 
Recess Fest takes place over 3 days and 13 venues in Charlotte, North Carolina featuring 85 independent bands from the Carolinas and beyond.
Recess Fest really cherry picked the South Carolina bands included in their 2013 lineup. All very fine bands that we cover a lot, so for our 10 Recess Fest picks for 2013 we branched out a bit from our backyard.
Zack Mexico
Being one of the few notable bands from the Outer Banks, Zack Mexico can’t seem to avoid the beach-vibe music comparisons. Though images creep into their music with song titles like “Weird Reef” and “Loggerhead and Lagomorph” and the occasional surf guitar tone, the region of origin for the sound of their music pretty much stops there. Zack Mexico plays a low droning easy-going brand of young rock, minus the angst. Smooth deep vocals creep into the cracks of clean guitar lines and grooving bass.
Can’t Kids
I’ve been fortunate enough to hear the new Can’t Kids album, and I’ll tell you what, it’s fucking awesome. Much different in comparison to their debut release Brushes, Touches, Tongues, their new full length album drops much of the “cheerleader rock” in exchange for slower moving tunes, and more delicate melodies from Adam Cullum and Jessica Oliver. The cello is more pronounced, and the album seems more thought out. Not a dig at the previous album, which was a beautiful burst of energy, but hey, they’ve become more of a working, writing as a band since those first days at The Jam Room.
Brave Baby
Although Brave Baby now calls Charleston home, the greater Charlotte area gave birth to the band. In fact, they previously went by Wylie, a reference to Lake Wylie on the SC NC line. Thank God they didn’t call their band North Carolina South Carolina line. Brave Baby pops with enthusiasm and coming of age tunes, frequently referring to their locale. Still riding high on their 2013 debut album Forty Bells, the band plays an up tempo high emotion live show, occasionally bringing it down for sentimental songs like “Grandad”.
Motel Glory
Earlier this summer I received the new Motel Glory record Monday’s Trash on vinyl in the mail. A serious fucking treat on first listen, the album starts out grungy and tough, with snarling vocals toeing the punk-country line of bands like Lucero and NC’s Red Collar. They play gritty guitar rock, much enjoyable live and on wax.
Lilac Shadows
Lilac Shadows make the trip to Charlotte, two hours north east from the music hotbed of Durham, NC with their adventurous take on psychedelic rock. Their songs leave room to breathe, swelling in and out of a dark consciousness. Thumping bass and steady drumming set the stage for cosmic toned guitars that often run hand in hand with the melody.
Octopus Jones
These SC dudes are now NC dudes. Chasing the scene, Octopus Jones now call Raleigh home and since their move the sound of the band has changed significantly. That has more to do with the addition of former Calculator (RIP) frontman Tyler Morris in the band than the change of location. Since the addition, OJ has gotten weirder for lack of a better description. Still danceable and electric live, there is more trading of vocals, with Morris deep monotone vocals paired with Danny Martins bouncing yelps.
Means Well
I’ll be honest, don’t know much about this band…and that’s the point! With 85 bands playing find someone new. I listened through every band playing and this Asheville, NC band stood out enough that I’d check them out, and suggest that you do the same. Maybe you can email us and let us know how they were.
Old Flings
Tough pop-punk courtesy of Western North Carolina, Old Flings was one of our picks for this years Treasure Fest also. We still haven’t seen them live, but enjoy their music. Hopefully we’ll see it soon.
One Another
Bled from the veins of the young rock bands of the late 90’s, One Another would have felt comfortable on Deep Elm in the late 90’s. The good kind of emo, the good kind of pop punk. Opening track “She’s Nutritious” is reminiscent of early Jimmy Eat World.
Mutant League
Mutant League is on the aggressive side of the indie rock spectrum, each song constantly riffing with purpose. Their latest release Mood Swings is snarky and explosive, with songs sometimes falling into a disarray of noise, before returning to muscular form.