About Flagpole. (Athens, Ga.) 1987-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 14, 2011)
INTRODUCING ATHENS’ NEWEST TALENT Revealing the true identities of the bandmembers that make up this wildly eclectic lineup might take something away from the delight of seeing them collect on stage for the first time, so we'll leave the description just as ringleader Bryan Poole (AKA BP Helium, of Montreal) presented it. Of course, you might be able to wager a guess or two based on the list of bands that share members with Space Trucks. This brand- new group, with just a couple shows under its belt, has been cloaked in enigma since day one. The group's debut show was described only as "a delicious dessert from the Late BP Helium," but the mystery may have been more a result of cir cumstance than a marketing ploy. "Space Trucks is a dare," explains Poole. "Kris Deason [of Never] asked me if I wanted to play a show on 11-11-11. I said yes, but I didn't have a band." So, presumably, this as-of-yet-undefined band could've really been anything, but as it turns out, Poole couldn't be THE SKIPPERDEES Americana/Folk/Bluegrass Lineup: Catherine Backus, Emily Backus. Influences: Strong women and sensitive dudes (Patty Griffin, Lucinda Williams, Dolly Parton, Townes Van Zandt, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Ben Gibbard, The Carter Family) Over plaintive banjo and acoustic guitar, the twin Backus sisters (occasionally joined live by Madison McDonald on mandolin) pay tribute to the quintessential . sounds of Appalachia with ear nest, poetic folk ballads. Emily says the duo has been "harmonizing since the womb" and are "influenced in equal parts by Spice World and Appalachia." Yes, that's Spice World, as in the film featuring The Spice Girls. I know, I don't remember Folky Spice either, but before you dismiss the reference, visit The Skipperdees' YouTube chan nel at www.youtube.com/user/ TheSkipperdees and search for their series of "'90s November." It's a brilliant collection of their favorite '90s songs—performed on guitar and banjo—one for every day of the month. Yes, there is a Spice Girls track among them. Although the girls may have grown up with an affec tion for alternative pop and rock, it's lucky for us they decided to pursue a more organic sound, as they do folk beautifully. For all original tunes, check out the girls' new release, Here's to Hoping, streaming on theskipperdees.bandcamp.com. The record, says Emily, "tells of haunts literal and figurative" with what Flagpole's own Gordon Lamb called "poetry worthy of Dickinson and an honesty rare as rubies." Next show: Wednesday, Dec. 14 @ Go Bar SPACE TRUCKS NY Afro-Krautrock—1981 Lineup: Architecture, Mig Jiggler, Muddy Waters, Jazmin LaFleur, Johnny Burma, Hals Debs, Biz Quik. Shares members with: of Montreal, Grape Soda, Abandon the Earth Mission, We Hugged a Dolphin, Nutritional Peace, Lightning Bug vs Firefly, Supercluster. Influences: Zapp, Can, The Kalakuta Republic. more pleased with the direction it took. "This is a band I wish I had formed, sav, five years ago," he says. "I grew up on Afrika Bambaataa, Skyy, Lakeside and a bunch of other early-'80s funk bands. The last days of real funk bands. Bernie Worrel caused a stir in funk with his amazing synth basslines. Afrika Bambaataa heard Kraftwerk and freaked out and turned his gang into an art collective called the Zulu Nation. The Krautrock scene of the 70s with Can, Neu!, etc., was the embracing of a metronomic groove and sonic landscapes. Fela Kuti and his disciples applied similar principles mixed with American funky soul and local rhythms. All of these things are woven into Space Trucks." The band's debut show was a groovy kaleidoscope of tex tures from an impossible number of surprise instruments. Propulsive assorted percussion was punctuated by trumpets and saxophone and layered with psychedelic sounds from something Poole calls the "Fun Machine." Guitars and keys danced together, and even their offspring, the keytar, made a guest appearance. It was a sort of wild, worldly jam and an impressively cohesive set for a debut performance. "We are still defining that sound," says Poole. "Maybe it's Primal Geometry. Its goal is focused more on the hips than the head. Telefunkenstein." For a visual representation of the band, see http://spacetrucks.net. Next show: The band is currently looking for a house party that'll have 'em. Yours? GLUPIST Future-Folk Lineup: Andrea DeMarcus, Danny Gorbachov, Stephen Gorbachov, Asia Meana, Elias Meana, Josh Wendling. Shares mem bers with: Cicada Rhythm, Nuclear Spring, Firework Child, And Friends. Influences: "From the music made by the folksters of olde to the folk music of our modern day peers, friends and family." The brothers Gorbachov are long-time friends with the Meana siblings, and the foursome started collaborating with DeMarcus and Wendling in Athens this past summer. Danny describes the band as "serious about not being taken too seriously," and their psychedelic folk songs are underscored with a sense of humor (the blues tune "I Shit Gold" is a prime example). So far, the group has a 10-song demo for your listening pleasure, and there are plans for an EP to come out by the new year with a full-length to follow in the spring. Learn more at www.facebook.com/pages/Glupist. Next show: Wednesday, Dec. 28 @ Flicker Theatre & Bar Michelle Gilzenrat music@flagpole.com 30% OFF STORE-WIDE with coupon. Expires 12/21/11. Restrictions apply. Limit one coupon per customer. I I I I I I mm Jl M-Th 10a-11p F-Sat \0a-12a Sun 1-10p MALE PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT PILLS Longer, Harder, Fuller Homewood Shopping Center 706-546-4864 OPF^EVERY DAY UNTIL CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE • 150 CRANE DR. (NEXT TO BEST BUY) 706-548-7233 DECEMBER 14,2011- FLAGPOLE.COM V.
