Atlanta welcomes Dead Can Dance



Dead Can Dance (www.deadcandance.com)

 Live review: Dead Can Dance with David Kuckhermann at The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, 9/5/12

Born of the early eighties growing gothic movement, Dead Can Dance evolved musically until 1996, with the release of their final studio album, Spiritchaser, was released. And that's the last new music fans heard from DCD - until last month, with the release of Anastasis (PIAS). The ensuing tour gave hardcore fans a dose of the new stuff, as well as some classics.
The duo, made up of Brendan Perry and Lisa Gerrard, were joined by a full band. But there was no doubt about who to watch. Perry and Gerrard stood stoically through each number, barely uttering a word between songs, except to give a few thank yous (and that was just Perry - Gerrard only smiled). The bulk of the crowd was dressed in black leather and all things Goth. There may have been a few holdovers from the DragonCon parade the weekend before in downtown Atlanta.

Visually, the duo seems to be from different worlds. Gerrard, with the golden voice, has the look of a royal deity (there may even have been a pale halo over her head), while Perry looks like Mike from Breaking Bad with a voice you may have heard from a Joy Division show. Together, however, they make magic. Each led their own songs throughout the evening, but even those excellent vocals were transcended when they worked in harmony.
DCD opened the show with the leadoff track from Anastasis, “Children Of The Sun,” a seven minute gem that sounded perfect. Credit should be given to the incredible acoustics at the Cobb Energy Centre, but the band rightly deserves it. With a sound straight out of the Middle Ages, DCD seem to have mastered that Renaissance and European folk sound.
A highlight was the Tim Buckley classic, “Song To The Siren” during the second encore. This song was woven into Perry/Gerrard fabric and became their own.

Opening the show was the remarkable hand pan and hang drum artist David Kuckhermann. For those unaware, the hand pan looks like an enclosed steel drum and sounds similar to the island instrument. He also plays other types of drums and tamborine-type instruments. But it’s so much more, especially in the hands of Kuckhermann. He set out to mesmerize the crowd for roughly thirty minutes. The angelic sounds drifted throughout the Energy Centre and no one wanted this dream to end.
The limited banter he had with the audience was appreciative and polite, in his thick German accent. Kuckhermann also creates instructional DVDs which have become highly popular around the world. He has also release his first studio album entitled The Path of the Metal Turtle.
Setlist
Children Of The Sun, Anabasis, Rakim, Kiko, Lamma Bada, Agape, Amnesia, Sanvean, Nierika, Opium, The Host Of Seraphim, Ime Prezakias, Now We Are Free, All In Good Time

Encore 1

The Ubiquitous Mr. Lovegrove, Dreams Made Flesh
Encore 2
Song To The Siren (Tim Buckley cover), Return Of The She-King

Encore 3

Rising Of The Moon



..

The Head: Power pop punks



The Head (photo by John Boydston)

 Live review: The Head at The EARL in Atlanta, 8/2/12

The phrase "support local music" has not been uttered recently. It needs to be. Those bands that sell millions of albums every year had to start somewhere. Usually, there's a grass-roots movement to garner exposure for some local group that you feel "has it." Well, Atlanta's The Head "have it." Last night's turn-out was less than stellar, though. Sure, it was a Thursday night. Yes, it had just rained like hell. Okay, the Olympics are on, I get it! Still, none of these excuses could justify missing such a great night of rock music.

The Head, consisting of twin brothers Mike (bass, lead vocals) and Jack Shaw (drums, vocals) along with Jacob Morrell (drums, vocals) have a recipe for success. They just need more taste-testers. This power pop trio has an energy level exceeding Red Bull 5. Their songs are expertly crafted with smart lyrics and terrific musicianship. What's not to love? With two full-lengths under their belts, 2009's Puckered and last year's Hang On (produced and engineered by Don McCollister), The Head has a proven track record. "Tony" is the latest single and is about as close to a perfect song as you'll find.

Are you ready for the zinger? The Head offer up all their music for free via their website. Now, if and when you actually see them live, you can grab everything they've recorded (in a variety of CD and vinyl formats) along with free t-shirts. All they ask is that you leave your email. Gotta build that fan base.
Among the standout tracks were "Separate Bodies," "Only One," "Tony," "I'm Lost" and "Gotta Fall." Some of the band's influences that bleed into their music are The Stone Roses, Pavement, Big Star and even Carole King (their words!). There are definitely some 60s influences ingrained in these tunes. Put The Head on your list of must-see bands. It's worth it.
Opening the show was Atlanta's power indie rock collective Summer Dare. These guys complemented the evening well with a bit harder edge, but still heavy-hooked, catchy stuff. Summer Dare also supplied fans with their self-titled EP for free. This is the only way to go. They also provide the EP as a free download on Bandcamp or their Facebook page.

Paul Melancon hit the stage next, with a bevy of musicians and sweet sounds. Obvious influences include The Beatles, E.L.O. and Neil Finn. Indie pop was meant to sound like this and Melancon has cornered the market with his sound. It was a lively set of harmonies, wit and talent. Sitting in on drums was Pete McDade (Uncle Green/3 lb. Thrill), who had the skins turned up to 11. It's unclear whether he'll play any more shows with Melancon, but it was a match that worked.
Melancon's self-depracating humor kept the crowd giggling in between songs, but once the music started, they were swaying and tapping their toes. One of the foremost local singer-songwriters of the indie-pop persuasion, Melancon has released two widely lauded solo CDs. You can pick up Slumberland and/or Camera Obscura on the Music page of his website, iTunes or CD Baby.

Also known for astute covers of excellent songs, Melancon posts a video of a cover every Monday on his website. Check out his triumphunt version of E.L.O.'s "Mr. Blue Sky."

Now, get out there and support your local bands!