Rock Fist Reviews

Review of Dead Confederate’s “Wrecking Ball” Album

Sample if you like: Bob Dylan, Nirvana, Bright Eyes, Circa Survive, Portishead, The Whigs (see Rock Fist’s review)

Location: Atlanta, GA

For those who crave poetic music and emotional instrumentals, the indie/ psychedelic/ alternative rock concoction that is Dead Confederate will both indulge and satisfy your tastes. The guys seem to focus less on being showy or creating music for mass appeal, and put more emphasis on artistic liberalism and an overall complete sound. Most of the album includes songs that are reflective, melancholy, and at times even depressing such as “Goner”. A heavier guitar and shrieking vocals accompany “All the Angels” an electronically angrier song which closes with feedback. Songs like “Yer Circus” inspire either deep thought or massive acid trips, and maybe both. Title track “Wrecking Ball” embraces a pretty melody and a smooth voice that almost whispers. Possibly their best effort is “The Rat” where Hardy Morris’ raspy voice and Jason Scarboro’s pulsating drums hypnotize the listener with a catchy “Bang! Bang!” chorus line. This is an album for those who wish to sample a sound that hasn’t been overdone or just want to wallow in the music. Currently Dead Confederate is touring the country, but will be back in Athens, GA on March 26th at the 40 Watt Club and in Atlanta, GA on March 27th at The Earl.

~Kris Melton
Rock Fist, LLC

RFR Rating:
Both Rock Fists Up
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Dead Confederate is:
Vocals/ Guitar- Hardy Morris
Bass/ Vocals- Brantley Senn
Keys/ Vocals- John Watkins
Drums- Jason Scarboro
Guitar- Walker Howie

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Location: Atlanta, GA

Sample if you like: Buckcherry, Finger 11, Puddle of Mudd, Chevelle, Red

Six months ago Greedy White Citizens performed at The Local in Marietta, GA, and suffice it to say the show was less than impressive. The term “done a 180” is an understatement, as their performance at Tasty World in Athens, GA was not only well received by the packed pit, but a vast improvement technically, theatrically, and collectively. Despite the drunken frat boys breaking into several fights during the performance, both the band’s coupled with the crowd’s focus remained onstage. With the rush of energy, tight sound, and the young rocker who didn’t look a day over 8 crowd surfing- can you blame them? Starting off strong, by the second song “Shutdown” they had gotten in the zone. Especially Austin Bolen (guitar) who gave an intense and gripping solo with a classic rock edge. Both his vibrato and body language were heartfelt in their new song “Struggle”. Matt Schultz (vocals) meshes his high pitched vocals with their generally heavy alternative sound creating catchy choruses combined with sassy lyrics like, “Life’s a bitch, but you just got to deal with it” in “Go”. Bassist, Chris Sincavage, worked the stage and the crowd throughout the entire performance, and along with drummer, Alex Gray, led the audience through the slower, somber, “My Friend Addiction”. Songs like “Fungi” are “About getting fucked up and having a good time” (Schultz), and then on a more serious note “Last Words” was written for a fallen brother. The finale was the highlight of the evening as GWC closed with “Greedy”, and invited local rappers, Alleyboys, to join them onstage. There was moshing, rock fists, crowd surfing, and drunken madness; the perfect recipe for any rock event. One thing these guys grasp is how to put on a show. Greedy White Citizens will be performing next at Uptown Loft in Johns Creek, GA on February 20^th.

~Kris Melton
Rock Fist, LLC

RFR Rating:
Both Rock Fists Up
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Greedy White Citizens is:
Vocals – Matt Schultz
Guitars – Austin Bolen
Bass- Chris Sincavage
Drums – Alex Gray

Holdcell’s “7 Heavy Grins” Album

Sample if you like: Kid Rock, Avenged Sevenfold, Crossfade, Mudvayne

Take the southern rock you know and add funk, blues, and raunchy vocals for the rock/metal concoction that is Holdcell. Combining these elements of southern music together makes this band a perfect fit for their southeast region, and sure to draw fans like moths to a flame (or good ole boys to a Jack and Coke). The trio adds outside influences like Latin flavor and reggae to their metal undertones making songs have their own identity, and not a 13 track repeat. The music is soft in the world of metal, and heavy in the world of pop. Bassist, Evan Hackney, creates prominent bass lines that add to songs, like “Ride”, not just support them. This song is joined by a chorus giving it a gospel rock twist. The bands chemistry shows itself in songs like “Ring” where Chuck Smith (drums) and E. Hackney seem to play off one another. Four songs really stood out on the album. “1 Mo Time” is fun, soulful, bluesy, and catchy with Lee Hackney (vocals) grunting as he sings, “I think I think I was thinking too much”, an all to relatable chorus. “Withhold the Faith” lightens up with delicate guitar, softer vocals, and more personal lyrics. An unexpected treat is “El Gallo” which has a Latin flare, horns, and a duel of Spanish singing to throaty chants. One of their best tracks off the album is “King”, a sweeter, slower melody seeming to focus on self discovery. Holdcell will be performing next on March 6^th in Carrolton, GA and March 14^th in Athens, GA.

~Kris Melton
Rock Fist, LLC

RFR Rating:
Rock Fist Up
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Holdcell is:
Vocals/ Guitar- Lee Hackney aka Cowboy
Bass/ Vocals- Evan Hackney aka Evonics
Drums/ Percussion/ Vocals- Chuck Smith aka ChuckLHed