Whatever happened to good old rock and roll?
The Beatles, Cream, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones all came out of the U.K. to light the rock revolution on fire defining an era where political and social unrest reached a fever pitch behind driving guitars and war abroad.
Today, the tastes have shifted ever closer to the rhythmic thump of house and hip-hop beats.
But who's to say that rock is dead? It is a time − some would say − of political upheaval once more. And maybe a time to return to those roots.
Here are five Atlanta bands that prove once and for all that rock is still rolling in the South, and where you can go see them next:
Jan. 20 @ 529
529 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta
With a sound more like psychedelic folk than traditional rock and roll, Slow Parade comprises a trio of phenomenal musicians who released their debut album "Big Plans" earlier this year.
Inspired in part by The Beach Boys and in part by Atlanta's thriving indie rock scene, Slow Parade represents a refreshing exploration of creativity served in a soundbite culture. Appalachian-inspired harmonies and pedal steel guitar complement the blend of genre bending sounds and just might catapult them toward even better times ahead.
Jan. 7 @ Ohmpark Fest
488 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta
Mix a splash of LCD Soundsystem with a little Talking Heads and you might wind up with a sound like the one churning out from Atlanta's own Dot.s. The band's sophomore album "We Swim" was released in November of 2016, and it blends precious pop melodies with avant-garde hooks while sprawling hypnotic beats fill the album and define the Dot.s live shows.
Jan. 27 @ Mammal Gallery
91 Broad St. SW, Atlanta, Ga. 30303
The origin of Atlanta quintet Hello Ocho stretches back to a time in 2010 when the band was just a trio. In the years since, the band has expanded its wacky and hypnotic vision.
2016's "In Portuguese" is filled with progressive rock tracks that take a listener on an eccentric, aggressive journey into what seems like the future. Rhythmically-driven, each track gives a glimpse into a world of possibilities. Entertaining, buoyant and exotic, Hello Ocho is a band you must see for yourself.
Credit: Mike Gerry
Credit: Mike Gerry
Jan. 28 @ The Earl
488 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta, Ga. 30316
OK, so Muuy Biien may be Athens-based, but the road to fame out of the college town to the east still runs directly back to Atlanta, where we're more than happy to give this band a second home. The band has come a long way since rising in the college band tradition out from the house parties of 2011, but its post-punk intensity remains the same. Muuy Biien's third album, "Age of Uncertainty," was released last year and with it brings haunting echoes and vibrating instrumentation − somber tracks to create a noir setting that infects and corrupts.
Jan. 10 @ The Georgia Theatre
215 N. Lumpkin St.
Deerhunter is one of Atlanta's original "indie" bands, around since 2001 and fast at work producing seven albums in the last 15 years. The bands ambient sound has a twist of angular garage rock that incorporates punk and pop elements. The resulting sound is diverse, to say the least.
Though Deerhunter has opened for Spoon and played major festivals like Coachella and Bonnaroo, the group still keeps an intimate persona. It still feels like a local band.
For all the big time festivals and crowds that Deerhunter still rocks, there still a band you can catch in Atlanta without all the fanfare.
For more on catching these Atlanta bands and national rocking acts, stay tuned to AJC music columnist Melissa Ruggieri's blog.
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