3 minute read
This Little Underground: new releases + concert picks
LOCAL RELEASES
Though maybe well-intentioned, the truth is most of us are just armchair soldiers slap-fighting on social media in the war for social justice. Orlando political punks Debt Neglector, however, have been in the IRL trenches with their action and their money.
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At the zenith of the historic 2020 election season, the band made some news — and as it turns out, a difference — when they funneled all sales from their last release (the Bad Faith EP) directly to Fair Fight Action. That Stacey Abramsfounded voter enfranchisement group wound up being instrumental in flipping Georgia — and with it, the U.S. Senate — to blue. That’s why I named Debt Neglector “Best punk-rock PAC” in last year’s Undie Awards.
That ethos continues in Debt Neglector’s next record, Dirty Water, a new 14-song album out Friday on powerhouse Orlando punk label Smartpunk Records. For this release, 10 percent of sales will be split between two groups supporting the lead-affected youth of Flint, Michigan: Flint Kids Fund and Sylvester Broome Empowerment Village. The album actually addresses that very issue right out the gate with opening track and lead single “Dirty Water.”
The rest of the new LP lets the fire burn by tackling issues and examining the personal tolls of living in the current climate. As missiles of message, Debt Neglector’s classic punk rock turns fierce disaffection into anthems of action and catharsis. Dirty Water is the sound and fury of some of Orlando’s most righteous musical activists. It streams everywhere Nov. 5 and will be available on colored vinyl through Smartpunk and Bandcamp.
Young Orlando band Fond — whose mammoth sound pounds on rock’s experimental and noisy fringes — have lately been making their way onto some quality bills around town. Recently, they posted a couple of new demos on Bandcamp, “I Have Your Face, I Have Your Name” and “Eli.” Both are marks of a promising group, especially the excellent “Eli,” which is a heavy and harrowing rock slither that writhes like a dark fever dream. These singles, as well as all of Fond’s releases so far, are available as name-your-price downloads on Bandcamp. On Friday, Nov. 5, they’ll open for witch-house titans White Ring alongside Mother Juno and DJ Maus at Will’s Pub.
BY BAO LE-HUU
DEBT NEGLECTOR | PHOTO BY MICHAEL ELIASSEN
MUSIC EVENTS THIS WEEK
David Dondero, David Zim: For the past two decades, David Dondero has remained one of the truest folk troubadours in the game. In heart and expression, he’s a pillar of authenticity and integrity. That consistently translates live into engagements of moving humanity. Opening will be Zap Dragon frontman David Zim. (8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, Stardust Video & Coffee, $7)
A Tribute to Gram Parsons: On the day after what would’ve been Parsons’ 75th birthday, an impressive Central Florida congregation will gather on stage to honor one of Florida’s most illustrious musical sons. Loaded with some leading lights in the area’s Americana scene, the five-act roster will include Amy Robbins, Prison Wine, Jackson & Forest Rodgers, Wes Morrison & the Stray Hares and Anthony Leon.
Expect an equally notable list of guests like Lauren Carder Fox, Tommy Cooper, Shadow Pearson, Paige Barton and Nick Landess to join the lineups. (8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6, Will’s Pub, $10-$15)
100 gecs, Alice Gas: Between generations and sensibilities, there are perhaps few more polarizing musical niches today than hyperpop. With their redlining tendencies and stylistic promiscuity, the headlining 100 gecs are one of the microgenre’s leading poster children. Add in the manic dance music of opener Alice Gas and this lineup will either feel utterly now or make you absolutely nonplussed about the youth of today. (6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, The Beacham, $25-$30)
Howling Giant, Horseburner,
Jakethehawk, Trash Cinema: Calling all bongheads. Between Nashville’s Howling Giant, West Virginia’s Horseburner and Pittsburgh’s Jakethehawk, there’s so much stoner rock rolled up into this bill that a contact high is all but guaranteed. And keeping it all on the heavy will be Orlando openers Trash Cinema, the grunge-thick rock band formerly known as Yogurt Smoothness. (8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, Will’s Pub, $12)
baolehuu@orlandoweekly.com
