Some Kind of Hate: garage-punk, a dark debut, and a hard rock Relapse
This week’s fresh cuts include Illegal Drug’s demo, Royal Thunder’s Relapse debut, and reminders that Atlanta remains a garage-punk destination.
Concord America Daytrotter Session
While relentlessly touring on last year’s Suns Out, Guns Out EP (Post-Echo), Concord America made a pit stop last October at Daytrotter’s Rock Island, Il. studio. The band got the full Daytrotter treatment, including a four-song recording session and a cartoonish band photo. Session highlights include a raw cut of “Hippie Trash.”
Guantanamo Baywatch: “Too Late”
Sixties pop purists Guantanamo Baywatch made a couple of Atlanta connections for their forthcoming album, Darling… It’s Too Late, out May 12 on Suicide Squeeze Records (Coathangers, Dasher). First, the trio left its Portland home for Living Room Studio, working with producers Ben Coleman, Justin McKneight, and Ed Rawls. Then, for Motown spiced single “Too Late,” local soul singer Curtis Harding was brought in for guest vocals. The result finds the band cleaning up its raw sound, while remaining true to its source material.
Illegal Drugs: On Fire EP
The familiar faces of John Robinson (Turf War), Joe Hardwick (Acid Freaks), and Shane Patrick (Hawks) will soon bring a fresh, dark punk sound to local clubs as Illegal Drugs. Last week, a two-song demo was posted on Bandcamp, in time to hype the group’s Feb. 19 debut at 529. Both tracks are marked by a D.I.Y. take on the Gun Club’s guitar slinging, with a touch of Killing Joke darkness.
Royal Thunder: “Forget You”
Local rockers Royal Thunder recently unveiled “Forget You,” the lead single from Crooked Doors, the group’s second LP, and its first issued by metal and hard rock heavyweights Relapse Records. As expected, it’s a blend of heavy rock from every decade, ranging from the classics to grunge and even Mastodon’s progressive material, while still carving out its own identity. Crooked Doors is slated for an April 8 release.
Crooked Doors (Deluxe Version) by Royal Thunder
The Scraps: “After Party”
At a time when garage-punk seems scarce in Atlanta, these lovers of fuzzy surf guitar emerged from out of nowhere with “After Party,” the first single from the album Cut It Out, available Feb. 21.
Although the raspy vocals are reminiscent of Shannon and the Clams’ Shannon Shaw, “After Party” is less of a ‘60s throwback and more an amped-up, forward-thinking rock’n’roll number.
After Party by The Scraps
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Some Kind of Hate is collection of punk, metal, garage, and hardcore cuts released by bands or labels practicing their craft in Atlanta. The previous installment can be read here. Submissions are accepted via email (Robert.a.moore1982@gmail.com).’’