Look, we know we throw a lot of new music at you. We also know that not everyone who comes to this site has the time to be as involved with or informed about the local scene as maybe they’d like to be. So for those casual readers who either can’t or have no interest in keeping up with the parade of artists we try to cover, who may not know the difference between Bitter and Biters, we have created our TRIPLE THREAT feature. The premise is simple: every Friday our writers will put their heads together and come up with three tracks that grabbed our attention over that week. Then we tell you why the songs are great and worth listening to. That’s it. Maybe some weeks we’ll have a guest commentator come in and share their favorites, but the format will always remain the same: three songs, some words, and we out. Enjoy.
Credit: Mark Shark
Pallas – “Location 13” and “Location 12”
From the Designer Medium Records cassingle
Fuck it. I’m breaking the rules in the first post. Here’s two songs, suckers. Partially because of the way the first cut goes barreling full tilt into the next. Also because put together “Location 13” and “Location 12” barely stretch over two minutes. And yet, in that short span Pallas manage to pack more punch per second then most bands achieve in a lifetime. Jagged, discordant guitars drag you along a tempestuous sea of offbeat art punk. Vocals powerful enough to yank you by the collar and pull you below the depths. I could say more, but I’ll let the songs do the talking. I’ve only got three more words for this: I’m in love. – Guillermo Castro
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Facebook: @pallasatl
Credit: RICK CAMPBELL
MATERIAL GIRLS – “Tightrope”
From the “Drained” b/w “Tightrope” digital single
Via Creative Loafing, a new, manic single entitled “Tightrope” was unveiled this week by Atlanta six-piece MATERIAL GIRLS. The group has been vocal about maintaining as little of an internet presence as possible, which as resulted in listeners stalking their SoundCloud and hitting refresh until more songs appear. “Tightrope” maintains a close proximity to the group’s debut single “Drained” by allowing a discordant, even modulated acoustic guitar to dominate and establish an early gothic sound. But where the new cut separates itself is in its upbeat nature and ability to establish itself as an anthem for the despondent. Horns on the track strike coarsely and seem to infiltrate their way into tune while the accounting strums in an abrupt pattern reminiscent of Devo. The deep vocals sound like they are being funneled into the track from the bottom of a well. All in all, this is a powerhouse single that captures the seasons of emotions that occur when balancing self-deprecating lyrics, a bouncy tempo, and raw production. – Blake Chapman
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SoundCloud: @materialgirlsusa
Credit: Brian Tighe
Pinkest – “Elvira”
From the You Are a Camera EP
Blasting with grunge-era flare, Pinkest come hurtling into 2017 on the wave of tremendous power rock. “Elvira,” the second track from the trio latest EP, You Are a Camera, is a controlled impulsion and a compelling anthem. The song may quite possibly be an ode to Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, the popular cult horror heroine of the ’80s. Take note: Ethan Smith’s raspy vocals and Gabe Patterson’s animated drumming are all the better in a live setting where the intensity of this group can really be felt. So if you can make it out to their EP release show tonight at the Mammal Gallery, it will surely be a treat. – Gabriel Savage
Pinkest will celebrate the release of You Are a Camera tonight at Mammal Gallery. They will be supported by the Pellys, Antarcticats, and the Callous Daoboys. Doors open at 8 p.m. Admission is $5. 18+ to enter.
More Info
Bandcamp: pinkest.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @Pinkesttt