Groove Stain

If You Love The Sound Of Ska Matched With
The Appeal Of A Down-To-Buisness Rock,
You Will Surely Enjoy This Band And
Get Your Groove On In The Process.
Fast-Paced, Energy-Driven, Horn-Blowing Music
Bound To Make Your Ass Move. - The 11th Hour

The Drunken Unicorn is a dirty, hole in the wall kind of bar off of Ponce De Leon… perfect for the local rock scene. Despite its humble appearance and lack of parking, you can usually find a good (and sometimes not so good) show throughout the week. As you walk down the steps to greet the bouncer, pay your cover, and open the door, the pungent aroma of cigarettes and beer drift up your nostrils. The dark rooms are covered in murals and filth. The crowd is ranging from punk to hip hop. This is the kind of place where modest bands create their followings, and have the most intimate kind of show. I love attending shows in settings like this, where your main draw for attending is for the music and the experience, and less of the lights and glamour. This is the setting for the May 23rd Groove Stain show.
Atlanta's Rock Scene
www. atlrockscene. com

The small stage could barely hold all of Groove Stain’s members and equipment. This however did not hinder their performance by any means, as they were still mobile and interactive with their crowd. Opening up with “AOK”, a fast paced, high energy song was certainly the way to go. The drums kick it off, the trumpet enters the scene, and the rest of the band follows suit. Eric Patterson, vocalist, has a raspy, yet soothing voice that when matched with the ska and punk sound invokes the listener to immediately start dancing. Mike Hatton, bassist, seemed enthralled by his own talent maintaining a cool disposition side stage, while thumbing with enthusiasm and flare.

As Brian Daggett, drummer, provides the intro to “Fat Cats”, a jazzy twist on their punk rock sound, you immediately want to start jumping around. The bridge towards the end slows down, and then steadily picks back up hyping their listeners and encouraging squeals from the crowd as the trumpet spins and the guitar kicks. Jon Etheridge, trumpet and vocalist, really shines throughout the performance, particularly in “Friday”, which shows their diversity with a side order of reggae. A very smooth sounding song that made the entire crowd sway as Patterson entranced the crowd. Chris Pope, guitarist, has a very appropriately placed solo, that certainly shows off his skills with the strings.

Possibly my favorite song of the night, “The One”, is both creatively intelligent and beautiful musically. The band’s change ups from one sound to the next are smooth and superior. The crowd was very familiar with the song, and sang right along with Patterson. The trumpet and guitar are harmonious and exquisite, finishing the song with a delicate touch.

Whether you see them at a hole in the wall like The Drunken Unicorn, or a larger venue like The Masquerade, the quality of talent is apparent. If you love the sound of ska matched with the appeal of down to business rock, you will surely enjoy this band and get your groove on in the process. Check them out at an upcoming show near you.
~Kris Melton
- Atlanta's Rock Scene

It’s always a party when Groove Stain hits the stage. If you’re looking for a good time, this is your band. This rhythmic Atlanta band fires up reggae and ska in a blaze of punk energy. The audience is the real winner when the quintet’s impressive vocal harmonies and big guitar chords tussle with the blast of brass.
- Atlanta Journal Constitution

"Groove Stain: This rhythmic Atlanta combo could give punky ska a good name again. Chunks of guitars and impressive vocal harmonies vie with the blast from the horn section - and everybody wins" - Atlanta Journal Constitution - Access Atlanta

A week after performing Atlantis Music Festival, Groove Stain celebrated their 10th Anniversary on September 28th with a wild show at Breakers in Jonesboro. With their unique mix of Rock, Reggae, and Punk sounds, Groove Stain's High Energy Performances keep the crowd moving all night. - Target Audience Magazine