I saw this band a few months back when they came through Augusta. To say I was impressed would be a disservice to them. If I recall correctly, they opened for Casper and The Cookies. Athens bands play here often and I love it. I got their new album AZAR (and the new Casper CD and The Optimists Club on vinyl).

When I saw it reviewed over at punk news, and so favorably, I had to mention it.

The first of the “Azar”s penned by keyboardist Jeremy Sellers, “Azar One” opens the record slowly, pulling in more notes as it builds. Evoking a sunrise with its slow/steady measuring and gorgeous orchestration, it perfectly sets the tempo for AZAR. It starts off rather electronic-based before more organic instrumentation — dig those cymbal swells — kicks in. In the first of many excellent transitions, the track segues into lead single “Ryan’s Song.” Lawson and violist/vocalist Karolyn Troupe harmonize pretty dang well over a driving beat and ethereal guitar/strings/keys. And of course, it transitions well into track 3, “Okay.”

The one thing that cannot be argued about the album is how it flows from start to finish -from the moment AZAR I starts your mind will be lost in it, grumpily awakening as it realizes the last track is over.

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4. Music Review: Lagwagon – I think my older brother used to listen to Lagwagon
5. Music Review: Anti-Flag – The Bright Lights of America