Born from the punk shows of Atlanta basements in 2006, I Want Whisky has brought the Southern musical traditions of bluegrass, old-time, blues, and country and punk together with the energy that only such a combination could birth. Since then, the band has released a 45-record and a slurry of boot-leg audio and video recordings of varying quality, and has been honored with some prominence in Atlanta's live music scene. Whether its at the annual Homebrew Hootenannies; St. Patrick and Kentucky Derby parties at Mac McGee; or on the dim and smokey stages of Atlanta's bars and basements, I Want Whisky has earned a reputation for bringing people loud, fast, rebellious Southern music.

Waller is a five-piece Americana band from Atlanta that focuses on harmony with just the right amount of country and rock.

The Villain Family is not your run of the mill band. Heavy on banjo, ukulele and country twang the Atlanta, GA group offers up bluegrass heavy on soul and with an indie sensibility. Chief songwriters Lawson Wright and Rachel Simpson use clever lyrics and catchy melodies on their debut album, Southern Lovers, putting together a batch of tunes that deal with life, relationships and manatees. On each song, Simpson’s sweet voice is cradled by the soulful rhythms created by Wright (banjo, dobro, guitar), Bearded Mike (piano), Douglas Rolph (bass) and Earl Judd (drums) creating a sound that will make your ears happy.

The album wastes no time getting your foot stomping with the tune “If I Knew The Words”. Wright’s masterful banjo playing drives this song and sets the table for the rest of the record. Using cooking as a metaphor for a love/hate relationship, “The Line Cook Song”, may be the best song on the album, offering up some of their best lyrical output. Other songs such as “Southern Lovers”, “Yuma” and “Waitin’ In Vain” highlight their ability to craft music chock full of bits and pieces of soul, bluegrass, country and pop. They also show their whimsical side with the humorous tune “The Manatee Song”, a short sweet tune about manatees. It is a nice change up on the album.

-Chris Martin/ The Examiner