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INTRODUCING ATHENS’ NEWEST TALENT
THE ORKIDS
Indie/Pop/Alternative
Lineup: Sandra Gallardo and Adam Monica. Featuring mem
bers of: Blue Flashing Light. Influences: Bloc Party, No Doubt,
The Ting Tings, Paramore, The Killers, Radiohead and The White
Stripes.
Gallardo provides the main vocals for this new duo as clas
sically trained guitarist Monica take turns on drums, keys and,
of course, guitar. Formed in August of last year, The Orkids
are currently in the process of finishing their EP and plan on
-releasing a full-length not long after. From the samples of
music made available so far, The Orkids' repertoire ranges from
keyboard-heavy pop rock to trip-hop; "Paper Dolls" sounds
like the next Lady GaGa hit while "Run with Me" recalls Kelli
Athens transplants Fire Zuave
decided to move to town from
West Palm Beach, FL after hearing
so many good things about the
Classic City from Andrews' cous
ins David and Kevin Barnes (Of
Montreal). Although new to our
city, the band formed in 2007 and
boasts extensive touring experi
ence, having opened for such
acts as Of Montreal, Wilco, Fiery
Furnaces and The Black Crowes.
Right now Andrews and Fusco are
the only permanent members, but
that should change soon as they are in the process of recruit
ing a bass player and a multi-instrumentalist to handle second
guitar, keyboard and backing vocals. Fire Zuave sounds like it
was built in the basement of CBGBs, says the band. Drawing on
mod '60s harmonies, the group hopes to take listeners to "an
afternoon sunset" accompanied by a "Syd Barrett sonnet." The
group was first introduced to Athens by the Barnes brothers
during a comedic, improv sketch show at Flicker Theatre last
summer called "Disney Herpes."
Make your own claims about how much or how little the
band sounds like Barnes' band at www.myspace.com/firezuave.
Next show: Thursday, Mar. 19 at Tasty World
Michelle Gilzenrat music@flagpole.com
SOLAR
Grunge/Metal
Lineup: Joseph Brinkley, Charles Garland, Clayton Hinson
and Mark Turiano. Former members of: Brgr Trsh, Victor
Charlie and The Waz. Influences: Smashing Pumpkins, Pantera.
Having only heard three Solar songs so far, I don't detect
the Smashing Pumpkins influence, but Pantera is a lot closer.
Brinkley's guttural vocals roar over straightahead, no-frills,
heavy-metal riffs. Heavy, crunching rhythms punctuate the bass
lines while a lead guitar wails as the only melodic element in
the songs' aggressive delivery. Solar originally came together
last summer and just performed its first show with the current
lineup on Feb. 11 at the 40 Watt Club, opening for legendary
Athens punk band The Plague. Bassist Clayton Hinson i$ the
newest addition to Solar, joining the band just last month. Feel
the Solar burn at www.myspace.com/solar2008.
Next show: Wednesday, Apr. 1 at Caledonia Lounge
Dayton-era Sneaker Pimps mixed with more modern house
beats. That's what I heard, anyway. The Orkids themselves
think they sound more like No Doubt and Paramore, so maybe
that is a more accurate description of what's to come. If
Monica looks familiar, you may have also seen him on Athens
stages as the guitarist for local band Blue Flashing Light. Live
the pair either employ a backing track or invite "familiar faces"
to play additional instruments. You can learn more at www.
myspace.com/theorkids.
Next show: Check website for updates.
FIRE ZUAVE
Indie/Rock/Alt-Country
Lineup: Chuck Andrews and Jason Fusco. Influences: Wilco,
Bright Eyes, M. Ward, '60s psych-pop, '70s power pop.
NANNY ISLAND
Rock/Surf/Indie
Lineup: Shauna Greeson and SJ Ursrey. Formerly of:
The Ones. Currently also members of: Creepy, Hola Halo.
These two local chanteuses seem to be in « new project
every few months, and frankly Athens is all the better for
it. With Nanny Island, their voices harmonize in seduc
tive waves. Surprise blizzards and frigid winters will be
all but a distant memory when you hear these delicate
summer-time ballads. If you missed Nanny Island's debut
show at Flicker, you can hear a particularly crisp record
ing of the performance care of Sloan Simpson on his site
SouthernShelter.com. Even if you were there, it's nice
to have these tunes available for our continued enjoy
ment. Sticking to beachy themes, Nanrty Island coos like
a sea breeze through palm tree leaves, and their sooth
ing sounds would fit nicely on a bill with a group like
Beach House (and not just because of the tropical name,
although it helps). So, that takes care of the "island,"
what about the "nanny?" Well; as it turns out, both
Greeson and Ursrey are real-life nannies for families in
Athens. Neat! So, slide some water wings on the kids and
check out www.myspace.com/nannyisland to hear more.
Next Show: Wednesday, Apr. 15 at Flicker Theatre
16 FLAGPOLE.COM • MARCH 11,2009