Raymond Chang Photography & Design

Ross Pead @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues My night started out with a nice chill acoustic set with Ross Pead. It’s been a nice change of pace having some relaxing acoustic music in the evening these past few days, but now I was ready for some heavier music!

Ross Pead Every Wednesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Ross Pead Every Wednesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Ross Pead Every Wednesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Ross Pead Every Wednesday @ Darwin’s Burgers and Blues

Novakord: I grabbed a chicken salad sandwich and chili cheese fries and headed down to Atlanta! I popped in my Cazanovas cd hopped on the freeway own to East Atlanta. First up was Novakord. I’d met these guys several times at various other shows, but was never able to catch their set until now. I made it a point to get there on time so I could see their act! It was well worth it, this 3-piece set produces a rich soundscape! All 3 of them have laptops within reach to add another layer of sounds to the music, very cool stuff!

Johnny Cunningham of Novakord @ Eastside Lounge

Wes Daniel of Novakord @ Eastside Lounge

Wes Daniel of Novakord @ Eastside Lounge

Billy Snyder of Novakord @ Eastside Lounge

Johnny Cunningham of Novakord @ Eastside Lounge

Novakord @ Eastside Lounge

Winter Ransom: Next up is Winter Ransom. This time Homer stayed on for the whole set, and they played several new songs! I’m not sure if it was the sound system, or the addition of another guitar but some of the heavier parts got a bit muddled. Matt’s drums, Drew’s bass, and Jordan’s vocals really stood out and was able to break through the wall of guitars. All in all, Homer’s guitar noodlings really help round out the band’s sound.

Andrew Longino of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Josh Longino of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Nice Shirt! Homer of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Matt Donald of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Matt Donald of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Homer of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Andrew and Homer of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Jordan Williams of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

Josh Longino of Winter Ransom @ Eastside Lounge

COMING SOON: Thursday Blues Jam Pictures from Darwin’s Burgers and Blues.

Nophest was a 3 day music festival in East Atlanta village. I made it out Saturday to go see Toy Devils and Sneaky Hand. I caught Signs of Iris from Greenville and another 2-piece set named S&M in between sets.

My day started out at Eastside Lounge with Toy Devils. I’ve always been a fan of Eastside Lounge. Before I was shooting concerts, I was shooting artists. Two were some friends of mine who did most of the murals at ESL. You can check out some more of their work at ipoopletters.com.

Toy Devils put on a loud, energetic show as always. I loved it! Apparently the furniture store neighbors weren’t used to having musical acts on during the daytime and pitched a big hissy fit. The owner ended up blocking off Eastside Lounge with his truck and put signs up complaining about the “noise”.

Toy Devils @ Eastside Lounge

Beaker of Toy Devils

Matt of Toy Devils

Foster of Toy Devils

Beaker of Toy Devils

Winchester of Toy Devils

Toy Devils: Assholes @ Eastside Lounge

After Aaron, the owner of ESL calmed him down, the music continued. Signs of Iris was pretty good, although I was a little disappointed to hear 2 cover songs in their short set.

Signs of Iris @ Eastside Lounge

Signs of Iris @ Eastside Lounge

Signs of Iris @ Eastside Lounge

Signs of Iris @ Eastside Lounge

Signs of Iris @ Eastside Lounge

S&M was an interesting 2-piece featuring a guy on bass and loop pedals, and an operatic singer also on keyboard. It sounded very new-age/world music-ish.

S&M @ Eastside Lounge

S&M @ Eastside Lounge

S&M @ Eastside Lounge

We finished up our drinks and headed out in search of food. We ended up throwing darts at Gravity Pub. Running short on time, I decided to just grab a burger while we were there. Holy shit! They brought out this huge, greasy 1/2lb patty topped with giant onion rings and bacon. I took a quick picture and proceeded to tackle this beast. Not too bad, but it was so heavy and greasy I couldn’t finish it. I wasn’t disappointed, but I wouldn’t go out of my way for it.

Big Bad & Tasty Burger @ Gravity Pub

We finally headed towards Sneaky Hand. I forgot to check the schedule so we automatically headed to 529, which wasn’t open yet. I could hear Sneaky Hand echoing through the streets of East Atlanta, they had to be near someplace! We pull up the internets and find our way to Joe’s Coffee where the band is playing in the back courtyard. I love me some Sneaky Hand, but it was a little odd to see them play at a coffee shop.

Sneaky Hand @ Joe’s Coffee

M@ and Russ of Sneaky Hand

Matt and Duke of Sneaky Hand

Matt of Sneaky Hand

Russ of Sneaky Hand

M@ sings into the camera of Sneaky Hand

Kamil and Matt of Sneaky Hand

Kamil of Sneaky Hand

Toy Devils watching Sneaky Hand @ Joe’s Coffee

M@ and Russ of Sneaky Hand