Antique Firearms
This year has been the year for local indie-rockers Antique Firearms. Actually, the musicians have only been a band for about a year, but already they've released a substantial EP, developed a noteworthy atmospheric sound and headlined a local showcase at The Orange Peel. The smart, sonically intriguing quintet is made up of three brothers Dotson and two brothers-from-another-mother. http://www.reverbnation.com/antiquefirearms
Blackberry Smoke
Country meets Southern rock in Blackberry Smoke. And with its denim-and-long-hair aesthetic and sibling musicians (the rhythm section is the Turner Brothers), the band recalls the Allman Brothers of 40 years ago. In a good way. Ironically, Blackberry Smoke first found fame in the North and is now working to win over the South. http://blackberrysmoke.com
The Buchanan Boys
Sylva’s Buchanan Boys make country for those who appreciate the bare necessities. Their no-nonsense songs feature working men that strive to remain good at heart in the face of toil and strife. The band’s music is an apt complement, fitting acoustic strums with dreamy slide guitar and electric riffs with a relaxing melody. The Buchanan Boys’ songs search for the beauty in everyday life. Their economical approach to country is a musical extension of that mission. http://www.thebuchananboys.net
CrazyHorse & Colston
Local hip-hop duo CrazyHorse & Colston (Max Hupertz and Bryan Godleski) was named among the best hip-hop groups of 2011 in Xpress’ Best of WNC readers' poll. The duo’s new album, Backroads & Bonfires, draws on influences including rock, blues and country, and taps guest artists such as Don Lewis of bluegrass band Sons of Ralph and members of reggae group Common Foundation. http://www.reverbnation.com/crazyhorseandcolston
David Mayfield Parade
David Mayfield is the supportive big brother who helped little sis (and Bele Chere alum) Jessica Lea Mayfield get her first record to Black Keys' Dan Auerbach. Mayfield (who's also been a member of Cadillac Sky and is pals with the Avett Brothers) leads his own dynamic folk-rock band, The David Mayfield Parade. That band is, by the way, trying to raise cash for a sophomore album. If you like what you hear, contribute to the Kickstarter fund. http://thedavidmayfieldparade.com
Doc Aquatic
Asheville's psychedelic indie-rockers Doc Aquatic have steadily built and honed a sound that, at first, comes across as untethered and loose, but upon closer inspection is orchestrated and thoughtful. The band's songs (like those on just-released LP — an ironically named five-song EP) ebb and flow in waves of layered instrumentation and dreamy lyrics perfect for an endless summer day. http://www.reverbnation.com/docaquatic
Los Amigos Invisibles
A Venezuelan dance band that fuses bits of psyched-out jazz, disco and funk into a vivacious melting pot of international influence, Los Amigos Invisibles are not a gimmick. With two decades and a Latin Grammy to their credit, the outfit is a savvy and sensual ensemble that blends myriad genres without forsaking a sexy beat and an otherworldly sense of exuberance. 2011’s Not So Commercial is a high-water mark, a feverish distillation of styles that heaps drugged-up atmospherics onto unstoppable rhythm. http://amigosinvisibles.com
Papa Grows Funk
Finding success playing party-ready funk in New Orleans is no easy task. In a town overflowing with formidable booty-shakers, standing out from the crowd takes some chops, and Papa Grows Funk has that. This feisty five-piece plays it straight, tearing through tangled bass lines and guitar licks, garnishing them with the grandiose gauze of John “Papa” Gros’ organ lines. Content to perfect rather than innovate, Papa Grows Funk serves up potent jams that are sure to please. http://www.papagrowsfunk.com
Spicy Moustache & the Flavor Saviors
Jon James, frontman of Asheville’s self-proclaimed “Funk-Hop/Soul Rock” outfit Spicy Moustache & the Flavor Saviors, doesn’t so much rap as rant. That’s not a complaint. His words cascade in arrhythmic tumbles adding immediacy to the kinetic funk of the seven-piece band that backs him. Captured on a 2010 demo, the players speed through entry-level exercises with jam-band enthusiasm, curtailing the song lengths and focusing their power in the process. It’s far from revolutionary, but it will suffice for some summertime fun in the sun. http://spicymustachetheflavorsaviors.bandcamp.com
Whitney Moore
The style of Asheville’s Whitney Moore is a direct reflection of her life experience. She was raised in a family of professional musicians, refining her resonant pipes from an early age. In her adult life, she has traveled the globe informing her mostly acoustic ruminations with Latin jazz, Spanish flamenco and African rhythm. Her strong sense of melody unites these influences for a unique twist on the singer-songwriter tradition. http://www.whitneymoore.com
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