Celebrating the Untold Story of Athens' Iconic Five Eight

In the vibrant music scene of Athens, Georgia, two remarkable achievements have recently come to light. First, the decades-long journey of the beloved local band Five Eight has been immortalized in a captivating documentary film, "Weirdo: The Story of Five Eight." Secondly, the city's thriving independent film community has once again showcased its creativity and talent with the upcoming third annual VHS Fest, hosted by the dynamic JOKERJOKERtv. These events not only celebrate the rich artistic tapestry of Athens but also shine a spotlight on the resilience and innovation that have long defined this remarkable city.

Uncovering the Untold Tales of Athens' Musical Legends

Weirdo: Diving into the Captivating Story of Five Eight

After years of anticipation, director Marc Pilvinsky's documentary film "Weirdo: The Story of Five Eight" is finally ready to captivate audiences. Pilvinsky, a former Flagpole editor who lived in Athens during the band's 1990s heyday, has crafted a beautifully shot and wonderfully realized exploration of the group's remarkable journey. The film features insightful commentary from a diverse array of Athens luminaries, including Bill Berry (R.E.M.), Amy Ray (Indigo Girls), Patterson Hood (Drive-By Truckers), Kevn Kinney (Drivin N Cryin), Vanessa Briscoe Hay (Pylon, Pylon Reenactment Society), Mike Albanese (Cinemechanica), Michelle Roche (Michelle Roche Media Relations), and David Barbe (Chase Park Transduction), as well as the band members themselves.The film's premiere screenings are scheduled for September 28th and 29th at Ciné, with a live performance by Five Eight in the Ciné lab on the 28th. Audiences are advised to act quickly, as the initial screenings are expected to sell out rapidly. An additional screening will take place on October 5th at Waller's Coffee in Decatur, where Five Eight will also perform that evening. This comprehensive exploration of the band's legacy promises to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike, offering a rare glimpse into the creative and personal journeys that have defined one of Athens' most enduring musical acts.

Celebrating the Vibrant Independent Film Scene with VHS Fest

Alongside the celebration of Five Eight's story, the Athens creative community is gearing up for the third annual VHS Fest, hosted by the unstoppable JOKERJOKERtv. This year's event, set to take place on November 3rd at Athentic Brewing Co., promises to be a thrilling showcase of the city's independent film talent. The call for entries is now open through October 20th, and both vendors and artists are encouraged to submit their work using the same entry form.The VHS Fest is a unique celebration of the analog era, with live music, visuals, and the opportunity to uncover promotional video tapes made specifically for the event. Organizers caution that the work involved in putting together such an event is "nearly 100% thankless, grueling and expensive," urging participants to submit their entries early to make the process easier for the dedicated team behind the festival.

Shaking the Foundations of Athens' Metal Scene

In addition to the cinematic and musical celebrations, the Athens music scene is also gearing up for a heavy metal extravaganza. Shadebeast, the mighty booking and promotion powerhouse, is celebrating its seventh anniversary with a two-night event at Flicker on September 13th and 14th. Featuring a lineup of eight bands, the festival promises to be a true metal spectacle, with tickets priced at a mere per night or for both nights – a remarkable value considering the caliber of the performers.The Friday lineup includes Pervert, Rosie and The Rat Dogs, Weaponized Flesh, and Spoil, while Saturday will feature Guillotine A.D., Beast Mode, Maha Pralaya, and the debut performance of The Flesh That Binds. Maha Pralaya, in particular, is being hailed as the first Athens band that truly feels like it has Satan as its co-pilot, promising to deliver a truly otherworldly metal experience.

Exploring the Eclectic Soundscapes of Iodine Watt

Amidst the flurry of musical and cinematic events, the Athens music scene has also welcomed a new collection of tunes from the enigmatic Iodine Watt. Titled "Awful Waffle," this six-track release may have a questionable name, but the music itself is a captivating exploration of diverse sonic landscapes.From the minimally percussive yet driven "Cold Breath" to the punchy future pop of "The Dead Should Stay Dead," the album transports the listener into a Lynchian world where the boundaries of genre are blurred. The empty streetscape new urbanist jazz of "Palate Cleanser" and the reimagined Tropicalia of "16-Bit Karma" showcase the artist's versatility and innovative approach to sound. While the inclusion of the drone-like "Space Wizard Deluxe" may not be entirely necessary, the album's closer, "Dungeon Run!," delivers a thrilling near-outrun-style treat that leaves the listener craving more.Iodine Watt's "Awful Waffle" is a testament to the depth and diversity of the Athens music scene, offering a captivating glimpse into the mind of a truly unique and boundary-pushing artist.