The Coathangers

AthFest takes over downtown Athens June 18–22, and many of the musical performers—including Reptar, Kishi Bashi, Drivin' N Cryin', Futurebirds, New Madrid, Dead Confederate and Family and Friends—have already been announced. Now, Flagpole is thrilled to reveal the lineup for our Friday, June 20 showcase at the 40 Watt Club.

Headlining the night are badass Atlanta garage-punks The Coathangers, whose new album, Suck My Shirt—out now on Suicide Squeeze—continues to garner praise from national press. Similarly buzzworthy is psych outfit Axxa/Abraxas, former Athenian Ben Asbury's bedroom-pop project turned live-band beast, whose debut self-titled Captured Tracks LP set the blogosphere ablaze this spring.

The two locals on the bill offer decidedly different takes on psychedelia. Fuzz-rock doom-dragons Shade deal in deep-rooted bass grooves and Sabbath-esque vocal leads; their debut, Pipe Dream, is a Flagpole fave. ("Know Your Sine," a track from the record, appears on this year's AthFest compilation LP.)

Following them is murk daddy flex, the instrumental hip hop alter ego of local musician Terence Chiyezhan (Nurture, */_). Chiyezhan released Flagpole's second-favorite record of 2013 in MDF; the dude has somehow managed to top himself with the upcoming follow-up, Genesis. His AthFest performance will serve as a release show for the new album.

The show is $7 at the door or FREE with an AthFest wristband, which you can purchase here. Things kick off at 10 p.m., after Reptar rocks the outdoor stage adjacent to the 40 Watt.

And don't forget! The music portion of AthFest kicks off Thursday, June 19 with the annual Flagpole Athens Music Awards at the Morton Theatre. Vote for your favorites here.