2018 Index of Winners

It’s no surprise that Abuse of Power is the de facto leader of Atlanta hardcore. The group’s View of the Few single, and a cover of Car Vs. Driver’s Blame, are understated and message-oriented while avoiding pedantics. Each song defies the lack of diversity that plagues hardcore by the numbers with melodic riffs, sluggish/furious breakdowns, and vocals that elicit call-and-response, old-school-pile-on vibes. Such a tight, distinctive sound sets a high precedent for all of their counterparts to follow.

Photo courtesy of Farrah Skeiky

Since releasing their exceptional sophomore album Multi-task via Chicago’s Trouble In Mind Records, post-punk outfit OMNI just can’t slow down. With ex-Hello Ocho guitarist Chris Yonker serving as live drummer, singer and bass player Philip Frobos and guitarist Frankie Broyles have taken their wiry conglomeration of intricate riffs and angular grooves across the pond more than a few times for what?s shaped up to be a busy and successful year. The group waves its hometown banner further - geographically and aesthetically - than anyone else in the local rock scene. The new avenues on display with recent singles Sunset Preacher and Delicacy, are filled with promise for a deeper dive into the group’s intrepid ways.

(Photo Courtesy of Omni’s Facebook)

An eclectic mix of smooth jazz and soulful R&B stylings culminate in a spiritual awakening when Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics take the stage. Whether performing live, or at any point throughout the group’s latest album, State of All Things, Ruby Velle’s voice rings out with bravado and a presence that transcends the decades. Backed by the Soulphonics, the ensemble gives a nod to Stax Records’ rich legacy of Southern soul, funk, and R&B, and plants it firmly in the here and now, with sass, sophistication, and an unbeatable sense of style.

Photo courtesy of Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics Facebook page

Scaling the walls of Atlanta’s punk, hardcore, and DIY scenes, the paranoid chant that everyone is talking about this year is courtesy of Harmacy. Part noise rock, punk, and post-punk, the rising foursome unleashed a demo this summer that burst through genre barriers with a huge, chest-filling sound and wiry melodies. On stage, vocalist Brandon Reid tops off every shows with a visceral, brooding performance, sermonizing his lack of satisfaction with the state of the world, and forever pushing the music forward.

(Photo by Onyee Nwazue)