At least 10 South Carolina bands drop albums in August, but what do double digits really mean for the music scene? | Charleston Scene
Whether it was the summer heat or a carefully planned series of debuts, at least 10 South Carolina bands have released or are releasing EPs or full-length albums this August. What would seem like an impressive feat is seemingly becoming the norm.
The question is whether there are significantly more bands cropping up in the South Carolina music scene, or has it just become much easier to self-release music in the digital age? With easy access to online listening platforms escalating, the question also arises whether the local scene is becoming diluted with more music but not necessarily noteworthy music.
"I feel like the digital age has taken away from the significance of releasing a record," says Andrew Oliver of Greenville psychedelic band Brother Oliver. "The ability for musicians to record so easily from home studios has given a lot of freedom to create bountifully, but it creates a unique filter-less scenario for the consumer. However, it does just reinforce the need for artists to create something that is truly compelling."
Though a slew of new albums does not equate to a good music scene per say, it does equate to an active one. The more artists who are releasing music and playing shows at local venues, the more chances for the Needtobreathes and Shovels & Ropes to break out into the spotlight.
"With the success Susto and Stop Light Observations have had, I guess people feel like it is more possible than it has been in the past," says tomatoband pianist Alex Irwin of becoming a successful musician. "So, bands are trying harder and taking themselves more seriously."
But also, there is more competition toward that ultimate goal, not only locally but nationally and globally. So, while the digital age makes it easier to release music, it also makes it harder to strike it big without integral connections. The saga of sustaining a music career continues, and on a local level, it is infinitely harder.
Yet, for bands both releasing music as a passion project and those looking to make a career out of it, the first step is getting music out to the public. A popular trend is premiering a smaller amount of music at one time for easier consumption. Thus, the four or five-track EP has become a beacon debut disc, as can be seen from many of the newly formed bands who make the August list. Accompanying these shorter compilations are often CD release shows, where physical copies and merchandise are sold and new music is played live. This is ultimately the way many self-published or small independent label bands are making money in the streaming age.
"It's hard to justify recording costs when the return on tracks and albums is so scarce," says D.J. Edwards of Charleston surf rock band Beach Sex. "Skimping on recording is an awful idea, so the solution is a short EP."
Regardless of whether the music being released in South Carolina is financially self-sustaining, one can't negate the importance of a local art scene representing a wide range of influences. From Charleston blues to Columbia grunge and Greenville dream pop, there is a large scope of genres being represented by these artists.
This month is not the end-all be-all of South Carolina music by any means. Stay tuned for the hip-hop artists, death metal projects and electronic producers who also are gaining momentum but not included in this month's release round. You can even listen to a brand-new single from an upcoming September EP by Spartanburg group The Apartment Club that is being exclusively premiered in this article.
As the conversation continues, so does the music. Both are far from over, and both are worth contemplating and consuming. Here is our take on the 10 South Carolina albums of August.
Beach Sex: "S/T"
Charleston, Aug. 24
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After taking off their signature black ski masks at a July show at the Royal American, the members of Charleston surf rock trio Beach Sex revealed their identities and announced a new EP, "S/T," to be released on Aug. 24. Fuzzed out with rippling guitar, hazy vocals and dizzy harmonies, four-song "S/T" oozes the sun-soaked vibes of end of the summer bliss. Blending influences of The Beach Boys, Wavves and The Strokes, Beach Sex creates an energetic arrangement of catchy August anthems. Second track "Right or Wrong" takes the listener straight to the shoreline, while "Sucker" is a lively barrage of sonic distortion with manic drumming and lyrics of surf days and relationship waves before fading into a dramatic spaced-out outro. Meanwhile, video single "Elaine" gets deep with its lyrics as a beautiful juxtaposition to the easygoing instrumental backdrop.
Website: facebook.com/beachsexchs
If you go
WHAT: Beach Sex with White Hall and Hot Showers
WHEN: 8 p.m. Aug. 24
WHERE: Redux Contemporary Art Center, 1056 King St.
PRICE: $5
Dead Swells: "Dead Swells"
Columbia, Aug. 3
Columbia five-piece pop-rock band Dead Swells released a five-track self-titled EP on Aug. 3. The disc's layered electric guitars and drums battle it out for the lead rhythmic position, creating a unique blend in which the bass and vocals serve as supporting characters. First track "Be Here" opens with a reverb-laced surf introduction before grooving into a catchy melodic guitar line highlighted by crisp distant drums and effervescent vocals. "Losing" delves into a wavy guitar lick and sweetly distorted pop elements. Then, "Get Us Home" arrives with a steady rhythmic drumbeat and a flowing guitar melody complemented by grungy, echoed vocals. A funk element is introduced in last track "In Your Head," which uses harmonized fingerpicking to create a feathery, whimsical atmosphere.
Website: deadswells.bandcamp.com
If you go
WHAT: Dead Swells with Youth Model
WHEN: 6 p.m. Sept. 8
WHERE: Palmetto Brewing, 289 Huger St.
PRICE: Free
Brother Oliver: "Brother Oliver"
Greenville, Aug. 25
Released with Forthright Records, Brother Oliver's self-titled eight-track album displays a wide range of instruments and sentiments from the psychedelic folk rock group. "Where's My Tie?" escalates in speed and volume before hitting a slow, steady pace reminiscent of a peyote-inspired Western trail. There's an emotion-driven back-and-forth stride that takes the listener on a whirlwind journey. Meanwhile, slow burner "Maybe" includes a soft tribal instrumental backdrop with a subtle tambourine hit and simple vocals arranged in clear harmonies. "Darling" incorporates trumpet, synth bass and bar chimes in a surreal introduction before a sonic break that grows into a rock thunderstorm. And the blues make an appearance with "Prime Lighting" before last instrumental track "Pleasant Dr." arrives with acoustic guitar layered beneath an airy high-pitched whistle.
Website: brotheroliver.com
If you go
WHAT: Brother Oliver with Grace Joyner, Contour and Fortune Teller
WHEN: 9 p.m. Sept. 3
WHERE: The Royal American, 970 Morrison Drive
PRICE: $5
Tom Angst: "Tom Angst"
Greenville, Aug. 18
Tom Angst's debut self-titled EP was recorded at Black Sneaker Souls in Greenville, where the indie pop band also will have its album release show on Aug. 18. The five-track disc kicks off with the beautiful vocals and thoughtful insecurity-driven lyrics of single "Inferiority Complex." Next piece "'50s Song (Waking Up)" arrives in a dream pop display before "Growth" sinks into a mellow guitar rhythm and ethereal melancholy harmonies. "I'm Probably Overthinking It" then features a unique rhythmic breakdown among cymbal-heavy drumming.
Website: facebook.com/tomangstband
Mark Bryan: "Songs of the Fortnight"
Charleston , Aug. 11
Famed guitarist of Hootie & the Blowfish Mark Bryan dropped his third solo album this month, including a blend of songs he has been writing and releasing over the course of three years. "If You Saw Her" is a stand-out feel-good love ballad crooning of breezy islands, moonlit sand and starlit kisses. Then, debut single "Forgetting About Me" features a more rock-based backdrop laced with airy harmonies. "My Baby, She's Alright" is a little repetitive, though stimulating. While Bryan's vocals can't compare with Hootie's Darius Rucker and the disc pushes out basic pop sentiments, he manages to craft an unmistakable Charleston ambiance in "Songs of the Fortnight."
Website: markbryanmusic.com
tomatoband: "Disc Uncertain"
Charleston, Aug. 3
"Disc Uncertain" was released on Wappoo Cuts Records by tomatoband, an experimental project featuring funk, jazz, electronic, reggae and psychedelic elements. Guaranteed to be a full compilation unlike anything you've ever quite heard, 13-song "Disc Uncertain" has the explorative ethereal patterns of "Solitude is Bliss" by Tame Impala but a range that far exceeds it. There are all-instrumental electronic songs. There are bizarre chantings. There are easygoing island beats. There are even organ solos. And song titles such as "Octopus Pie," "Innards For Dinner" and "Meat Load" make it no less strange. It's weird but it's well-orchestrated ... and memorable.
Website: tomatobandmusic.com
If you go
WHAT: tomatoband
WHEN: 8 p.m. Sept. 16
WHERE: Chico Feo, 122 East Ashley Ave., Folly Beach
PRICE: Free
Badweather: "Confide"
Columbia, Aug. 4
Formed by previous members of short-lived Columbia rock group Corbett Alexander, Badweather launches with first EP "Confide," premiered Aug. 4 at a three-EP release show at New Brookland Tavern with Yosef and Dead Swells. The Badweather trio features a heavier sound than the previous setup, noticeable through hard-hitting, wailing electric guitar work and gritty breakdowns. "Ghost" arrives with a dated sound in the vein of The Get Up Kids, yet "For Now" piques interest with intricate melodic guitar layering and power pop vocals. The hard rock soundscape shifts for "Wanderer," a slow, soft, sad ballad with dreamy harmonies. Then, last track "Brother" takes on a haunted persona to end the compilation. Badweather played at the Purple Buffalo on Aug. 11 for the Charleston release show but has no other tour dates in town for now.
Website: facebook.com/badweathersc
Kidd Aggie: "Kidd Aggie"
Charleston, Aug. 17
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The organizer of acoustic open mic nights at Freehouse Brewery, Kidd Aggie is a lover of hats (he works at a haberdashery) and of blues. His soulful melodies from his new self-titled EP are in agreement. The four-song disc is a far cry from his live acoustic open mic segments. The sound is full and encompassing, including intricate guitar work, bluesy vocals and some serious vintage soul. "Shortcut to Nowhere" has a heavy rhythm section and a chorus hard to get out of your head. "Downtown" is an anthem to drunken nights on King Street, with expert string playing and an ode to the lost "phones, keys and wallets." "Worth It" may be the best track on the EP with honest insightful lyrics and an encapsulating unique melody marked by expert electric guitar layers.
Website: facebook.com/kiddaggiemusic
If you go
WHAT: Kidd Aggie with Issac Smith, Mel Washington and Watson Village
WHEN: 9 p.m. Aug. 24
WHERE: The Royal American, 970 Morrison Drive
PRICE: $5
Yosef: "Are You Still There?"
Columbia, Aug. 4/Sept. 8
Columbia solo artist Yosef released full-length album "Are You Still There?" at a local show at New Brookland Tavern on Aug. 4. However, the album will not be available digitally until Sept. 8. The nine-track disc questions the existence of God with the title track, which falls somewhere between Southern folk rock and Christian rock. While the full-band element adds texture and interest, it takes away some of the heartfelt sentiment that shines through best acoustically. The album returns to the basics for its best tracks, particularly with "Turn Back the Time," which features slow acoustic guitar, soaring vocals and a goosebump-inducing nostalgia before last track "Threads" builds in intensity and emotion to end the disc.
Website: yosefmusic.com
Soft Focus: "Snooze"
Columbia, Aug. 21
Releasing in line with the eclipse, "Snooze" by Columbia experimental hard rock band Soft Focus features heavy guitar, clashing vocals and a distorted groove. "Night Crawler" is a mosh-worthy collision, though the tightness of the instruments is questionable. Seeking chaos, Soft Focus arrives in overwhelming sonic bubbles with electronic glitches and guitar wails before slowing down the pace for some white space. This is not an album for everyone to say the least, but a select crowd will be sure to enjoy them live.
Website: www.facebook.com/S0FTF0CUS
*You can listen to these albums on a variety of platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, iTunes, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, Google Play, Tidal, Amazon, Pandora and more.
5 albums to look for in September
The Apartment Club: "The Apartment Club"
Spartanburg, Sept. TBD
*single premiere for Charleston Scene*
Secret Guest: "Dry Jest"
Charleston, Sept. 1
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Jump Castle Riot: "Glitter and Gold"
Charleston, Sept. 27
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Estuarie: "Polarity"
Greenville, Sept. 5
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Wildisiak: "Planet Funk"
Charleston, Sept. 5
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