The 2016 Atlanta Mess-Around at a glance
Spilled beer all over your Mess-Around program? Just pull up this handy weekend schedule on your phone.
Photo credit: Darryl Reid
Here’s a rundown of this weekend’s Atlanta Mess-Around festivities, including critics picks and links to each acts’ music.
Weekend passes are available for $50 (+ fees) until 2 p.m. on Fri., April 29.
Friday matinee at 529 ($10, doors at 3 p.m.)
Death Stuff: 4 p.m.
OMNI: 4:45 p.m.
DINOS Boys: 5:30 p.m.
Wreckless Eric 6:20 p.m.
Eric Goulden, aka Wreckless Eric, is one of the last Stiffs standing. He emerged in the late ’70s alongside Elvis Costello and Nick Lowe, plotting pop’s new wave course with his song “(I’d Go the) Whole Wide World.” Expect to hear songs from his 2015 album amERICa, along with seminal hits and deep cuts from a 40-plus year career when the Wreckless one headlines Friday’s matinee.
Friday night at the Earl ($20, doors at 8 p.m.)
Thee Tsunamis: 8:30 p.m.
The Gizmos aren’t the only Bloomington, Ind. act with an ear for rock’s rich past playing this weekend. Thee Tsunamis’ blend of garage, rockabilly, and doo-wop influences is the ideal recipe for a raucous dance party. MAMA: 9:15 p.m.
Death Index: 10 p.m.
The Tough Shits: 10:45 p.m.
Barreracudas: 11:30 p.m.
The Barreracudas’ sound is marked by pop purism and lead singer Adrian Barrera’s quick wit. Who better to provide backing tracks for an evening of pending hangovers and regret? The Real Kids: 12:30 a.m.
Saturday matinee at 529 ($10, doors at 2 p.m.)
Enoch Ramone and the Ebola Boys: 2:30 p.m.
Menthol: 3:10 p.m.
Uniform: 3:50 p.m.
Slugga: 4:35 p.m.
Golden Pelicans: 5:20 p.m.
Total Punk Records owner Rich Evans is no stranger to the Mess-Around, making the trip from Orlando in past years to sell records and build professional contacts. This year, he’s performing on drums with the most maniacal performer you’ll see all weekend: Golden Pelicans front man Erik Grincewiz. Buck Biloxi and the Fucks: 6:10 p.m.
Saturday night at the Earl ($20, doors at 8 p.m.)
Nurse: 8:30 p.m.
Negative Scanner: 9:15 p.m.
Skeletal but fierce, this four-piece outfit from Chicago excels in a form of tightly wound post-punk that evokes the esoteric power of the first Siouxsie and the Banshees and Bauhaus records. While Negative Scanner has electrified the Windy City scene since 2012, but the group’s self-titled debut only surfaced on Trouble in Mind last year. — Lee Adcock Nervosas: 10 p.m.
This Columbus, Oh. three-piece’s darkened take on swift, melodic post-punk fits the spirit and sound of Mess-Arounds past like a glove. Predator: 10:45 p.m.
Hank Wood and the Hammerheads: 11:30 p.m.
The Gizmos: 12:30 a.m.
Sunday Dunch at the Earl (free, 1 p.m.)
Greg Cartwright solo acoustic set
Memphis garage legend Greg Cartwright is a Mess-Around fixture, having played previous years with nearly every one of his bands including the Oblivians, Reigning Sound, and Parting Gifts. This year marks his third Sunday afternoon Dunch performance in eight years. Get there early if you want a seat.