PICTURESHOW is one of the newest bands to rise from Athens, Georgia. On March 3, they released their aptly titled debut EP A Night at the Picture Show. Almost two weeks earlier, the band eagerly released their debut single “Fix,” which features cyclical riffs, passionate growl-singing, and sharp lyrics. The band’s EP is characterized by all the same elements.
The opening track, “Mean” is a slow burn, but a grand statement. The same musical motif repeats again and again while leader singer Jim Bass’s voice rises and falls back down with vigor. He uses volume in a playful manner, which is harder to capture on a record than it is to perform live; on this record, the desired effect is achieved. It is great choice as an EP opener. Next up is “Loving in the Real World,” which has an authentic throwback feel. It takes me back to my middle school playlist; it could sit squarely between a track by Mayday Parade and Secondhand Serenade.
“Breaks Like Plastic” and “No Words to Spare” are catchy songs despite (or perhaps because of?) the somewhat self-pitying lyrics. When I first listened through the EP, I thought that these would be the mosh pit songs, but that was until I heard the next song, “Fight Night at Flicker,” which turned out to be more suitable for that title. This is an absolutely cathartic release.
The final song, “Gyno Magoo” is an eccentric finale about a man who is good for nothing except sex. The end of the song reads like an inappropriate Dr. Seuss parody, but charming nonetheless, in its own way. One thing is for sure: PICTURESHOW has a raw, gritty and DIY feel that’s sure to be hit live.
Buket is recent graduate of the University of Georgia (Music Business Alum) and the current Editor-in-Chief of Vinyl Mag. She believes that a sincere lover of music can find something to like in just about any song. She loves to write to escape the grueling and mindless drudgery of late-stage capitalism. She is currently on a gap year abroad, spending her free time drumming up new ideas for Vinyl Mag and trying to beat her previous Spotify Wrapped "My Minutes Listened" record.