Tag: songs
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The Asymptomatics Celebrate New Single ‘Two Possibilities’ With A Live Performance at Flicker Theatre and Bar
Athens has been home to critically acclaimed bands throughout the decades, marking the Classic City as not only home to the University of Georgia and its students but also a booming hub for artists and musicians alike. One such band is the funky, weird but strangely groovy The Asymptomatics.
The Asymptomatics, or “the Asymps” as they are often called, is a band of nine members who have made “chaotic” the name of the game. Since its formation in 2019, the band has garnered a name for itself within the music community of Athens. After the release of three singles, they have now added one more to their list of original music. To celebrate the release of their brand new single, “Two Possibilities”, the Asymptomatics recruited a list of prominent local Athens bands to play at Flicker Theatre and Bar for a night of unforgiving energy and sound.
Walking into Flicker is always a surreal experience, particularly on the evening of a gig. From the outside, bypassers can hear the beat of the featured band while they smoke a cigarette and drink a beer. Walking through the red curtains that lead to the venue portion of the establishment, stationed in the room next to the bar, I could see a sea of people bobbing their heads to the band, Neat Freak, which was followed by Late Notice and finally, Bog Bod. The celebrated feature of the night, The Asymps, performed last. Between bands, members handed out flyers with the single’s cover art designed by Hollis Midriff and they discussed their excitement to play their cleanest-sounding single live for the first time.
The band’s set began as most of its sets do, with the lead singer Max Mahieu relentlessly jumping around the stage with the band, maintaining an aura of chaos that has defined the group’s career, particularly in the past year.
The single itself possesses an eccentric guitar-solo build-up in the outro. Though their MO is full-fledged passion, this song was a pleasant departure as it boasted a more meaningful and slower vibe. “Two Possibilities” explores that little gray area in life by rejecting the idea of black-and-white decisions and outcomes. A simple song to describe how intensely unsimple this life can be, especially when young, as the band members are.
“A lot of times it seems like there’s two possibilities but, you know, in reality, things are a lot deeper than that,” says Mahieu. “It’s not just decisions you make, it’s the decisions of the people around you and the ones you love that affect your life and affect their life.” Mahieu’s family is the inspiration behind the song, which was written by Mahieu and his mom, who is a musician herself.
It’s both happy and sad which is reflected by the musicians as they played with electricity and passion, making the audience feel the underlying irony of “Two Possibilities”. Mastered by Jason NeSmith at Chase Park Transduction, “Two Possibilities” incorporates a classic guitar solo from the lead guitar that amplifies the emotional aspect of the song.
“We wanted to have this big rock section at the end that instrumentally captures the emotion and the vibes of the song that the lyrics start at the beginning,” said Mahieu.
From there, the band immediately transitioned to play their classic, most-noteworthy hit “GTFO! (Gerald the Friendly Orangutan)” which was a lighthearted and silly conclusion to a great show.
Though the chaotic transformation of the Asymptomatics onstage is something that some would deem messy and unorganized, those with an ear for passion would comprehend that this gives the band its personality, hence its rising claim to fame within Athens. A funk outfit of shameless chaos and a force to behold.
“Two Possibilities” is out now on all platforms, with the Asymptomatic’s first full album slated for spring.
Vinyl Mag’s Holiday Playlist
15 Beachy Songs to Add to Your Summer Playlist
One of the most important components to any beach trip is the playlist. Laying out in the sand and surf demands a special collection of vibey tunes, and we’re here to make sure you have those tunes at your disposal. Here are 15 songs you definitely need to add to your summer playlist – 2015 is already heating up, so grab your gear and hit the shore.
10 Songs That Were Huge 10 Years Ago
Ten years ago, most college age students had just begun middle school. Meanwhile, Chris Brown started his career, Mariah Carey and Madonna came back better than ever, and Gwen Stefani gave the entire world a lesson in spelling. Check out 10 of the biggest songs from 10 years ago.
1. Mario – “Let Me Love You”
Mario’s biggest hit stateside “Let Me Love You” kicked off his sophomore album campaign right with a nine week run atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Maybe the song was so popular because it contained the keyboard riff from Tina Turner’s 1984 hit “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” or perhaps it was the cheesy video that took this gooey ode to a love interest straight into the hearts of millions.
2. 50 Cent feat. Olivia – “Candy Shop”
It’s a rare occurrence for a rap song to top the mainstream charts, but this Middle Eastern inspired midtempo track did it in roughly a month thanks to its hook. While the rap verses were mostly forgettable, the chorus of “I’ll take you to the candy shop / I’ll let you lick the lollipop” was a clever sexual innuendo that was later repeated in Lil Wayne’s 2008 “Lollipop” — a track that saw similar success to its predecessor.
3. Gwen Stefani – “Hollaback Girl”
This sly middle finger to Courtney Love’s remark about Stefani propelled her to the status of a pop “it girl” in 2005. It took just a single “uh-huh” to let everyone who it was. Add in the marching drum beat, a brass line and a bridge that taught everyone the right way to spell bananas and you’ve got the makings of a hit that’s still popular a decade later.
4. Mariah Carey – “We Belong Together”
Touted as Carey’s comeback single following several years of declining commercial success, “We Belong Together” proved she was still in the game. The song spent 14 non-consecutive weeks at #1, received two Grammy awards and broke radio records until “Blurred Lines” was released in 2013. This song is considered to be one of Carey’s signature songs and was labeled as “the song of the decade” by Billboard.
5. Kanye West feat. Jamie Foxx – “Gold Digger”
West’s song about women who are only with men for their money is still his biggest worldwide hit to date. Created back before his ego ballooned, this timeless track contains a Ray Charles sample and a relentless flow that doesn’t allow the listener a moment to breathe before going on to the next verse. Ten years later this song is still being covered by countless artists.
6. Chris Brown – “Run It!”
Chris Brown’s immensely catchy debut single “Run It!” began his troubled career by ingraining itself into the hearts of teenage girls. The video also showed him as a serious performer by allowing him to showcase his dancing abilities. The softer vocals of the song are a perfect contrast to the hard edged production on the song and are something Brown has yet to repeat on his five other albums.
7. Kelly Clarkson – “Since U Been Gone”
A departure from the fluffy R&B styled pop from her debut, Clarkson’s first taste of her sophomore effort Breakaway was noticeably more rock oriented than previous singles “Low” and “Miss Independent.” Her risky move paid off as the bitter “Since U Been Gone” remains one of Clarkson’s biggest tracks to date and is yet another reason why Clarkson’s career has lasted longer than most other American Idol winners.
8. Pussycat Dolls – “Don’t Cha”
It’s a surprise the internet wasn’t broken by the Pussycat Dolls “Don’t Cha” long before Kim Kardashian’s attempt with her oily seminude photoshoot. This siren song oozes sexuality as the Nicole Scherzinger led group taunts men to date women that look like them. The inclusion of Busta Rhymes in the video filled with scantily clad dancers pandered to nearly everyone and it paid off in the long run.
9. Madonna – “Hung Up”
Following the critical panning and commercial failure of American Life, Madonna harkened back to her disco roots with the Stuart Price produced “Hung Up.” This jarring electronic song put her name back in everyone’s mouth and sought to prove she was far from being over. Madonna’s reinvention brought her career full circle back to the clubs she started out at as the track peaked at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Club Play.
10. Ciara feat. Missy Elliott – “1, 2 Step”
Besides for being automatic, supersonic, hypnotic, and funky fresh, Ciara’s second single off her debut Goodies inspired a dance craze around the world. A Missy Elliott feature that encouraged women to shake it like Jell-O further propelled the song to success and it remains her biggest worldwide hit. The song made its way to the top of the pop chart ten years ago and sounds just as fresh today as it did upon its release.
15 Songs Essential to Your Workout Playlist
The perfect song can elevate your mood to a whole new level. There is a reason Zumba and other dance aerobics classes are successful. Music has the effect of reducing how much you think about exercising and the ability to increase your endurance. For those who don’t exactly enjoy making a trip to the gym, music can offer some assistance. While there are different genres better suited for specific exercise methods, this playlist offers a collection suited for anyone. Listen below!
15. Fall Out Boy – “Centuries”
Fall Out Boy’s latest release, “Centuries,” has to be included in any workout. The beat is driving, and the lyrics are inspiring.
14. Bleachers – “I Wanna Get Better”
Newcomers to the alternative scene, Bleachers released one of the best songs of the year called “I Wanna Get Better.” It’s incredibly motivating without being slow or boring.
13. New Politics – “Harlem”
“Harlem” is one of New Politics biggest hits. It must have been made specifically for gym-goers (probably not).
12. The Beastie Boys – “Sabotage”
The Beastie Boys created some of the best rap music of all time. “Sabotage” is one of their most iconic and definite to increase your motivation.
11. M.I.A. – “Paper Planes”
“Paper Planes” by M.I.A. is one of the best hip-hop songs of all time and definitely fun to exercise to. Just be careful not to make the hand signals while working out, as to avoid falling off a machine.
10. The White Stripes – “Icky Thump” and “Seven Nation Army”
The White Stripes are famous for their rocking guitar riffs and thumping drum kicks, so it’s no secret their music is perfect for exercise. I would recommend their entire discography, but ultimately, their hit singles like “Seven Nation Army” and “Icky Thump” are ideal.
9. The Ting Tings – “Shut Up and Let Me Go”
A forgotten gem from years past is “Shut Up and Let Me Go” by The Ting Tings. If listened to one too many times, it can be extremely obnoxious. But just the right amount and you’ll fall in love.
8. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – “Can’t Hold Us”
“Can’t Hold Us” is one of the many hits by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. I would recommend the entire Heist album to exercise to, but if you don’t have the patience, this is the best.
7. Eminem – “Till I Collapse”
Eminem is notorious for his powerful and mostly inspirational lyrics. “’Till I Collapse” is one of many that can be used for motivation.
6. Drake – “0-100”
Although Drake’s latest single “0-100/The Catch-Up” was released in July, it’s now beginning to climb up the charts. The single contains the classic elements of a rap song and offers a less emotional feel, as opposed to many of the artist’s songs.
5. OneRepublic – “Love Runs Out”
OneRepublic is making a comeback with their pop-infused alternative. Their latest release “Love Runs Out” is catchy and fun, providing a nice break from their breakthrough slower hits.
4. Queen – “Don’t Stop Me Now”
Another classic that can’t be forgotten is “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen. Really any song by Queen is motivation to exercise, but this hit is perfect for a workout playlist.
3. Bruce Springsteen – “Born to Run”
“Born to Run” is a classic, guaranteed to induce nostalgia and distract from the effort put into your workout. With the heavy instrumentals, the song is incredibly powerful and inspiring.
2. Imagine Dragons – “Radioactive – Grouplove and Captain Cuts Remix”
The remix for Imagine Dragon’s most popular song “Radioactive” offers a change of pace for those tired of the original. The remix features an enthusiastic verse by Kendrick Lamar, which is sure to transform your most likely unenthusiastic attitude.
1. Taylor Swift – “Shake It Off”
“Shake It Off” is essential to a good workout. One of the biggest songs of the year, it contains a sick. beat. that can make anyone get up off the couch and onto the treadmill.
REVIEW: …And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead’s Lost Songs
Would you like the V8 or the hybrid? The bacon burger or the salad? No, sorry, you have to choose. And since we’re already forcing you to make difficult decisions: Do you want your rock refined or raunchy?
… And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead have no problem dealing with this eternal conundrum. While 2002’s Source Tags & Codes stubbornly insisted on delivering real hooks and interesting compositions, it didn’t pull nearly enough punches to qualify as not hardcore. While you couldn’t call the album typical of the genre, you also couldn’t ignore the fact that any time a chance for understatement arose, the band took it into the alley behind the club and rearranged its face – reaffirming, in resolute and polarizing fashion, their own scene cred.
While Trail of Dead did go on to explore some other options, most agree they missed a signpost along the way, privileging extremity and caginess over focus and precision. Now, ten years after Codes, they present Lost Songs [out Oct. 23 on Superball], a record that recalls not only the sound, but the ethos of the band circa 2002.
Frontman Conrad Keely still sees the world through the same intensifying lens; every breakup is an apocalypse, every memory a 2×4 to the solar plexus. But Keeley is forty now, so instead of blotting out the sun with stories of failed relationships and professional frustrations, he’s more concerned with the zombified indolence that keeps people from taking action as the world falls apart around them.
“We’re catatonic, looking for something new,” Keely wails on “Catatonic,” sounding like a football coach trying to rally a team of seniors still hung over from last night’s prom. Fortunately, Trail of Dead have a way of making themes resonate both lyrically and sonically, bolstering the lyrical frustration of “Catatonics” with spazzy guitar lines that evoke the persistent itch of a hard-to-reach rash. Throughout the record, this same theme of destructive inertia resurfaces over and over; on “Open Doors”, Keely laments the ways in which hardship nudges us all down the easiest, least effective routes, everyone “[w]aiting for the answer/Walking through open doors.”
Closer “Time and Time Again”, with its acoustic strums and surprisingly melodic bass line, is Lost Songs’ greatest departure, and maybe its greatest achievement. Instead of turning inward and clawing at the walls of his skull, Keely gives us a melancholy anecdote buoyed by resignation instead of rage. “Drifting through the crowd I saw you glancing away/Terrified to meet my eyes,” he sings, the plain fact of his failure uncharacteristically speaking for itself.
The one sad takeaway from “Time and Time Again” is that it doesn’t belong; that, no matter how well done, that kind of song on this kind of record – a record otherwise so consistently vicious – is destined to be known as the runt of the litter. Until Trail of Dead work up the courage for another, more thoroughly considered reinvention, they’ll be captive to their own insistence that you simply have to choose.