The ninth annual Atlanta Mess-Around will fill the stages at The Earl and 529 on April 28 and 29. The punk-rock fest is an East Atlanta institution, upholding the neighborhood's tradition of music from local underdogs, community and a little punk rock rowdiness.
Tickets are $10 for day shows at 529 and $25 for night shows at The Earl; or you can do yourself a solid and buy the weekend pass for $60. For those coming from elsewhere in the city, carpooling or Uber will be your best bet.
Once you get there, crack open a cold PBR (another East Atlanta Village staple) and do some messing around.
Here are five must-see bands to get the most out of your weekend:
Friday, Apr. 28
4-4:30 p.m. at 529
This Atlanta lo-fi indie rock quartet is fairly new to the music scene as a group, but features scene vet members from Places to Hide, Savant and the Wild. The little that has been officially released (their self-titled EP comes out June 2) has a quirky and raw kinetic energy; dance-able by way of pulsing drums and basement pop hooks.
Saturday, Apr. 29
10:45-11:15 p.m. at The Earl
Hailing all the way from Bloomington, Indiana, The Cowboys just might prove to be America's band. The band's got three records under their belt since they got together in 2012 — all of which have been released on cassettes, interestingly. Although they garner inspiration from Brian Wilson and DEVO, their sound is unique and completely their own; hints of '70s rock and pop float throughout the band's garage punk essence.
Saturday, Apr. 29
8 p.m. at The Earl
Commercial success may have eluded Redd Kross, but the band has never been short on delivering rock 'n' roll with a vengeance. Brothers Jeff and Steven McDonald founded the band 34 years ago in Los Angeles during the first wave of LA punk. They took an indefinite hiatus after their 1997 album, Show World, and were coaxed out of retirement in 2007. With no surprise, Redd Kross picked up right where they left off — possibly a little tighter and refined than before.
Friday, Apr. 28
6:20 p.m. at 529
When Los Angeles punk rockers The Chiefs take the stage at Atlanta Mess-Around, it will be their second performance in the city this year, which is strange because it will also be just the fourth or fifth show they've played since 1982. If the band had a Wikipedia page (they don't), it's 'years active' section would read: 1979-82, 2017-present. The band isn't exactly reuniting for the revival tour, as bass-playing founder Bob Glassley is the only original member of the Chiefs to actually remain. The balance of the new Chiefs is made up of Atlanta-area musicians.
Saturday, Apr. 29
5:15-5:45 p.m. at 529
Whether you're a seasoned punk rocker or new to the scene, GG King remains a local mainstay. King's a former member of legendary Atlanta punks, the Carbonas, which in its dissolve broke the hearts of many fans. He debuted his own ensemble in 2009 — occurring several changes along the way, but never his focus on being a frontman. Kings one of the most ferocious, underground acts this city has to offer.
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