THIS LITTLE UNDERGROUND
Miami prides
Jacuzzi Boys (Nov. 6, Will’s Pub) have come a long way from their auspicious punk beginnings. Now, the kids are made men, national players who’ve found their groove on one of the most strapping and identifiable signatures out there. It’s
next-level garage rock that takes the heart of punk, grooms it with textural sophistication and rolls it out on a more concentrated wavelength.
But punks need not sweat. Though those roots have become more latent in their recordings, they’re still very much alive, primary even, in concert. And their brand-new album,
Ping Pong (releasing on Friday), injects some new force into their kick.
Speaking of getting made, it looks like opener the
Sh-Booms are finally getting some dues.
The powerhouse Orlando soul crew have just begun working with
Limited Fanfare Records & Management (Lil Daggers, Heavy Drag) in Miami for management and
Rollo Grady Music (Natural Child, Pujol, Futurebirds) in L.A. for licensing, so their stars appear to be aligning in some significant ways. More on them soon in our big
local music issue on Nov. 30.
Also beginning to build up some
real street buzz of their own are local goth ragers
Autarx, who are a very fresh voice in punk, possibly the freshest in the city right now.
Their sound and mien are intriguingly theatrical and crazed, but behind it all is a deeply dimensional sound capable of considerable range – going from nervy intensity to harrowing fury to even closing with some beautiful melody. This is one to watch.
Finally, there was Ft. Lauderdale surf-punk band
Octo Gato, who are a bunch of goofs. With enough campy nautical motifs to look like a
cheap seafood restaurant exploded onstage, they’re almost an SNL skit. Yes, of course, there was a beach ball in play. And their stage presence won’t make you take them any more seriously. But it’s not like this is prog-rock or anything. Fuck that. This is decent party music played with competence and humor.
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This Little Underground is Orlando Weekly’s music column providing perspective, live reviews and news on the city’s music scene.
Follow Bao on Twitter (@baolehuu)
Email Bao: baolehuu@orlandoweekly.com
This article appears in Nov 2-8, 2016.
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