Rock Fist Reviews

Review of Before The Solstice’s 1.09.10 Performance
~Kris Melton

Location of Show: Eyedrum, Atlanta, GA
Band’s Location: Atlanta, GA
Sample if you like: A Perfect Circle, Radiohead, Dispatch

Photo by Morgan Ivie

This progressive meets alternative band is sure to “wow” you with their creative approach to songwriting. Amidst a world of music that relies on what sells, these guys stick with what they love and the result is something raw and poetic. While as performers Before The Solstice is not balls to the wall, explosive entertainment, their performance is captivating and raw. As lyrics unfold the best way to summarize their delivery is that of storytellers. The band opened up their set with “A New World”, an alternative song with ambient melodies and climatic heavy bridge. After just one song it is undeniable that Clint Bussey is a truly talented vocalist. The strong yet soothing vocals seize attention with “Judas Christ”, a push-the-envelope kind of song with quick and clever drums. “Let It Die” induced the crowd to dance and form a small pit in front of the stage; those who weren’t dancing involuntarily began nodding their heads. This technical and detailed song really allowed the drums to shine through the other instruments. The band invited a guest on stage for both “Viewpoint of The Ghost” and “The Golden Age”. In both situations members switched up instruments and keys were added in. “The Golden Age” delivered a mystifying, melancholy addition to the set with a bridge that grabs you by the shoulders and shakes you. “Clouds” is an artistic song with repetitive lyrics and an entrancing guitar. “The Gift” was well received by the ladies and seems to tell a story with the changes in its melodies. “Roly Troly” closed the evening on a pained yet melodic note. Before The Solstice is a band that embodies passion and poetry. They have an art for delivering their memoir and a knack for capturing the hearts of their listeners. Their next show is February 13th at Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta, GA.

RFR Rating:
Both Rock Fists Up
lml lml

Before The Solstice is:
Lead Vocals/ Guitar- Clint Bussey
Bass/ Keyboard- JW Popavits
Drums- Tony Runco

www.myspace.com/beforethesolstice
beforethesolstice@gmail.com

Popularity: 44%

Photo by Morgan Ivie

Company Name : Eyedrum

Location :
290 MLK Jr. BLVD SE
Atlanta, GA 30318

What kind of Location : Music Venue and Art Gallery

Contact Info:
404.522.0655
Website: www.eyedrum.org
Donate: www.eyedrum.org/donate.asp
Twitter: www.twitter.com/eyedrum 
Blog: www.eyedrum.wordpress.com/
Myspace: www.myspace.com/eyedrum
Recordings & Open Improv: www.myspace.com/openimprov
Flickr: www.flickr.com/search/?z=t&q=eyedrum&m=tags
To email submissions: obscura2010@gmail.com

What is Eyedrum?
Established in 1998, Eyedrum is a non-profit organization developing an interdisciplinary approach to the arts by incorporating a wide range of contemporary art, music and new media in its gallery space. This unique gallery continues to intrigue the community here and abroad, remaining critics’ choice for the best venue for emerging artists in town. Jerry Cullum, Senior Editor of Art Papers notes, “Eyedrum has consolidated its position as Atlanta’s premiere alternative art spaces; this artist-run venture has featured everyone from emerging artists to some of the city’s most distinguished experimentalists.” Eyedrum’s programming is supported in part by the City of Atlanta Office of Cultural Affairs and by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council.

For more information on how to donate, and how donated money is used click here: http://www.eyedrum.org/donate.asp  

For more information on memberships (not required to visit) click here: http://www.eyedrum.org/membership.asp  

List of Services:
Visual Art: 3 galleries with major art exhibitions every 3-6 weeks, with opening receptions on Saturday evenings. Most exhibition openings are accompanied by live music/ sound performances.

Music / Sound: Live music of all genres 2-3 times a week from local, national and international musicians. Every “First Thursday” of the month is “Improvisation Night” dedicated to the ongoing exploration/ experimentation of music and sound and is open to all.

Lectures: Discussions intended to challenge, inform, and question ideas and theories of art, music, and technology in contemporary contexts.

Video/Film: Rare, underground and never before seen videos and films sponsored by local video artist/ production groups.

WWW Presence: www.eyedrum.org. Stay up to date with our diverse schedule, gallery page, podcast, pictures, history and soon video streams and live broadcasts.

Why the place rocks:
This spot is truly a diamond in the rough; a hidden gem in the Atlanta community. Performances offer stadium seating and an intimate experience. The gallery in the front of the location features local artists. The entire experience is unique and tasteful experience.

The Mission of the organization is outlined below:
• Eyedrum supports innovative procedures and technologies of expression while continuing to expand the parameters of presentation in conventional forms.
• Eyedrum supports the work of artists by actively seeking funding for shows specific to Eyedrum.
• Eyedrum continues to expand its liaison efforts in Atlanta, through its participation in community events such as the monthly art walk. Additionally, film, lecture events, art and most music events are open to the public as part of Eyedrum’s outreach to diverse communities.
• Through frequent performances, Eyedrum promotes music of all genres. The monthly “Improvisation Night” is dedicated to the exploration/experimentation of music and sound.
• Eyedrum serves as a site for showing innovative film through the monthly video night which promotes local video artist/production groups.
• The free lecture series promotes contemporary contextual discussions in theories of art, music and technology.
• Eyedrum’s non-profit educational media label makes its catalog accessible to the community while providing a document of the galleries activities.

Popularity: 29%

ARTIST NAME - Matt Armstrong
Copmany Name - Armstrong Photography
Location – Atlanta, GA
Profession - Photographer, Freelance writer

Contact Info:
Armstrong Photography est. 1998
404-509-7868
www.myspace.com/armstrong_photography
marmstrong911@yahoo.com  

List of Services:
Free-lance Photographer (In other words, if you can think, dream, or produce an idea, I can shoot it). I have worked on Big and Small weddings. I have worked with Entertainers, and Models. I have also shot one of a kind family photos (not the Walmart in front of a back-drop kind).

Bio & Goals:
I have been shooting artistically for 15 years. Professionally for 7 years. I have always felt that music and writing were inside me. I have several projects in the works. 1st and foremost, I want to complete a photographic novel of everyday people, their tattoo’s and the positive reflection that the art can have. I also hope to start a new project in the coming year offering free photo’s to any child or family suffering from a terminal disease. I believe in supporting local musicians as often as I can. I try and get out a few times a month and shoot live performances of local bands and give them copies of the shots. Dream Job- Freelance photographer for Rolling Stone Magazine.

Current Project:
I am working on a book. I am looking for positive people, doing positive things in their life with one of a kind tattoos representing something special in their lives. I only ask for your story and release. In exchange I will give you photo’s for free of your session with me. Put your story together and email me details about your life and your tattoo’s. I would love to see if your life will fit in my book.
(Kris Melton of Rock Fist will also be featured in the book)

Why he rocks:
“Hell, I don’t know if I rock or not, but if I can get inside Guitar center after closing, I am sure I could shake the F**KING rafters….

Examples of work:
See examples of his work below. You can view the picture larger by clicking on it. See more of his work my visiting www.myspace.com/armstrong_photography

Popularity: 37%

COMING SEPTEMBER 25TH: ROCK FIST TV

Rock Fist TV is a video version of RFR’s site condensed into 15 minute episodes that create a web based television show broadcast on REELMIND.TV. Episodes feature an intimate interview with a band or solo artist, as well as a short spotlight segment highlighting other local talent.

Here’s a video to give all our fans a quick peak at our Host and Editor, Kris Melton, at her photo shoot with Brent Walker of Lucky Pin Up for promo pics. We look forward to airing episodes in Spring 2010 and hope all of you are equally excited!

Special Thanks to:
Tim Daust of Reel Mind Studio
Brent Walker of Lucky Pin Up
Brittany Palermo- Heaney (Stylist)
Bobby Williams (Tattoo Artist)

Popularity: 46%

Review of Legend Has It’s “Driven” Album
~ Kris Melton

Sample if you like: Jimmy Eats World, Blink 182,
Sound: Rock / Pop Punk / Powerpop
Location: Atlanta, GA

Driven is an album with rock at its core, but embraced with catchy pop hooks and traces of punk influence, creating a popular sound of today’s music. The high-pitched melodic vocals harmonize with the more intense instrumentals, creating a balance for songs that get stuck on repeat in your head. The album starts off strong with “Anything You Want To Sing”, one of the band’s best songs and also the most marketable. The distorted guitar rips the song open and while all instruments exhibit raw dexterity, the strong vocals keep the sound full and contemporary. “Simple Change” has a happy-go-lucky pop-punk melody. “After The Fall” has a soft bridge that really highlights the vocals, and is another song with a contagious hook. “Live For The Now” uses a transition from slow instrumentals and somber vocals to a zealous change in tempo paired with positive lyrics. “Into Reality” and “Run Away” utilize more alternative influences in comparison to other tracks. “Work In Progress” closes the album with a slow melodious song born from personal reflection. A personal favorite off the album is “Given The Chance”, which has a fun and easy to sing along to chorus inspired by lady love. Driven is available for purchase now, and you can find information on the album and upcoming show dates on the Legend Has It’s website.

RFR Rating:
Rock Fist Up
lml

Legend Has It is:
Vocals- Derek Walton
Bass- Richard Allen
Lead Guitar- Brandon Pool
Guitar- Andy Kemmerer
Drums- Jon Bottoms

www.legendhasit.net
www.myspace.com/legendhasitrocks

Popularity: 51%

Matt Dunlap
Tattoo Artist

All or Nothing Tattoo
2569 S. Cobb Dr.
Smyrna, Ga. 30080
Phone: 770.435.9966

www.allornothingtattoo.com
www.myspace.com/beveragepc11
mattdunlap@gmail.com

Bio:
I have always had a passion for the arts, especially tattoo artistry. I have a Degree in art and I spent a 7 years as a graphic designer, I enjoyed it, but was not given full artistic freedom; so I pursued tattooing. I entered the apprenticeship program at All or Nothing Tattoo a 5 ago, and after a lot of hard work I proved to be a valuable resident artist. To be a part of the All or Nothing team is a huge honor which comes with great responsibility. Working alongside other extremely talented artists is constant motivation for me. In such an environment each artist has various influences and a continuous push to improve one self individually. The shop provides an awesome work environment and everyday there is excellent artwork being produced.

Why he ROCKS:
See examples of his work below. You can view the picture larger by clicking on it.

Popularity: 48%