Elekibass, Velcro Stars, Ice Cream Socialists at 40 Watt, Feb. 26

There's a great big sold-out show tonight here in Atlanta -- Of Montreal with Elekibass and Psychic Hearts at Variety Playhouse. I'll be there (and hoping Kevin B. keeps his knickers on), so I hope to run into a few C&T friends. Rather than focus on that show I'd like to highlight what is happening at the 40 Watt in Athens on Monday night (2/26). That evening Elekibass takes over the top spot on the bill with support from Murfreesboro's Velcro Stars and the Athens-based Ice Cream Socialists.

The Velcro Stars and Ice Cream Socialists have been featured here before, and both are rising bands from the southeast. Elekibass, for those unfamiliar, is a Japanese mod-pop band that sounds something like an Eastern descendent of The Kinks, Os Mutantes, The Beach Boys, and early Of Montreal. Some songs are sung in English and some in Japanese, but just about all I've heard make you want to clap along and/or grab a tambourine. I've never seen 'em live, but have been given a multitude of gushing reviews when I have asked folks about them lately. I suppose I'll find out tonight when they open for Of Montreal.

Elekibass - Almanack [courtesy HHBTM]
Elekibass - Springtime is the Season [Of Montreal cover]
Velcro Stars - Cascade
Velcro Stars - Pavilion
Ice Cream Socialists - Day of the Danny
Ice Cream Socialists - Zagnut's Revenge

It's going to be a fun next few days. Woo!