Atlanta warms up to The Cult

Live Review: The Cult with Against Me! and The Icarus Line at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, 6/17/12

For fans of 80s music, The Cult should definitely be on the favorites list. Not just a rock band, but not heavy metal. Somewhere in between, with a Doors-like mysticism. Leader Ian Astbury could very well be chanelling Jim Morrison. The Cult's post-punk/gothic rock sound set them apart from other groups of the 80s. Rolling out of London in 1984 with their first major label debut Dreamtime, The Cult gained fame quickly and eventually conquered America.

Touring in support of their ninth studio album Choice of Weapon (Cooking Vinyl), the band is enjoying the fruits of its labor from the past three decades. They have definitely not lost a lot, with Astbury's vocals close to what they were in the heyday, and the band tighter than ever. Granted, only Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy remain as original members, with John Tempesta and Chris Wyse rounding out the rhythm section.

The band played through most of Weapon including "For The Animals" and "Lucifer." These songs rock more than you think they might. Needless to say, fans were treated with the reason they were all there, with such gems as "She Sells Sanctuary," "Fire Woman," "Rain" and "Love Removal Machine."

At times, Astbury wanted more from the crowd, yelling, "Get up off your fucking asses!" He almost came off as an angry Gene Simmons. After throwing a tamborine into the crowd, he seemed to be motioning to get it back several times the rest of the evening. Not sure what became of it. In the end, though, he was very appreciative of the fans and told them so.

Listen: "For The Animals"

Opening the show was the loud and proud sounds of The Icarus Line. Clearly inspired by acts such as Black Flag and The Stooges, lead singer Joe Cardamone aspires to be a 21st century Iggy Pop, with no shirt and skinny jeans. Iggy never screamed like that, though. This was one loud set, with Cardamone doing plenty of strutting and spitting. It was raw and raucous.

Middle band Against Me! was the real surprise of the evening, with an exceptionally tight sound and a set of terrific songs. You may have read in the news about frontman Tom Gabel's recent transgender process to become Laura Jane Grace. On this night, he simply wore eyeliner and very high heals, along with what appeared to be an all-leather outfit. Standard rockstar garb. Gabel's voice, though, was the attraction. Falling somewhere in the neighborhood of Cheap Trick's Robin Zander, this thing is one powerful instrument. The band tore through a victorious set, including "Thrash Unreal," "Stop!," "New Wave" and the excellent "I Was A Teenage Anarchist."

Besides the obvious talent of Gabel, 21-year-old drummer Jay Weinberg was the heart of the band. He ripped through each song like a veteran and kept the intensity dial on 11 (incidentally, Jay is the son of drummer Max Weinberg, of the E Street Band).

Listen: "I Was A Teenage Anarchist"

To catch this tour before it heads to Europe, go here: Tour info.

Punch Brothers bring a little bit of fantastic to Atlanta

Live review: Punch Brothers and Jesca Hoop at the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta, 4/21/12

If Wilco can be called the American Radiohead, then surely Punch Brothers can be considered the Bluegrass Radiohead. Not that all bands must be held to the Radiohead standard, but when a band evolves, takes chances and goes all experimental, the comparison is allowed. Even Punch Brothers basic song construction, in some cases, sounds a bit Radioheadish. Leader of the group Chris Thile (Nickel Creek, The Goat Rodeo Sessions) also exhibits a thing for Thom Yorke's group. "Kid A" is featured prominently on the new Who's Feeling Young Now? (Nonesuch) and the boys have covered a number of their songs live.

The wonderful "Don't Get Married Without Me" kicked off the set. Thile (prounounced "THEE-lee") and the rest of the "newgrass" quintet seem as close to virtuosos a five-piece can get. Rounding out the band are Gabe Witcher (violin), Noam Pikelny (banjo), Chris Eldridge (acoustice guitar) and Paul Kowert (stand-up bass). These guys are all rock stars and not the traditional kind. No drums, no electric guitars, no synth. Just five dudes standing on stage, playing the strings. Total rock stars. If you don't believe it, check them out. Thile does the solos like Eddie Van Halen, just in a purer form. And with a mandolin.

All five Brothers had established careers playing with other people and got together in 2006. The name was taken from the Mark Twain short story "Punch, Brothers, Punch." Using a Twain title is perfect: likeable and pervasively honest, just like the band. Various members of the group joked and chatted with audience members throughout the evening, but it was the music that mattered.

World class original music is their specialty, but they are also known for all those covers. This evening was no different, as the band played some great tunes from the likes of Beck, Radiohead (of course), Gillian Welch and The Cars (see set list below). For the finale, a wonderfully emotional cover of The Band's "The Weight" (it had only been two days since the passing of Levon Helm). This was a tribute by Punch Brothers, but as you see in the video, the entire audience was involved.

Watch "The Weight"

It was a lively evening and Punch Brothers are now known as one of those collectives that create a hybrid sound. This was their fourth trip to the Variety Playhouse in Atlanta and the first to sell out. It appears that their sound - however experimental it may be - is a refreshing change from the status quo that you get on the radio hour after hour. Please, see them live.

Californian Jesca Hoop warmed up the crowd very nicely with a guitar and an exquisite voice that can be compared with no one elses. She has toured with Elbow and Peter Gabriel and exhibits a powerful presence while remaining somewhat grounded in her banter. With a very dry sense of humor, her opening gig was almost a conversation with fans. Very funny and very effective. New fans were made that night.

Touring in support of her upcoming release The House That Jack Built (June 25), Hoop has built a following with her sensual and personal style of performing. Thile joined her onstage for a sweet duet, and she returned the favor by joining the boys for a song. Before she had a chance to begin, though, Punch Brothers sang her a rousing "Happy Birthday." She was embarassed. And happy.

Punch Brothers Set list
Don't Get Married Without Me, New York City, Next To The Trash, Flippen, Who's Feeling Young Now?, Clara, Missy, The Blind Leaving The Blind, Sexx Laws (Beck cover), Train On The Island, Hundred Dollars, Kid A (Radiohead cover), Wayside/Back In Time (Gillian Welch cover), Happy Birthday (w/Jesca Hoop), Just What I Needed (The Cars cover), Watch 'at Breakdown, Rye Whiskey.

Encore:
Patchwork Girlfriend, Movement And Location, The Weight (The Band cover).