Live & Local ~ Moving Atlas in Dallas, TX - 5/16/09
By Kelly Rush
Last week in Loud & Local, I introduced you to Texas natives Moving Atlas. After being so impressed by their recordings, I couldn’t wait to see them live. I got the opportunity to do just that this past Saturday at a venue here in Dallas called Carson’s Live, and once again I had my socks knocked off by this talented quintet.
Their set kicked into high gear from the first note of fan favorite “Parachute,” and did not stop until the last strains a brief 40 minutes later. My only complaint is that the show was too short, but that’s because Moving Atlas does not fuck around. Lead singer Dunagin ripped through song after song with no stage chatter or bullshit of any kind. Drummer Ross and bassist Geoff laid down a fat rhythm foundation, while guitarists Ricky and Ben filled out the tunes with tight melodies. The tempo of the Moving Atlas set thundered through like a hard rock storm until they took it down a notch with their unique cover of Sade’s “No Ordinary Love.” Many times, a slow song in the middle of a hard driving set will stop a good show in its tracks, but not Moving Atlas. Their elegant version of this sultry tune displayed an unmistakable intensity in a classy, subtle way that only a truly talented and cohesive unit could pull off.The set came to an explosive end with their EP title track, “Elephant Gun,” which was appropriate because I was blown away. I was definitely left wanting more and am definitely looking forward to the next time I get to see Moving Atlas again!
Stay tuned to this column for more in depth information from the personal interview I did with the guys. Until then, check out Moving Atlas on www.myspace.com/movingatlas.
Last but absolutely not least is
Moving Atlas, who is dead center between Holy Hell Rod and Pumpjack, both musically and geographically. Based in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Moving Atlas was formed close to 5 years ago and as far as I’m concerned should already be a household name. They are extremely unique, yet have a highly rock radio-friendly sound that could easily trump any current band out there today. They don’t mimic anybody but have a familiar sound that makes you hungry for more. Each member is individually talented and stands out without taking anything away from the others. But as a unit, Moving Atlas melds perfectly to form the epitome of the word “band.” The syncopated riffs and driving rhythms ebb and flow beautifully, and always deliver a payoff kick right where it belongs…firmly in the ass! If you do nothing else today, check out Moving Atlas at
http://www.myspace.com/movingatlas.
http://metalholic.com/?p=5290