchy guitar riffs will make you want to dance and call your mom at the same time. You don’t want to miss either of these folks joined by Nashville’s Future Crib and The Medium.
$12. Sat. Aug. 5, 9:00 p.m. 529 Bar, 529 Flat Shoals Ave. 30316. 529atlanta.com
59 X Fest with The Killakee House, The Canines, The Carolyn, Starjuice, Viper Club, The Earl — What’s better than one release show? Two release shows in one. Doors open early at The Earl Aug. 5 for this 10-band bill to celebrate new releases by The Killakee House and The Canines. Led by frontwoman Courtney Kiker, The Killakee House is an alternative punk four-piece specializing in relatable lyrics, funky riffs, and a little of that that beloved nostalgic pop-punk sound. Their new LP, Little Gallows released July 28 via 59 X Records. The Canines are a Marietta-born progressive rock five-piece. Their 2021 EP Guapo is full of mathy solos, strong vocals and classic hardcore rock sounds. I have no doubt their new EP will be just as good. This party starts early and there’s eight other bands playing, don’t miss it.
$15-$20. Sat. Aug. 5, 4 p.m. The Earl, 488 Flat Shoals Ave S.E. 30316 badearl.com
Mon., Aug. 7
Chloe Kay, Melanie A. Davis, The Little Britches Rodeo, The Earl — I’ve always had friends who are actors or work in the theater world, so I’ve seen a ton of shows. One of those shows led me to meet the wonderful Chloe Kay, a local actress and also a singer-songwriter and guitarist. Her debut album That Time released in 2018 via Moonlit Music Group, where she is now working on her second album. In 2021 she released a collection of electronic pop singles, all showcasing her thoughtful lyricism and eclectic music influences. Kay’s music is dreamy pop influenced by classical jazz and her theatrical background shines through in her strong vocals. Kay performs with Melanie A. Davis and The Little Britches Rodeo.
$13. Mon. Aug. 7, 4 p.m. The Earl, 488 Flat Shoals Ave S.E. 30316 badearl.com
Sat., Aug. 12
Ozello, Not Sex Cells, Fig Season, Makoa Blue, Boggs Social & Supply — ozello is a five-piece eclectic folk punk band whose songs are deeply influenced by the experience of not only growing up queer in the South, but with divorced parents and a lost sense of belonging. Some of their songs are punk, others are folk, and many have elements of both. Their use of fiddle and trumpet make their sound unique in their sound, but what really makes them shine is the lyrics we get from songwriter and front person Jeofry Wages. Wages uses his rural South Georgia hometown experience to write songs that are raw, relatable, and incredibly thoughtful. With songs like “Right Where You Belong” about leaving his hometown, “Borderline” about struggling with mental health, and “Boy???” about feeling out of place in his own skin, ozello is almost guaranteed to have a song that you can relate to. Joining ozello is Athens’ Not Sex Cells and locals Fig Season and Makoa Blue.
$10-$15. Sat. Aug. 12, 8:00 p.m. Boggs Social & Supply, 1310 White St. SW. 30310. boggssocial.com
Thurs., Aug. 17
Mary Shelley, Sam Zalta, 529 Bar — Brooklyn is known for their danceable punk — and Mary Shelley is bringing it to Atlanta. These eclectic alternative rockers’ July single, “Goin’ To The Beach,” is full of everything you’d expect from this self-described “genre-hopping” foursome. These chaotic art punks brought us a whole album of their unique sound in 2022 and if their live show is anything like the record’s listening experience, you don’t want to miss it. Joining them is Brooklyn-based Sam Zalta and his dreamy space pop outfit.
$13. Thurs. Aug. 17, 8:00 p.m. 529 Bar, 529 Flat Shoals Ave. 30316. 529atlanta.com
Fri., Aug. 25
Y’all, Jake Cook, Evan Stepp & The Piners, No Yonder, Boggs Social & Supply — Y’all’s January EP Piece to Break perfectly encapsulates this local foursome’s alternative country rock sound. These folks have been around the scene for a while but have been playing more recently and putting a new meaning to the word ‘y’allternative’. Speaking of country, local legends Evan Stepp & The Piners are also on this bill with Jake Cook and No Yonder.
$15. Fri. Aug. 25, 8:00 p.m. Boggs Social & Supply, 1310 White St. SW. 30310. boggssocial.com
Wed., Aug. 30
Equal Creatures, Dive Star, Tourneforte, Bummer Hill, 529 Bar — Since their debut EP Prey Animal released last July, this eclectic emo rock outfit has been playing all over town. Their indie sound and thoughtful lyricism hones in on relatable struggles of young people and shows us the complexities of navigating the world as a queer person. Joining these folks is grunge pop five-piece Dive Star, whose DIY sound is amplified in their live shows. You don’t want to miss these two.
$12. Wed.. Aug. 30, 8:00 p.m. 529 Bar, 529 Flat Shoals Ave. 30316. 529atlanta.com
Thurs., Aug. 31
Clot, Slugcrust, Lost Hours, Pope Eyes The Earl — If you’ve been in the local hardcore scene at all recently you’ve probably seen Atlanta’s newest grindcore band, Clot. Clot consists of lyricist and vocalist Christian Perez, guitarist and synthesizer Yasin Knapp, drummer Cameron Austin, and guitarist/vocalist Daniel Weed. The foursome’s highly anticipated debut LP, Grief Tethers, is finally upon us, via Terminus Hate City. We’ve been ready for this full-length since hearing the precursor singles “Trauma Bond,” “A Repetitive Path of Dissonance,” and “Deicidal Tendencies.” The rest of the LP is just as raw and telling of their immense talent. Perez’s raucous vocals are unlike any other grindcore band I’ve hard in the local scene and are just as good live. This release show will be one for the books, don’t miss Clot.
$15. Thurs. Aug. 31, 7:30 p.m. The Earl, 488 Flat Shoals Ave S.E. 30316 badearl.com
Please send upcoming shows to consider for CL’s Resonance ATL concert calendar to Jessica.goodson@creativeloafing.com