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Ocha La Rocha | www.myspace.com/ochalarocha
 Despite its prominent location in the heart of Georgia, there are surprisingly few "Southern" rock bands making the rounds of the Atlanta scene. At least, they're certainly not in the prominent rock venues that Atlanta Music Guide tends to frequent.
So it was a surprise to wander into The EARL and find Ocha La Rocha blistering through a countrified number with hollering vocals and foot-stompin' beats that made us want to shout out "FREEBIRD!" and really mean it.
But that was just one song. Right when you think you've got them pegged, Ocha La Rocha show off their true versatility. There's certainly a tinge of Southern edge that is consistent in their tunes, but even more prominent is the flair of British blues.
It's not such an unlikely pairing, really. After all, even the Rolling Stones owe their finest riffs to the Delta Blues pickers. But it's through that Anglo-filter that Ocha La Rocha is able to create a delightful palette of energetic, exciting rock'n'roll. It's really just the right blend of mod to make them hip and Southern to make them interesting.
Maybe Kings of Leon were the first to set converse-clad toes a tappin', but Ocha La Rocha do it with so much more grace and elegance. Instead of snarling and spitting at their audience, Ocha La Rocha offer a friendly slap on the back and a warm invitation onto the dance floor.
Word on the street is Ocha La Rocha will be heading out West for the summer, so make sure to catch them on Sunday May 14th at Smith's Olde Bar as they compete for top prize at the 99X/Miller Lite Taste Rock Live Battle of the Bands! | 
