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Popfest Days, Caledonia Nights: My Teenage Stride/ A. Armada, 8/15/08

Athens PopFest 2008 Friday night at Caledonia. 

My Teenage Stride, the Brooklyn/ Massachusetts four piece, held down the third spot on the Popfest Caledonia stage.  The up-tempo high energy rock would cater to the 'Carlton Dance' very well.  They almost didn't get to grace the Athen's music scene with their presence after van malfunctions in Commerce forced them to be rescued from roadside despair and delivered to the Classic City in time to rock some socks off.  Reversal cued some call and response, hip swinging jangly pop. My Teenage Stride in some form has been together for five years making music, as Jed Smith, guitar, "For people who like songs."  Their "newer wave" style moved some toes for sure.

A. Armada finished off the night.  The absence of spotlights suggested a coequal playing field for the local instrumental quartet.  With a sound reminiscent of Mogwai and Explosions in the Sky, the Athens rockers take a little heavier route. I would say that it's great music to either drink coffee to or hunt unicorns. Both would be a fitting activity to the breakbeat snare and staccato guitar licks. Their sound really can't be translated into fitting words.  Epic post-rock might suffice for now, but you should try to make some up for yourself after seeing them live.