Blab Music
Athens Music Scene Highlights: New Releases, Upcoming Shows, and Live Recordings
On July 16, Atticus Roness unveiled a fresh single, “Wives’ Tale,” that will anchor his forthcoming album Rock ‘N’ Roll Hit Parade, slated for September 4. The track marries acoustic textures with a full‑band rock groove, evoking the swagger of 1980s glam metal and the sheen of 1970s glam pop. Roness will bring the song to life on Saturday, July 18, at the 40 Watt Club in Athens, sharing the stage with Arkose and The Wraps. Fans can secure tickets directly through the club’s website.
The 40 Watt Club is also set to stage the second annual Threats and Promises punk festival on Friday and Saturday, July 24‑25. The two‑day affair will showcase 37 bands, including Mr. [Redacted], Regulator, Mortuary Ritual, Harsh Words, Centipede, Big Trouble, Crying Form, Bolt Swallower, and Public Error. Each evening kicks off at 5:30 p.m., and advance tickets are priced at $15. After‑party sets will spill into the Nowhere Bar on Friday and The World Famous on Saturday.
Local indie‑rock outfit The New Architects has added a new EP, Perfect Strangers, to its catalog. The five‑track collection follows their 2012 album Hand Grenade Symphony and blends American indie sensibilities. Standout cuts include “Brooklyn,” “American Dream,” and “Somewhere Safe.” The EP is available on the band’s official Bandcamp page.
The Sunflower Concert Series will host The Original Splitz Band on Tuesday, July 21, from 7–9 p.m. at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at UGA. The group will perform a mix of classic Motown, 1970s funk, disco, and contemporary R&B. Ticket tiers are $24 for adults, $12 for ages 5–16, and free for children under five.
Hooker Vision has released two live recordings. The first, Live in Athens, GA 12/19/2025, features Jeffry Astin’s project Pile Scraper. The 21‑minute track is a hardware‑heavy loop of funk, soul, jazz, and pop samples, treated with pitch, delay, and distortion. The second release captures a live performance of the women’s improvisational drone collective Orcus from April 25, documenting five members—Rashaun Ellis, Rachel Evans, Leslie Grove, Stacy Harvey, and Mandy Mastrovita—performing across multiple movements.
The Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) will welcome the Tropical Breeze Steel Band on Saturday, July 18, from 7–9 p.m. at OCAF Rocket Hall in Watkinsville. Advance tickets are $23.18, with a $5 discount for OCAF members. The band was founded by former UGA percussion professor Tony “Doc” McCutchen.
Former Athens goth/death‑rock band Vision Video’s ex‑frontman Dusty Gannon is now releasing singles under Dusty Gannon and the Agonal Gasps. The single “Blood God” features a more melodic chorus than his earlier work and is available on major streaming services.
Conclusion The Athens music community continues to thrive, offering fresh releases, live recordings, and a slate of performances. Atticus Roness’s upcoming album, the Threats and Promises festival, and the Sunflower Concert Series underscore the city’s support for diverse genres. Fans can access new music via streaming platforms and Bandcamp, while tickets for local shows remain available through venue and event websites. Venues and organizations such as the 40 Watt Club, OCAF, and the State Botanical Garden provide vital spaces for both emerging and established artists.
The 40 Watt Club is also set to stage the second annual Threats and Promises punk festival on Friday and Saturday, July 24‑25. The two‑day affair will showcase 37 bands, including Mr. [Redacted], Regulator, Mortuary Ritual, Harsh Words, Centipede, Big Trouble, Crying Form, Bolt Swallower, and Public Error. Each evening kicks off at 5:30 p.m., and advance tickets are priced at $15. After‑party sets will spill into the Nowhere Bar on Friday and The World Famous on Saturday.
Local indie‑rock outfit The New Architects has added a new EP, Perfect Strangers, to its catalog. The five‑track collection follows their 2012 album Hand Grenade Symphony and blends American indie sensibilities. Standout cuts include “Brooklyn,” “American Dream,” and “Somewhere Safe.” The EP is available on the band’s official Bandcamp page.
The Sunflower Concert Series will host The Original Splitz Band on Tuesday, July 21, from 7–9 p.m. at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia at UGA. The group will perform a mix of classic Motown, 1970s funk, disco, and contemporary R&B. Ticket tiers are $24 for adults, $12 for ages 5–16, and free for children under five.
Hooker Vision has released two live recordings. The first, Live in Athens, GA 12/19/2025, features Jeffry Astin’s project Pile Scraper. The 21‑minute track is a hardware‑heavy loop of funk, soul, jazz, and pop samples, treated with pitch, delay, and distortion. The second release captures a live performance of the women’s improvisational drone collective Orcus from April 25, documenting five members—Rashaun Ellis, Rachel Evans, Leslie Grove, Stacy Harvey, and Mandy Mastrovita—performing across multiple movements.
The Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) will welcome the Tropical Breeze Steel Band on Saturday, July 18, from 7–9 p.m. at OCAF Rocket Hall in Watkinsville. Advance tickets are $23.18, with a $5 discount for OCAF members. The band was founded by former UGA percussion professor Tony “Doc” McCutchen.
Former Athens goth/death‑rock band Vision Video’s ex‑frontman Dusty Gannon is now releasing singles under Dusty Gannon and the Agonal Gasps. The single “Blood God” features a more melodic chorus than his earlier work and is available on major streaming services.
Conclusion The Athens music community continues to thrive, offering fresh releases, live recordings, and a slate of performances. Atticus Roness’s upcoming album, the Threats and Promises festival, and the Sunflower Concert Series underscore the city’s support for diverse genres. Fans can access new music via streaming platforms and Bandcamp, while tickets for local shows remain available through venue and event websites. Venues and organizations such as the 40 Watt Club, OCAF, and the State Botanical Garden provide vital spaces for both emerging and established artists.
