Live Review: Givers at Masquerade, January 14

Live Review: Givers at Masquerade, January 14

By Justin Lyons Whether it was the frigid temp in Atlanta or the numbness of the New Orleans’ Saints heartbreaking loss, it took Givers some time to warm up to the Masquerade crowd. The Louisiana-based five-piece showed off plenty of potential with shared harmonies by lead vocalists Taylor Guarisco and Tiffany Lamson and thundering percussion. However, the […]

CD Review: Dare Dukes — Thugs and China Dolls; Playing Highland Inn January 21 and Grocery on Home February 4

Dare Dukes and the Blackstock Collection Thugs and China Dolls Starland Records By Al Kaufman When Savannah’s Dare Dukes released his debut, Prettiest Transmitter of All, in 2008, he established himself as a gifted songwriter who could write a catchy (but not obvious) hook. But, most importantly, he demonstrated that he has a penchant for […]

Live Review & Picture Book: Groove Stain, Pasadena, Beauregard at The Masquerade, January 6

Review and photos by Ellen Eldridge The resilient, Atlanta-based band Groove Stain played a packed show in The Masquerade’s Purgatory room Friday night. The show began a southeastern tour with Maryland-based Pasadena. The band’s loyal and fun-loving fans danced all the way up to the edge of stage so that trombonist Sam Szpendyk had to […]

CD Review: The Romans – Tomorrow Coming Soon EP

The Romans Tomorrow Coming Soon EP By Stephanie Roman I discovered The Romans (no relation) while they were playing live in Castleberry Hill for a friend’s art fundraiser. While I enjoyed viewing the art inside the gallery, the music outside was even more compelling. The moody vocals and warm melodies mixed perfectly with the setting […]

Picture Book & Live Review: Staind, Man Made Machine at The Tabernacle, December 18

Review and photos by Ellen Eldridge Full gallery at the bottom of the post. Anyone who read my review of Staind knows that the new material returns to the earliest days of angst-driven rock. But even fans of Aaron Lewis’s solo country-style material enjoyed the rescheduled show at the Tabernacle on Sunday night. After opening with […]

Picture Book & Live Review: SciaticA, Permanent Waves at The Local at Sidelines, December 17

Review & photos by Ken Lackner Full gallery at the bottom of the post. I’ve never been a fan of cover bands. As with most rules, this one has an exception. Two exceptions, actually. It takes a very talented and impressive voice to recreate the vocal styling of Geddy Lee. Matthew Trautwein — better known […]