INTERNATIONAL POP OVERTHROW (NASHVILLE)

The End, March 15, 2005

The final night of David Bash's iconic pop celebration was a sparsely
attended affair, the culmination of a seven-day marathon showcasing some of
the best and brightest stars of the underground hook 'n' harmony brigade.

Nashville transplant Laura Good (one-half of sister duo The Twigs) took the
stage with accompanist Ben Graves, delivering a loose set of acoustic pop
that included Twigs faves ("Mrs. Green") and promising solo material ("High
School Graduation").

Missouri rocker (and practicing attorney) John McMullan apologized in
advance for leaving early owing to a court date in the morning, then
proceeded to rip through an acoustic set covering tunes by his former band
The Trend ("She's Hi-Fi", "I Feel Like a Dictionary"), Missouri legends Fool
's Face ("To Be Someone") and his own cynical take on the legal profession
("Law School").

Described by host Bash as "deep and introspective", acoustic troubadour
Neilson Hubbard's performance was mesmerizing, offering a break from the pop
onslaught as he previewed songs from his forthcoming album I Love Your
Muscles.

Nashville's Rich Creamy Paint (the night's first of four bands) put the
power back into pop, promoting an album (Lovers) and a new EP with a style
that leaned heavily on two-part harmonies and quirky keyboard riffs.

Also from the Nashville area, Overzealous produced a modish sound and at
least one potential hit single in the call 'n' response anthem "Hey Now".

Resplendent in matching suits, ties and high-tops (the sartorial theme for
most of the twenty-something performers), Atlanta combo The Californias
commandeered the stage with a nervous, herky-jerky hybrid of garage and pop
R 'n' B, crowning their appearance with the spunky original "You're Still
Breaking My Heart".

The night, however, belonged to New Jersey's The Grip Weeds. Opening with
"Astral Man" (the lead-off track from their current CD Giant On The Beach),
the quartet rocked through a selection of old ("Every Minute" from 1998's
The Sound Is In You) and new (Giant's "Midnight Sun", "Waiting For a Sign",
"Realities") with a fire that solidified their status as one of the best
live acts working the circuit-drummer Kurt Reil in particular played with a
ferocity that recalled The Who's Keith Moon. Ending the evening with a
frenzied version of the rock classic "Shakin' All Over", The Grip Weeds
provided an explosive capper to a week's worth of indie pop's finest.

Brad Harvey
NP: GIANT ON THE BEACH by The Grip Weeds