REVIEWS for UNDRESSING MINDS FOR SHOW
“[T]he record that Athensville put out earlier this year, 'Undressing Minds For Show', is a stellar release, full of great hooks and layered tunes. It reminded me of things in my collection: Catherine Wheel, Live, the Tragically Hip, and more. Since the band had all of the pandemic to kick around mixes and refine the songs, it's a very accomplished, very intentional record...” - Dan Drago, 25oclockpod.com: Philadelphia's music podcast
“Philly-based Athensville blend indie rock musicality with brilliantly addictive and passionate song-writing. Undressing Minds For Shows is a powerful full-length album, with an air of familiarity but a clear edge of fresh identity as well.” - Rebecca Cullen, Founder & Editor, Stereo Stickman
“Following up 2018’s Proper EP, this Philadelphia foursome...sound even more inspired and imposing on this debut LP.” - Mark Suppanz, The Big Takeover
“Each track has passion surging through it. Athensville have accomplished a complete and strong-willed album.” - Carl Maloney, Reyt Good Magazine, UK
“A wonderfully woven cross of 90's and classic rock with progressive undertones and a powerful sheen that comes with tons of heart. This record has guts and color, soul and passion, and the whole thing feels alive and breathing. Guitars swimming in watery effects, deep grooves, and a gusto that gives off a youthful energy and a mature songwriting style. The album provides so many hooks and heavy handed choruses it’s almost too much to keep up with.”
— The Sounds Won't Stop (read full review and interview here)
Reviews for Athensville's 2018 EP, "PROPER"
“Big, bold, better radio alterna-rock still has an uplifting side, and Athensville are feeling that gravity's pull.” - Jack Rabid
“This debut... superbly... catalogues a journey whereby new wave morphed into jangle-pop... windswept atmospherics... surreptitiously infusing the sort of beautifully effusive indie-rock jangle and booming post-punk bass lines...All of which are held together by vocals that indulge the theatrics of Ian McCulloch and the slightly distant 'difference' of David Bowie's voice... Incredibly beguiling... multiple subtle hooky riffs and a chorus the listener will remember...This is the sound of a band not afraid to wear their influences on their sleeves and indeed doing them immense justice. ”
“Ardmore based Athensville brings a retro-90s indy-alternative sound to the Philadelphia region. Fresh off of their studio release, Proper, band members discuss with host Bill McGeeney their 90s REM inspiration, share a tale of working the set of Baywatch, and tells us what it's like to record with 2 time Grammy Winning Producer, Glen Barratt at Morning Star Studios. Enjoy two full songs in this podcast, including 'And We Fell' and 'Something Real.' The Original Slacker Podcast is presented by Round Guys Brewing Company. Athensville performs their first show at the Underground by Round Guys Brewing Company on January 19th.” - Bill McGeeney
“Proper is the first EP from the Philadelphia band Athensville. This release is packed full of strong, inspiring songwriting. I hear the influence of R.E.M. and Radiohead in their music, and... some Alt-rock vibes. The opening track "And We Fell" is a minor-key, sweeping ballad. It draws you in... (and) is full of brooding energy. The second track, "A Bucketful to Sift" continues the awesome melodic songwriting, and ramps up the emotion to ten. On this track vocalist Matthew Taglang invokes the sound of Michael Stipe. The phrasing and throaty delivery is strikingly similar to Stipe's style. One of the hidden weapons on this track are the eerie backing vocals, which truly darken the mood on the verses.The third track, "Going Not Leaving", really showcases the band's alt-country side. For me, it evokes images of sprawling American plains and open wilderness. The Edge-esque guitars here sound positive and promising. Overall this is easily the brightest song yet. Gone is the thick, gloomy mood of the previous tracks. This is great song order positioning as the brooding needed a rest and "Going Not Leaving" comes in with bright skies and sunny fields. The next song "Something Real" continues the U2-influenced guitar work. It sounds huge and expansive, with an ethereal wall of guitars coming in for the chorus.The closing track "Sepulveda Sunset" does a nice job of concluding the album. Another minor-key ballad, the mood here is haunting. This sort of slow, moody song isthe best way to close an album... Reminds me of what R.E.M. did with "Country Feedback", which is maybe one of the best album closers of all time...Sonically, Athensville is a mix of modern, expansive U2-esque alt-rock sounds and alt-country. This band has brought back the sounds of the greatest alternative bands, many of whom if still alive have abandoned their sounds and their pure songwriting. Athensville's members have a great ear for alternative music, and apply their influences tastefully and with poise. For fans of classic alternative, this should be a great listen!” - Jacob Quint