The Rock*A*Teens had a ragged, reverberating wail that was easy to imagine cascading down the time-tattered streets of Cabbagetown. That sound had much to do with the vocals of singer/songwriter/guitarist Chris Lopez, who continues the world-weary tradition in his new band, TENEMENT HALLS. Lopez’s gently frayed voice quavers just barely above the spooks that taunt him, and his sly, spry melodies recall facets of the Kinks and Elvis Costello. While scratchy and mesmeric organs and jangly guitars warble moodily, Lopez paints scenarios of desperate, tired narrators.
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In one short year, SNOWDEN has evolved from a pasted-together five-piece crew of musicians assembled to bring to life the macabre Cure-isms of singer/guitarist Jordan Jeffares to a solid draw quartet and Earl headliner who relentlessly tour. Snowden has been well received along the East Coast, including New York City, and could possibly be looking to make a move - both in terms of magnitude and maybe location. Hopefully Jeffares, a master of icy moans, will warm up to staying in Atlanta. "www.snowden.info" less...

Remember a couple years back when Shelby Lynne nabbed a Best New Artist Grammy, and dryly commented how it was nice to get such recognition for her "sixth" album? That's kind of how we feel about local "New Rock/Classic Alternative" radio station 99X anointing the long-toiling FIVE EIGHT as an "upstart band." Still, we're happy to see Mike Mantione's rocking outfit (which has been around in one form or another since the late '80s) get recognized. "www.fiveeight.com" less...

We may find 99X's embrace of Five Eight as an "upstart band" to be funny, but we've got to give the radio station props for also throwing a bone to infectious Athens trio THE WHIGS. The band's inclusion in the lineup for the station's Upstart Fest Pt. 2 concert at the Masquerade Music Park Sept. 12 is definitely appropriate, given the Whigs' bracing collision of indie-rock and toothache-sweet pop hooks. Of course, don't forget which Atlanta media outlet was championing them "first". (That's us, in case you were wondering.) "www.whigs.net" less...