The Lanes Debut and Athens Music Roundup

THE LANES STRIKE OUT ON THEIR OWN: Last week, a lucky few caught The Lanes opening for the Drive-By Truckers, and for those who missed it, there’s no need to fret. The band has just released their eponymous debut album, a 10-track exploration of rock’s many dialects. Core members Matt and Kevin Lane are joined by Richard Milkulka and Chuck Bradburn, with production and mastering overseen by Jason NeSmith at Chase Park Transduction.

The album’s influences stretch far and wide, from Big Star to the Beach Boys, with standout tracks including the reflective mid-tempo “It’s Only You,” reminiscent of the Jesus & Mary Chain, and the melodic “I Won’t Say Anything,” echoing Big Star’s bittersweet charm. Far from rushed, the record invites listeners to savour its subtle intricacies. It is available at thelanesathensga.bandcamp.com.

THREE-PEAT FRIDAY AT DEAD BEAT CLUB: On Friday, 20 February, the newly renamed Dead Beat Club (formerly Buvez) hosts a triple bill featuring Immaterial Possession, Telemarket, and Nicholas Mallis. The evening also celebrates Mallis’s freshly released single, “A Program To Invest In” (out 18 February), a clever spaghetti Western-inspired track, complete with a jazzy saxophone interlude by Jeff Webber. The song delves into loneliness and the absurdities of multi-level marketing schemes.

CRACKER CAMP-IN #12 MOVES FAST: The annual Cracker Camp-In returns to the 40 Watt Club from Thursday, 12 March, to Saturday, 14 March. Three-day passes cost $177.82 (including fees, excluding tax) and include a signed poster and meet-and-greet. Individual night tickets are $39.84.

Tickets at 40watt.com; full details at crackersoul.com.

UPCOMING & RECENT RELEASES:

Flat Duo Jets: Boogie On Your Head! is reissued on limited rose-splatter vinyl (1,500 copies) for Record Store Day, 18 April, featuring 1989 sessions previously in a 2017 boxed set.

Bayou Princess: Their new album Burger In My Mouth delivers eight tracks of “egg punk,” a frenetic, tuneful blend of swamp rock and proto-punk. Key track: “Internet Narcissist.”

Glance Of Dismissal: Them Or Us, a hardcore-infused release recalling 1980s and 1990s punk, balances garage rock chunkiness with memorable choruses.

Ixian: Their latest split with Disposal Unit and Beauty (PA) includes four Ixian tracks, from the Swans-like “Amen” to “Metaverse Real Estate Mogul.” Available digitally or on cassette.

Athens music fans have a wealth of new material to explore this season, from introspective rock to high-energy punk and inventive DIY pop.