Royal Thunder

Dressed in black and a penchant to tell stories through live performances, Royal Thunder starts off every song with a jingle and a guitar solo before jumping themselves into a melody driven hard rock and heavy metal jam session. The three-member band goes heavy on playing odd time signatures layered with thick, dense sounds. Each song is sung in a melismatic style with a moody and atmospheric tone to it. The melodies are kept and driven by strict guitar rhythms and hard drumming.

Originally formed in 2007, Royal Thunder took off in 2009 with a new album released and titled CV. Lead singer Mlny says she performs because "that's one thing I can do that doesn't allow me to conceal who I really am.". Since then, they have played across the country and this fall, they are expected to tour Europe.

Bottom Line: Go watch them for the passion and energy they display. Their unique melodic, hard sound should not be taken for granted. This band will keep your eyes glued to them and your ears in tune with their music.

The Locksmyth

This three-man band is delightful to watch. The Locksmyth's music stays rooted in funk and blues-influenced rock and roll but they also incorporate Cabaret, Ragtime, Jazz, and Psychedelic sounds as well. Along with their unique style of rock and roll, the band's lead singer Ethan Gabriel Jack singing ranges from echoes to whistling. Each song is crafted with heavy emphasis on improvised guitar solos and Ethan's soft vocals going high and low.

Started in 2012, Ethan and his friend Dustin Cox, guitarist for The Locksmyth, decided to collaborate with Atlanta based producer Joey Jones after their stint with another band, "A The Color". Since then their profile has grown considerably, recently opening for the Royal Thunder at the Earl.

The Locksmyth are scheduled to play at the 2013 IMR Festival on August 10 at the Basement. Doors open at 5 p.m., music starts at 6 p.m.

Bottom line: This band has potential and it has all the ingredients to become the next big act in music. The Locksmyth are pushing the musical boundaries, mixing various genres with it's funk and blues-infused rock and roll and displaying a technical efficiency in sound craftsmanship.

Members:   Ethan Gabriel Jack
                  Mr. Dustin Cox
                  Andres Miller
                  Jimmy Conely
                  Troy Wolf
                  Taylor Tindell
                  Josh Yoder
                  Joey Jones
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheLocksmyth/info

Website: http://the-locksmyth.bandcamp.com/

Lowbanks

Riding high on charisma and only on charisma, Lowbanks is a band fun to watch live. It is not playing anything unique or mind blowing. The band plays a mix of blues and punk rock.  Formed in the summer of 2011, originally the band was called Rabbit Run and it's sound was a lot more melodic. A bit softer let's say. Shortly thereafter, lead vocalist John Graffo came up with the name Lowbanks and from then on, their songs became more aggressive and fast paced. Oh and Lowbanks is also a city in Canada. Not that it matters but the band wanted to point that out to me.

Lowbanks thrives on collaborative song writing. John like to tell stories and their song "Born a Cosmonaut" is about a man who wakes up alone on a distant planet. At first, he likes the idea of being alone on a distant planet but starts to realize he is going to die alone. So he figures out he needs to get back to planet Earth. Quite amusing how Josh came up with the story.  

Bottomline: These guys had nothing better to do so they formed a band and rocked out live on stage. Go and see them for the live performances, drunk! Music, not much except if you are into headbanging to loud, punk-influence music.

Burners

This band is not doing anything new but it's live performances will burn you. The Burners, a three piece punk rock band has all the ingredients to keep your head bang and your feet moving. If you are into A Wilhelm Scream or Rise Against, this band's strips down its music, emphasizing on guitar solos and heavy drumming.

Bottom Line: It's for those who digest loud, banging, screaming, old-fashioned punk rock.

The Wild

Nothing makes a band more happy than coming back home... home meaning Atlanta and seeing their dedicated fans brave the rain to see them. The five-piece band, The Wild comes from their love of playing music and backpacking out in mother nature. Their music is rooted in raw, hardcore punk rock but layered with a tinge of folk-influenced, Bruce Springsteen-esque sounds.

The Wild is more than a hybrid folk-meets-punk band. Their lyrics are diverse ranging from politics to inspiring people that the sky is the limit. Performances are very emotional as one of the lead singers, Dianna teared up when she declared that Atlanta is truly the greatest city. At to add to this raw display of emotion, she asked her fans, if her lipstick is smearing her teeth. It was sort of a weird moment, but the audience got a kick when she applied more lipstick.

Bottom line: People who love punk rock, especially the raw strip down version will enjoy their live performances. Also for those who still listen to the Violent Femmes, check these guys out, their music is more high tempo though but Steve, who plays the banjo, adds folksy, clear, crisp sound to the loud guitars and heavy drumming.

Band Members:
Dianna - vocals, tambourine
Bryan - drums
Witt - vocals, guitar, harmonica
Steve - banjo, vocals
Dakota - bass