| The term "art rock" can signify a plethora of different meanings, some more
derogatory than others. The term encompasses such a wide range, from kids with
too much money to burn who buy an overabundance of guitar pedals and twist and
turn knobs, warping the sound from any discernible tone or melody, to genuine
artists who craft something honestly different, experimental and universally
pleasing. Atlanta's Roman Photos craft a blend of post-punk and electronica into
something danceable, chic and simultaneously "art rock."
This particular Thursday night saw a near-capacity crowd show up for the
dance-a-thon extravaganza. Roman Photo's set opened with Chris Daresta's
essential and cadence-carrying bass lines, followed in quick succession with
David Mansfield bringing a danceable drum beat to the song "Automat." On every
song the duo creates the backbone and groove, thereby allowing Allen Taylor and
Drew Haddon to create the melodic, intensifying parts of each composition on
their microKORGs and other assorted electronic devices.
Debuting a new song called "Out of the Sun," Mansfield left the safety of his
drumset and assumed the duties of a traditional frontman; here, his normally
sparse and subtle vocal style seemed slightly more striking and vulnerable. The
highlight of the set had to be the song "Ribcage," in which the band members
started with various percussion instruments and built it into an uncivilized
clamor, complete with tribal vocal yelps from Daresta. The set closed with
"Decline," a song built on a movement rather than a traditional groove. The song
peaked with a slight crescendo and then abruptly ended, leaving the crowd in
bewilderment. But that's the genius and the "art" aspect of the group, because
if you're left wanting more, you'll have to come out again to get your fix.
http://www.myspace.com/romanphotos
Photographer: Philip Wages | 
